Imagine cutting into a cake that looks like a work of art, with mesmerizing chocolate swirls that will make your guests stop and stare! This Easy Chocolate Zebra Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines stunning visual appeal with rich, decadent flavor. Perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that's as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are also lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Use a wire whisk or electric mixer to create a uniform liquid base.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Divide the batter into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain, and add additional cocoa powder to the second portion to create a darker chocolate batter.
- To create the zebra effect, start by pouring a small amount of the light batter into the center of the prepared cake pan. Then, directly in the center, pour a small amount of the dark chocolate batter.
- Continue alternating batters, pouring them in small circles directly on top of each other. This will create concentric rings that will look like zebra stripes when baked.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and help the batters settle.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or frost as desired. Slice and serve to reveal the beautiful zebra stripe pattern.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Precision in Pouring: Use a ladle or measuring cup for consistent, small circular pours to create perfect zebra stripes.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Cocoa Powder Tip: Sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps and ensure even chocolate distribution.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate stripe pattern.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap to keep it moist and fresh for up to 4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
