If you’re a fan of cakes that are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, the Zebra Cake is for you! Combining the perfect blend of creamy vanilla and chocolaty goodness, this cake is perfect for any celebration.
You can easily make it at home by following a few simple steps and without any mess at all. Once you make it, I’m sure you won’t be heading to the bakery to buy this cake again. So, without further delay, let’s begin our easiest Zebra Cake Recipe ever!
What is Zebra Cake?
Zebra cake is a delightful dessert that combines chocolate and vanilla in a beautiful striped pattern. The alternating layers of cocoa and vanilla are laid on top of each other, resulting in a cake that’s not only a delight visually—it yields a perfect balance of flavors. That cake is moist, light, and tender, and perfect for any occasion. It will impress your guests, whether you serve it plain or drizzle some ganache on top. This no-fuss cake is a relatively low effort but has a high payoff.
How to make Zebra Cake?
To make this delicious Zebra Cake, first, grease your mold and keep it aside. Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and salt until fluffy. After that add flour, baking powder, vanilla, and water to make a smooth batter. Split the batter in two, mixing cocoa powder into one half for the chocolate layer.
Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the molds, swirling with a toothpick to create the zebra pattern. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool, remove it from the molds, and slice it up. Enjoy the moist texture and beautiful zebra design!
Zebra Cake Recipe
Ingredients (for the cake)
- Eggs: 2 large (room temperature)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: a pinch
- Oil: 1/3 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla essence: 1/2 teaspoon
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Cocoa powder: 1/8 cup
- Water: 2 tablespoon
Directions
- Prepare the mold: Grease a foil box (or any baking pan) with oil and set it aside.
- Now, in a bowl, take 2 large eggs and make sure they are at room temperature.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Now beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes fluffy and light in color. Whisking the eggs, sugar, and salt until pale is important for a soft and airy cake.
- Add 1/3 cup of oil and continue beating for 1 minute.
- Now, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. The flour helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake its structure, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
- Now gradually add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence to the mixture. Sifting the dry ingredients is necessary to get a lump-free and even mix.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of water and mix until smooth. This will help achieve the right batter consistency, making it light and easy to work with. Your vanilla cake batter is now ready!
- For the chocolate batter, divide the batter into two equal portions. This ensures you have an equal base for both the vanilla and chocolate layers.
- In one portion, add 1/8 cup of cocoa powder and mix well.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water to one portion of the batter and mix until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Now your chocolate batter is all set and ready to go!
- For assembling the Zebra Cake, start by adding a spoonful of vanilla batter into the center of the foil box. This will create a base for your alternating layers.
- Now layer chocolate batter on top of vanilla batter in the center. Then keep alternating until both batters are used up, creating zebra pattern!
- To create a zebra design, take a toothpick and gently swirl it through the batters. Start from the center and move in circular or zigzag motions, blending the vanilla and chocolate batters just enough to create a striking zebra pattern.
- Now it’s baking time, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for even baking.
- Bake the cake for 15-20 minutes, and check with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
What’s the best side dish to serve with Zebra Cake?
The best side dishes to serve with zebra cake are: fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. A light, refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like berries and apples provides a nice contrast to the cake’s richness. It adds a touch of freshness that balances the sweet flavors. Whipped cream is a simple yet perfect pairing, offering a creamy texture that complements the cake without overwhelming it.
Vanilla ice cream adds a cool, sweet touch, enhancing the cake’s warmth with its creamy goodness. Together, these sides create a well-balanced, enjoyable dessert experience.
Chef’s Tips
- Use light, circular motions with the toothpick to create a neat zebra pattern without overmixing.
- Ensure all ingredients are well combined but avoid over-beating the batter for a light texture.
- Test with a toothpick after 15 minutes; the cake should be springy and the toothpick clean.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for an elegant finish.
- Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer freshness.