Description
This Zebra Cake is a visually stunning dessert featuring alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate batter, creating a striking striped pattern. Moist and flavorful, it combines the soft richness of vanilla with the deep taste of cocoa, perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Slowly add vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Divide batter: Split the batter evenly between two bowls; in one bowl, stir in the cocoa powder thoroughly to make the chocolate batter.
- Create zebra pattern: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the vanilla batter into the center of the prepared pan. Then spoon 2 tablespoons of the chocolate batter directly on top. Continue alternating batters, always placing each spoonful in the center, allowing the batter to naturally spread and form zebra-like stripes.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing for serving or decorating.
Notes
- For a more dramatic zebra pattern, use a small spoon and alternate quickly between vanilla and chocolate batter.
- Enhance flavor by frosting the cooled cake with whipped cream or chocolate ganache, or serve it plain for a classic treat.
