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Copycat Zebra Cakes

Copycat Zebra Cakes
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Copycat Zebra Cakes are delightful layered cakes with alternating chocolate and vanilla flavors, mimicking the nostalgic treat with a moist texture and creamy filling. This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create beautifully patterned cakes that are perfect for snacks, desserts, or fun baking projects for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder

Cream Filling

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup shortening or butter (for filling)
  • 3–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: Start by combining flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones until you have a creamy batter with no lumps.
  2. Divide and Flavor: Split the batter evenly into two bowls. Stir cocoa powder into one half thoroughly, creating your rich chocolate batter, while the other half remains vanilla-flavored.
  3. Create the Zebra Pattern: Grease your cake pans. To get that beautiful zebra effect, spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the center of the pan, allowing the batter to spread naturally, creating concentric circles layered on top of each other.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door early to keep your cakes fluffy and evenly baked.
  5. Make the Cream Filling: While the cakes cool, prepare the filling by beating powdered sugar, shortening or butter, and heavy cream or milk until creamy and smooth. This luscious filling mimics the sweet, silky center you love in the original zebra cakes.
  6. Assemble Your Zebra Cakes: Once cooled, slice the cakes into equal layers. Spread the cream filling evenly between each layer. Stack them carefully, then optionally frost the outside or dust with powdered sugar for a polished look.

Notes

  • Use eggs and butter at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Mix the batter just until ingredients combine to avoid dense cakes.
  • Add batter gently by the teaspoon to maintain distinct zebra stripes.
  • Ensure cakes are fully cool before assembling to prevent melting of the filling.
  • Adjust sweetness or thickness of the filling by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zebra cake, copycat, chocolate vanilla cake, layered cake, nostalgic dessert, easy baking

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/copycat-zebra-cakes/