Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a festive dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. This vanilla-based cake features vibrant swirls of red, white, and blue, creating a stunning visual effect with every slice. It’s moist, fluffy, and fun to make, making it a great centerpiece for any celebration.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
unsalted butter
eggs
milk
vanilla extract
baking powder
salt
red food coloring
blue food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or round cake pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Divide the batter into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain (white), tint one with red food coloring, and the other with blue food coloring.

Spoon the batters into the pan, alternating colors randomly to create a marbled effect.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the colors together without overmixing.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10-12 slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add a vanilla or cream cheese glaze for extra richness.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
Turn the recipe into cupcakes with the same marble effect.
Add a few drops of almond extract for a flavor twist.

storage/reheating

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze slices for up to 2 months wrapped in plastic and foil.
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a box mix for this cake?
Yes, you can use a white or yellow cake mix and follow the marbling instructions.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s great made a day in advance and stored covered.

What kind of food coloring is best?
Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant colors without thinning the batter.

Can I bake this in a loaf or sheet pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Do I have to swirl the batter?
Swirling helps achieve the marble effect, but you can layer the batter for a striped look.

Is this cake sweet?
It has a classic vanilla sweetness that pairs well with optional glaze or fruit.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A regular round or square cake pan works fine—just ensure it’s well-greased.

Can I frost this cake?
Yes, vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works beautifully.

Can I use natural food coloring?
You can, but the colors may be less vivid.

What occasions is this cake good for?
It’s perfect for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, or any red-white-blue themed party.

Conclusion

Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate patriotic holidays. With its soft vanilla flavor and eye-catching design, it’s sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your table. Whether you serve it plain or dressed up with frosting or glaze, this cake delivers both fun and flavor in every slice.