Homemade Zebra Cake 🦓🎂
Introduction
If you’re looking for a cake that’s as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside, this Homemade Zebra Cake is your answer. Alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter create stunning striped layers that reveal themselves with every slice. It’s soft, buttery, and finished with a silky vanilla buttercream that ties everything together.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a party, or just a little edible fun, this cake’s hypnotic design and comforting flavor will win every time.
Why I Love This Cake
- Beautiful swirl pattern baked right in
- Moist, soft crumb with perfect vanilla-chocolate balance
- No special tools or piping required
- Kids love it, but grown-ups can’t resist either
- Customizable with your favorite frostings or fillings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (for the chocolate batter)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, oil, milk, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Divide and Add Cocoa:
- Divide batter evenly into two bowls.
- Mix cocoa powder into one bowl to create the chocolate batter, leaving the other vanilla.
4. Create the Zebra Swirl:
- In each cake pan, add 1 spoonful of vanilla batter into the center.
- Then add 1 spoonful of chocolate batter directly on top of the vanilla.
- Keep alternating spoonfuls directly on top of each other until the pan is full and the batter spreads outward in rings.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Frosting Time:
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Adjust milk to reach desired consistency.
7. Assemble:
- Once cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between them, then frost the outside as desired.
Tips for Striped Success
- Consistency matters: Both batters should be the same consistency so they spread evenly.
- Use a trigger ice cream scoop for evenly sized spoonfuls.
- Don’t swirl! Let gravity do the striping—placing the spoonfuls in the center keeps the rings clean.
- Want a twist? Add espresso powder to the chocolate half or a citrus zest to the vanilla half.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice of this zebra beauty with:
- A cold glass of milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Or turn it into a party plate with Brownie Batter Dip
- Add mini treats like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for a dessert board
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Will keep 5–6 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Unfrosted layers can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more cake and chocolatey fun, don’t miss:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Brownie Batter Dip
- Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Zebra Cake is one of those bakes that’s pure magic. It looks intricate, but it’s incredibly easy to pull off—and the result is always a wow. Moist, marbled, and melt-in-your-mouth good, it’s a recipe you’ll return to every time you want something extra without the extra work.
Tried it? Show us your stripes! Tag @chefmaniac and follow for more delicious baking inspiration.
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