Red Velvet Marble Loaf

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease and line a 9×5” or 8×4” loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the granulated sugar and mix on high for about 1 minute.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
6. Mix in the vanilla bean paste and salt until just combined.
7. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing on medium until just combined.
8. Divide the batter into two bowls. To one bowl, add the cocoa powder and red food dye, and mix until just combined.
9. Using a cookie scoop, alternate scoops of the two batters in a checkerboard pattern in the prepared loaf pan.
10. Once all the batter is added, use a toothpick to lightly swirl the batters together.
11. Bake for 40-55 minutes, or until a tester poked into the center comes out clean. Let it cool.

For the icing:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add the salt, almond extract (if using), and vanilla, and whip until combined.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
4. Spread the icing over the cooled loaf in an even layer.