There’s something magical about a cake that captures the spirit of a celebration. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for a stunning Red White Blue Marble Cake. This delightful dessert is not just a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a treat for the taste buds, layered with rich flavors that echo the colors of the season. Whether it’s a Fourth of July picnic or a summer birthday bash, this cake is sure to steal the show.
The Red White Blue Marble Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a fun and festive way to bring a touch of whimsy to any gathering. Inspired by the vibrant colors of summer holidays, this cake combines luscious red velvet and fluffy white cake layers, beautifully marbled to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that invites smiles and sparks joy, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. I remember the first time I made this cake; it brightened up our family barbecue, and I just knew it would become a tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Red food coloring – enough to achieve desired color
- Blue food coloring – enough to achieve desired color
- Buttercream frosting (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure your cake comes out smoothly without sticking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. This blend of dry ingredients will create the base of your cake.
Step 3:
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 4:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix, this will keep your cake fluffy.
Step 5:
Divide the cake batter into three bowls. In the first bowl, add the red food coloring and mix until you achieve a vibrant shade. In the second bowl, use the blue food coloring for the same effect. Leave the third bowl plain. This is what creates the marbling effect.
Step 6:
Now comes the fun part. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter into the center of the prepared pans, alternating colors. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl gently through the batter for that perfect marbled effect.
Step 7:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8:
Once completely cooled, frost your cake with your favorite buttercream frosting. You can use a mix of red, white, and blue sprinkles to add an extra festive touch.

Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delectable Red White Blue Marble Cake contains approximately 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. Adjust your slice size to fit any dietary requirements.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider substituting whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for added health benefits. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or a dairy-free yogurt in place of buttermilk.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. Want to elevate it further? Serve with a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce or a scoop of whipped cream on top.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense cake. Remember to mix until just combined. Also, be careful with your food coloring; a little goes a long way, so start with a couple of drops and add more until you reach your desired hues.
Chef’s Notes
- For an even more festive look, try decorating the top with star-shaped sprinkles or berries.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed cake mix as the base and then simply add the food coloring for a quick shortcut.
- Make this cake ahead of time. It freezes well, so you can bake it a few days in advance and thaw it out on the day of your event.
FAQs
- Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Absolutely; Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it should work beautifully. - Q2: How can I store leftovers?
A2: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. - Q3: Can I use other colors for my marble cake?
A3: Definitely; Get creative with pastel colors or festive shades to suit your occasion.
If you’re looking for more delicious cake ideas, be sure to check out my Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe. For a chocolate twist, don’t miss my Decadent Brownie Truffles. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Happy baking, and enjoy creating your very own Red White Blue Marble Cake!
Print
Red White Blue Marble Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Celebrate with flair using this eye-catching Red White Blue Marble Cake! With velvety layers swirled in patriotic colors and topped with sweet buttercream, this festive cake is a showstopper for any summer occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Red food coloring (as needed)
- Blue food coloring (as needed)
- Buttercream frosting (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, blend the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring gently until just incorporated.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Color one red, one blue, and leave the third plain.
- Spoon different colors alternately into the pans and swirl gently with a toothpick to marble.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- When completely cool, frost with buttercream and decorate with festive sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light. Use minimal food coloring at first and adjust for intensity. Make ahead and freeze if needed—just thaw and frost before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Red White Blue Cake, Marble Cake, Fourth of July Dessert, Patriotic Cake, Layered Cake