Red Green Matcha Marble Cake

Featured in: Weekend Warm Bakes

This cake combines lush swirls of matcha and ruby-red berry puree within a tender, moist pound cake base. The batter is divided into layers flavored with green tea powder and fresh berries, then gently swirled for a visually striking marbled effect. Baking until golden, it offers a soft crumb and rich flavors that pair well with green tea or sparkling wine. Adding chopped strawberries or raspberries intensifies fruitiness, and a dusting of powdered sugar or lemon glaze finishes the presentation. Ideal for those who enjoy a fusion of Japanese-inspired flavors and classic textures.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:37:00 GMT
Red & Green Swirl Matcha Marble Pound Cake with vibrant matcha swirls and berry flavor, ready to slice. Save to Pinterest
Red & Green Swirl Matcha Marble Pound Cake with vibrant matcha swirls and berry flavor, ready to slice. | citrushearth.com

A visually stunning and deliciously moist pound cake featuring vibrant swirls of matcha and ruby-red berry flavors, perfect for teatime or as a festive treat.

This cake has become a household favorite for teatime with its beautiful marbled effect and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: dry ingredient
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder: dry ingredient
  • ½ tsp salt: dry ingredient
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: wet ingredient
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar: wet ingredient
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature: wet ingredient
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: wet ingredient
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature: wet ingredient
  • 1 ½ tbsp culinary-grade matcha powder: matcha swirl
  • 1 tbsp milk: matcha swirl
  • 3 tbsp raspberry puree (strained, seeds removed) or strawberry puree: red swirl
  • 2 tsp red food coloring gel (optional, for deeper color): red swirl

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper
Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk together flour baking powder and salt and set aside
Cream butter and sugar:
Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy 3 4 minutes
Add eggs and vanilla:
Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition then mix in vanilla extract
Combine batter:
On low speed alternate adding the flour mixture and milk beginning and ending with flour until just combined do not overmix
Divide batter:
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls
Prepare matcha swirl:
Mix matcha powder and 1 tbsp milk until smooth then fold into one batter bowl
Prepare red swirl:
Fold in raspberry puree and food coloring if using into the second bowl
Leave vanilla layer:
Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer
Assemble:
Spoon dollops of each batter alternately into the prepared loaf pan then use a skewer or butter knife to gently swirl batters for marble effect
Remove air bubbles:
Smooth the top and tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles
Bake:
Bake for 50 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
Cool:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing
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| citrushearth.com

This cake has become a family favorite bringing joy during teatime and celebrations alike.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with green tea or a glass of sparkling wine and can be dusted with powdered sugar or lemon glaze for extra flair.

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Variations

Add fresh raspberries or strawberries to the red batter for an extra berry punch and enhanced texture.

Moist slices of Red & Green Swirl Matcha Marble Pound Cake show off swirled matcha and berry layers. Save to Pinterest
Moist slices of Red & Green Swirl Matcha Marble Pound Cake show off swirled matcha and berry layers. | citrushearth.com

This matcha marble pound cake is sure to impress with both appearance and flavor every time.

Recipe FAQs

How can I achieve the marble swirl effect?

Divide the batter into separate bowls, flavor each with matcha powder or berry puree, then spoon alternating dollops into the pan. Use a skewer to gently swirl them for a marbled pattern.

What type of flour works best for this cake?

All-purpose flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness for a moist pound cake texture.

Can I substitute the berries used for the red swirl?

Yes, you can use raspberry or strawberry puree to create the vibrant red swirl, adjusting sweetness as needed.

How do I keep the batter from overmixing?

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

What is the best way to store leftover cake?

Wrap the cooled cake tightly and keep it at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Red Green Matcha Marble Cake

Vibrant marble cake with green matcha and red berry swirls, moist texture, ideal for teatime or celebrations.

Prep duration
25 minutes
Time to cook
55 minutes
Overall time
80 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Type Fusion (Japanese-Inspired)

Makes 10 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
03 4 large eggs, room temperature
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

Matcha Swirl

01 1 ½ tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder
02 1 tablespoon milk

Red Swirl

01 3 tablespoons raspberry puree, strained
02 2 teaspoons red food coloring gel (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Flavor: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: On low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and whole milk, starting and ending with flour, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 06

Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter into three separate bowls.

Step 07

Prepare Matcha Batter: In one bowl, blend matcha powder with 1 tablespoon milk until smooth, then fold into the batter to create the green swirl.

Step 08

Prepare Red Batter: Fold raspberry puree and optional red food coloring gel into the second bowl to form the red swirl.

Step 09

Keep Vanilla Batter Plain: Leave the third portion of batter plain for the vanilla layer.

Step 10

Assemble Batter Swirls: Alternate spooning dollops of each batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently swirl with a skewer or butter knife to create a marbled effect.

Step 11

Prepare for Baking: Smooth the top and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.

Step 12

Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

Step 13

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

What You’ll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Skewer or butter knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter).
  • Verify ingredient labels for potential allergens in food coloring.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 320
  • Fat content: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein amount: 5 grams