Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, this Zebra Bundt Cake is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful, marble-patterned cake with alternating layers of rich chocolate and vanilla cake, all baked together in a Bundt pan for that iconic swirl effect. Not only does it taste like heaven with its moist, tender crumb, but it also looks so impressive when you slice into it. Trust me, it’s the kind of cake that makes people say, “Wow, how did you make this?” And the best part? It’s easier to make than it looks!

Why You’ll Love Zebra Bundt Cake

There’s something about a Bundt cake that just feels so comforting and homey, yet elegant. And this Zebra Bundt Cake strikes that perfect balance. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

Gorgeous & Impressive

The zebra pattern is what makes this cake so special. When you slice it open, the alternating stripes of vanilla and chocolate are stunning. It’s the kind of cake that gets oohs and aahs before anyone even takes a bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a casual get-together, or just craving something sweet, this cake fits any occasion. It’s as appropriate for a family dinner as it is for a fancy brunch or a special event.

Rich, Moist, & Flavorful

Each bite gives you the best of both worlds: the light, delicate flavor of vanilla and the deep, indulgent taste of chocolate. The moist crumb and slightly buttery texture make it a real crowd-pleaser.

Simple to Make

You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull off this masterpiece. The cake comes together in simple steps, and the swirling technique is easy to master—plus, no need for any fancy equipment!

Ingredients

Ready to bake this stunning cake? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, giving it that soft, tender texture.
• Baking Powder: For that light rise and fluffy crumb.
• Salt: To balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the cake perfectly.
• Eggs: They provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Whole Milk: For a light, moist cake that melts in your mouth.
• Vanilla Extract: For a warm, aromatic touch in the vanilla batter.
• Cocoa Powder: This is what gives the chocolate batter its rich, deep flavor.
• Boiling Water: To dissolve the cocoa powder and intensify the chocolate flavor.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten and thicken the glaze.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: To make the glaze smooth and pourable.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla to tie everything together.

Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This will help the cake come out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Batter

In a separate bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in the boiling water, creating a smooth chocolate mixture. Add this to half of the vanilla batter and mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Swirl the Batters

Here’s where the magic happens! Drop alternating spoonfuls of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the center of the Bundt pan, one at a time. As you build up the layers, try to keep the layers even. Once you’ve used up all the batter, use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the batters together in a figure-eight motion for a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it—just a few gentle swirls will create that beautiful zebra look!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

Once the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Bundt cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this gorgeous zebra-patterned beauty and enjoy! This cake is perfect on its own or served with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat.

How to Serve Zebra Bundt Cake

This cake is a standout dessert on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it for a little extra pizazz:

With Fresh Berries

Serve slices of this cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the fruit balances out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, top a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

As a Centerpiece

Place this beautiful cake in the center of your dessert table to wow your guests. It’s just as impressive as it is delicious, so it’ll be a conversation starter!

Additional Tips

• Grease the pan thoroughly: Make sure to grease and flour your Bundt pan really well so that the cake slides out easily.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Be gentle when combining the ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Customize the glaze: If you prefer a chocolate glaze, you can melt chocolate and mix it with cream instead of using a powdered sugar glaze.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories per serving: 350
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 47g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling time)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container. Frost with the glaze just before serving.

Q2: Can I use a different pan?
A2: Yes! If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans. Just adjust the baking time and layer the batters in each pan.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes! After baking, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge.

Q5: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
A5: Absolutely! The glaze is optional, so feel free to skip it if you want a simpler cake. The cake is delicious on its own.

Q6: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in place of the whole milk.

Q7: How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
A7: If you love chocolate, you can increase the amount of cocoa powder in the chocolate batter or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Q8: Can I use a boxed cake mix for this?
A8: Yes! You can use a vanilla and chocolate cake mix as a base, just follow the instructions on the box and then swirl the batters as described in the recipe.

Q9: How can I make the swirl effect more defined?
A9: Be sure to gently swirl the batters just once or twice with a skewer. Over-mixing the batters can blend the colors too much.

Q10: How can I add extra flavor to the glaze?
A10: You can add a teaspoon of coffee extract, almond extract, or even a splash of liquor like Bailey’s or Kahlúa to the glaze for an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This Zebra Bundt Cake is truly a masterpiece of flavor and design. With its perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla, and that beautiful zebra swirl, it’s sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on it. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible. Enjoy every slice of this moist, rich cake—it’s bound to become a family favorite!

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