How to Make Zebra Cake: A Stunning and Easy Dessert

Zebra cake – an aptly named treat with its mesmerizing stripes reminiscent of a zebra’s coat. This visually stunning dessert is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Imagine slicing into a cake to reveal beautiful, alternating layers of light and dark batter, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes as delicious as it looks.

This article will guide you through the steps to create your own zebra cake masterpiece. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients to baking tips, ensuring your cake turns out perfect every time. So let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this exciting baking journey together!

Zebra Cake Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning dessert:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

For the Chocolate Batter:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water

Zebra Cake Batter

Equipment:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper or baking spray
• Electric mixer
• Several medium-sized bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Wire rack

Zebra Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easier removal later.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

6. Make the Chocolate Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.

7. Divide the Batter: Divide the plain batter evenly between two bowls. Add the chocolate mixture to one of the bowls and mix well.

8. Create the Zebra Stripes: Spoon alternating tablespoons of the plain and chocolate batter into the prepared cake pans, starting in the center and working your way outwards. You can use a toothpick to swirl the batters together slightly for a more marbled effect.

Pouring Cake Batter

9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Zebra Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together more easily.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the cake pans halfway through the baking time.
• Toothpick Test: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

FAQs About Zebra Cake:

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?

A: While butter provides a richer flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a moister crumb.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving.

Q: My cake sank in the middle, what did I do wrong?

A: This could be due to a few reasons, such as opening the oven door too frequently during baking, not baking the cake long enough, or using expired baking powder or soda. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.

Making a zebra cake is a fun and rewarding baking experience. With its stunning appearance and delicious flavor, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, put on your apron, and create this zebra-licious masterpiece!