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Copycat Zebra Cakes

Copycat Zebra Cakes
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Learn how to make irresistible homemade Copycat Zebra Cakes featuring moist, striped vanilla and chocolate layers with smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps to replicate the nostalgic snack cake with a fun zebra stripe design, perfect for anytime treats, lunchboxes, or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate stripes)

Vanilla Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup milk, ¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; whisk until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
  2. Create the Stripes: To one half of the batter, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and mix thoroughly to create the chocolate portion. This contrast will form the iconic zebra stripes.
  3. Layer the Batter in the Pan: Lightly grease a rectangular or square baking pan. Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the center of the pan, allowing the batter to spread outward and form layers. Continue layering to build the zebra stripe pattern.
  4. Bake and Cool: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the layered batter for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Make the Frosting: Beat ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, mixing well. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  6. Assemble the Cakes: Cut the cooled cake into rectangular pieces. Spread a generous layer of frosting between two cake pieces to form sandwich cakes. Optionally, frost the outside of each assembled cake for a smooth, authentic finish.

Notes

  • Use a spoon or piping bag to evenly layer the batter for perfect zebra stripes.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cakes light and tender.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Chill assembled cakes briefly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: zebra cakes, copycat snack cake, striped cake, vanilla frosting, chocolate stripes, homemade snack cakes, striped dessert

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