Zebra Cake: 7 Easy Steps for a Cool Swirl Cake

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Want a cake that looks awesome and tastes great? Zebra Cake has fun black-and-white swirls that make everyone say “wow!” People in Europe started making it a long time ago, and it’s super easy to do at home. This cake is yummy, doesn’t cost much, and you can make it fast. Let’s learn how to make a Zebra Cake!

Ingredients for Zebra Cake

Here’s what you need to make a Zebra Cake. Measure everything carefully so it turns out perfect.

Cake Batter

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons (15g) cocoa powder

Optional Glaze

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Swaps for Allergies

No gluten: Use gluten-free flour.
No dairy: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. Try coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
No eggs: Use ¼ cup applesauce for each egg.
No cocoa: Skip cocoa and use 1 teaspoon black food coloring for the dark part.

Tip: Good cocoa powder makes the chocolate part taste better. Fresh eggs make the cake fluffy.

Tools You Need

You don’t need fancy stuff to make a Zebra Cake. Here’s what helps:

9-inch round cake pan
2 medium bowls and 1 small bowl
Whisk or hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or piping bags for pouring batter

Swaps:

No cake pan? Use a round pan that’s close in size.
No piping bags? Use a spoon or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.

How to Make Zebra Cake: 7 Easy Steps

Follow these steps to make a perfect Zebra Cake. Each step has tips to help you.

Get Ready: Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put some butter in a 9-inch cake pan and add a circle of parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently so the cake stays soft.
Split the Batter: Pour half the batter into another bowl (about 2 cups each).Mix cocoa powder into one bowl until smooth. Now you have vanilla and chocolate batters.
Make the Swirls: Put 2 tablespoons of vanilla batter in the middle of the pan. Then add 2 tablespoons of chocolate batter right on top. Keep switching between vanilla and chocolate until all the batter is gone. It will spread into cool rings. Tip: Go slow so the colors stay separate. Piping bags make it easier.

Bake It: Put the pan in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Poke the middle with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Add a Glaze (If You Want): Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until it’s smooth. Pour it over the cooled cake for a shiny look.
Cut and Eat: When the cake is cool, cut it to see the awesome zebra stripes. Eat it at room temperature for the best taste.

Check This: The cake should look even and golden on top. If it’s getting too brown, cover it with foil while baking.

Tips to Make It Awesome

Here are some tricks to make your Zebra Cake super good. They also help you avoid mistakes.

Warm ingredients: Let eggs and milk sit out for a bit before mixing. Cold stuff can make the batter lumpy.
Measure right: Too much flour makes the cake heavy. Use a scale if you have one.
Go slow with swirls: Pouring too fast mixes the colors and ruins the stripes.
Check your oven: If it’s too hot, the cake might crack. A thermometer helps.
Fun twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange peel to the vanilla batter for a zesty taste.
Another idea: Mix 1 teaspoon of coffee powder into the chocolate batter for a cool flavor.
Don’t bake too long: Check at 35 minutes so the cake stays soft.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s what’s in one slice of Zebra Cake (based on 12 slices, no glaze):

Calories: 230
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 1g

Why It’s Good for You

Eggs: Give you protein and help your brain.
Cocoa powder: Has stuff that’s good for your heart.
Milk: Makes your bones strong with calcium.

Note: These numbers are just a guess. Ask a food expert if you have allergies or need a special diet.

How to Store and Warm Up

Keep your Zebra Cake fresh with these tips.

Room temperature: Put it in a tight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it for 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap each slice in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
W competence: Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds to make it soft again, or eat it cold.

Tip: Don’t store it near smelly foods, or the cake will taste weird.

What to Serve with It

Make your Zebra Cake even better with these ideas.

Sides:
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream with a little cocoa on top
- Sliced bananas
Decorations: Sprinkle powdered sugar, add chocolate bits, or pour glaze on top.
How to Show It: Put it on a white plate to show off the stripes. Cut even slices.
Drinks:
- Coffee or hot chocolate for the chocolate taste.
- Cold milk for a classic match.
- Mint or fruit tea for something light.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are answers to things people want to know about Zebra Cake.

How is Zebra Cake different from a marble cake?
Zebra Cake has clear stripes from layering batter. Marble cake is more mixed up and swirly.
Can I make it without cocoa powder?
Yes! Use black food coloring instead of cocoa for the dark batter.
How do I make the swirls look nice?
Pour batter slowly in the center. Use the same amount each time and don’t stir.
Can I make a vegan Zebra Cake?
Yes. Use plant milk, coconut oil, and applesauce instead of eggs.
Why was my cake dry?
You might have baked it too long or used too much flour. Check early and measure carefully.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes, but the baking time might change. A smaller pan needs more time; a bigger one needs less.
How do I keep the cake fresh for a party?
Bake the cake a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature. Add glaze right before the party.

Zebra Cake is a fun and delicious dessert with beautiful swirled patterns. This easy zebra cake recipe is great for kids, grown-ups, or anyone who loves baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll make a cake everyone will love. Get your ingredients and start baking a Zebra Cake now!