Hojicha Marble Pound Cake

A Japanese-style pound cake built around hojicha, a roasted green tea with a warm, smoky depth that's closer to toasted grain than anything grassy or bitter. The outside is a deep, dark charcoal swirl over golden butter cake, and the inside reveals that same marble running all the way through, dark ribbons woven into a pale, tender crumb. The roasted tea flavor is distinct but never heavy, balanced by the richness of real butter and a crumb that's light and fine. It's the kind of cake that feels at home on a quiet afternoon, especially alongside a hot cup of tea or a simple black coffee. Understated on the outside, full of character within.