Grass-Topped Marble Cake
★★★★½ Editors’ rating 4.7
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Published October 29, 2026
8 ingredients
by WokBite Kitchen
25min Prep
50min Cook
75min Total
8Servings
MediumDifficulty
This whimsical marble cake combines two rich batters—one classic vanilla, one deep chocolate—swirled together for a beautiful marbled crumb. The surprise comes from a crown of fresh black bean sprouts, which mimic grass and add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the sweet cake.
Using the creaming method ensures a tender, moist texture, while a splash of water on the surface prevents cracks. The cake is baked in a 9-inch springform pan, making it easy to unmold and decorate. Serve it at a spring gathering or birthday party for a delightful conversation starter.
Ingredients
Tap an item to tick it off- 380 g cake flour (low-gluten flour)
- 240 g unsalted butter, softened
- 160 g caster sugar
- 180 g milk
- 4 large eggs
- 10 g baking powder
- 30 g dark chocolate
- 180 g water
Method
1
Make the vanilla batter: In a bowl, beat 120 g butter with 100 g sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add 2 beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. Sift in 190 g cake flour and 5 g baking powder, then add 180 g milk and fold until just combined. Make the chocolate batter: Melt 30 g chocolate with 180 g water in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. In another bowl, beat 120 g butter with 60 g sugar until fluffy. Gradually add 2 beaten eggs, then sift in 190 g cake flour and 5 g baking powder. Add the melted chocolate mixture and fold until smooth.
2
Divide each batter in half. Spoon alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan, starting with chocolate and ending with vanilla, making four layers total. Use a skewer to gently swirl the batters a few times to create a marbled effect. Lightly spray the surface with water to prevent cracking.
3
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake for 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4
Once cooled, use a skewer to poke small holes all over the top of the cake. Decorate with fresh black bean sprouts to resemble grass.
Why this worksCreaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air, giving the cake a tender crumb. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, or the cake will become dense. The water spray on the surface creates a moist environment that helps prevent the top from cracking during baking.
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