Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your baking skills and impress everyone at your next gathering! The Zebra Ogura Xiang Si Cake is not just a dessert; it's a work of art that combines the elegance of Asian baking techniques with a mesmerizing visual pattern that will make your guests stop and stare. With its stunning black and white stripes and incredibly soft, moist texture, this cake is about to become your new signature dessert that looks like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 200g cake flour
- 200g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 100ml milk
- 100ml vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or oil and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Whisk them together until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for the cake's light texture.
- Gradually add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or a whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Divide the batter into two equal portions in separate bowls. Leave one portion as is (vanilla batter), and to the other portion, add the cocoa powder. Mix until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, resulting in a chocolate batter.
- To create the zebra pattern, start by spooning a dollop of the vanilla batter into the center of the prepared cake pan. Then, add a dollop of the chocolate batter on top of the vanilla batter. Repeat this process, alternating between the two batters, until all the batter is used up. This will create a beautiful striped effect.
- Once the batter is in the pan, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it with whipped cream or fresh fruits, if desired. Slice and enjoy your delicious Zebra Ogura Xiang Si Cake!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, uniform batter.
- Mixing Technique Matters: When folding dry ingredients into wet, use a gentle hand to maintain the cake's light, airy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Precision in Spooning: When creating the zebra pattern, use a consistent amount of batter for each dollop to ensure even striping.
- Oven Positioning: Place the cake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution and consistent baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain its delicate structure.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a hint of almond extract or orange zest to customize the cake's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
