Zebra Cake

If you’re in the mood for something visually striking and irresistibly delicious, this Zebra Cake is the answer! With its bold black and white swirls, it’s the kind of dessert that’ll make everyone do a double take. But trust me, it’s not just a pretty face—the tender, moist cake is perfectly balanced with a light sweetness, making it a treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want a fun, eye-catching cake to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this Zebra Cake will hit the spot. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Zebra Cake

Here’s why this Zebra Cake will steal the show:

Beautiful and Eye-Catching

The contrasting black-and-white swirls are not only beautiful but make a dramatic statement. It’s a cake that’s guaranteed to impress both your eyes and your taste buds.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is made with simple pantry ingredients, so no need for anything exotic or hard to find.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From birthday parties to family gatherings, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its playful look and balanced flavor make it an excellent option for a variety of celebrations.

Light and Moist

The cake itself is light, moist, and soft—each bite is a perfect combination of vanilla and cocoa flavors that melt in your mouth.

Fun to Make

Making a Zebra Cake is surprisingly simple, and you’ll love watching the batter come together to create those beautiful swirls. It’s a great recipe to involve the kids in, too!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this eye-catching cake:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cake, giving it structure and fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light and airy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Whole Milk: Makes the batter smooth and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: For that classic, warm flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
• Cocoa Powder: For the dark swirls that make this cake truly stand out.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a smooth batter.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Ready to make this gorgeous Zebra Cake? Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 9-inch round pans for two layers) or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.

Step 3: Divide the Batter

Once the batter is mixed, divide it evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, sift in the cocoa powder and add hot water. Stir until well combined. You should now have one bowl of vanilla batter and one bowl of chocolate batter.

Step 4: Layer the Batter

Now, the fun part! Start by spooning about 2 tablespoons of the vanilla batter into the center of your cake pan. Then, add 2 tablespoons of the chocolate batter right on top of the vanilla batter. Continue layering the batters, alternating between the vanilla and chocolate, until the pan is full. You’ll notice that the batter will spread out and create those signature swirls!

Step 5: Swirl the Batters (Optional)

If you’d like to enhance the swirls, you can gently swirl the batters with a knife or skewer. Be careful not to overdo it—just a couple of gentle swirls will create a beautiful zebra effect.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Frost (Optional)

If you want to take your Zebra Cake to the next level, frost it with a simple buttercream or chocolate ganache. Alternatively, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Zebra Cake

Here are a few fun ideas to serve your beautiful Zebra Cake:

• With a Cup of Coffee: The light, moist texture of the cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or espresso.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut ice cream will elevate the cake and make it a delicious dessert experience.
• As a Birthday Cake: The zebra stripes make it a fun and striking birthday cake. Add some colorful sprinkles or candles for extra pizzazz.
• With Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, add a fresh and vibrant contrast to the cake’s richness.

Additional Tips

• Experiment with Colors: Want to make this cake even more colorful? You can add food coloring to the batter for a more vibrant, rainbow-like effect.
• Frosting Options: If you prefer a rich chocolate flavor, chocolate ganache works beautifully. For a lighter touch, whipped cream frosting complements the cake perfectly.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Make It in Layers: For a taller, more dramatic effect, you can bake two separate cake layers and stack them, adding frosting or filling in between.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A1: Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well for a sturdier cake.

Q2: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A2: Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version.

Q3: Can I use almond flour or gluten-free flour?
A3: Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour, but the texture may change slightly. Almond flour may result in a denser cake.

Q4: Can I make this cake in advance?
A4: Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Frost it just before serving.

Q5: Can I frost this cake with cream cheese frosting?
A5: Definitely! Cream cheese frosting would complement the moistness of the cake beautifully.

Q6: Can I make the zebra stripes more pronounced?
A6: Yes! You can use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the batters more before baking for stronger, more defined stripes.

Q7: What if I don’t have hot water for the chocolate batter?
A7: No worries! You can substitute with warm milk or coffee to help dissolve the cocoa powder.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A8: Yes, adding mini chocolate chips would be a delicious twist! Just fold them into the vanilla or chocolate batter before layering.

Q9: How can I store leftover cake?
A9: Store leftover Zebra Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q10: Can I freeze this cake?
A10: Yes! Freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

This Zebra Cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! With its beautiful swirling layers of chocolate and vanilla, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake this sweet masterpiece—you won’t regret it!

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