Name: Easy Zebra Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 g) caster sugar; 3 eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 3/4 cup (180 g) plain yogurt; 1/2 cup (100 ml) olive oil or other vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 2 tbsp milk; 7/8 cup (200 g) sour cream; 3.5 oz (100 g) dark chocolate, melted

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 47 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, the Easy Zebra Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This cake’s mesmerizing striped pattern is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds with its perfectly balanced vanilla and chocolate flavors. The fun part is how simple it is to make, thanks to straightforward ingredients and a clever layering technique that creates the iconic zebra effect without any fuss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises a tender, moist cake with a creamy chocolate glaze that’s irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of making a layered dessert. In the first stage, a clear glass bowl contains a beige batter with a heap of dark brown powder on one side and a pink spatula stirring. The surface underneath is white marbled. In the second stage, a clear round dish has alternating concentric rings of light beige and dark brown batter, creating a striped circle pattern. Two small bowls sit nearby, one with light batter and a spoon, and the other with dark brown mixture, all on a white marbled surface. The third stage is a close-up of the round dish, where a woman's hand is holding a spoon adding a dollop of dark batter to the center of the striped batter rings. In the final stage, a metal pot shows a swirling mix of dark brown and white ingredients being blended with a yellow spatula, on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step to baking your zebra cake with confidence. Each item here plays a vital role, from creating a tender crumb to giving that signature zebra stripe contrast and smooth finish.

All-purpose flour (2 cups/240 g): Acts as the foundation of the cake, providing structure and moisture balance.
Caster sugar (1 cup/200 g): Sweetens the batter evenly and helps with that tender crumb.
Eggs (3): Bind everything together and add richness for a moist texture.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the cake its light rise and fluffy texture.
Plain yogurt (3/4 cup/180 g): Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing both flavor and softness.
Olive oil or vegetable oil (1/2 cup/100 ml): Keeps the cake tender and adds a silky crumb.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the vanilla batter with that warm, inviting aroma.
Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Provides the rich chocolate flavor and dark stripes of the zebra effect.
Milk (2 tbsp): Lightens the chocolate batter for smooth pouring and mixing.
Sour cream (7/8 cup/200 g): The key to a luscious chocolate glaze with creamy tang.
Dark chocolate (3.5 oz/100 g, melted): Gives the glaze its deep richness and glossy finish.

How to Make Easy Zebra Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease your 9-inch (24 cm) round pie dish thoroughly, ensuring the batter won’t stick and your zebra cake will release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and caster sugar. This ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed and the batter will rise beautifully without lumps.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

Crack the eggs into the dry mix and whisk gently to start bringing the batter together. Then add vanilla extract, plain yogurt, and olive oil. Stir slowly but steadily until the batter turns smooth and homogenous, offering a creamy texture perfect for layering.

Step 4: Creating Two Batters

Divide your batter in half using a scale or ladle for precision. Into one portion, whisk in the cocoa powder and milk to create a luscious chocolate batter. This contrast will form your zebra stripes.

Step 5: Forming the Zebra Pattern

Using a large spoon or measuring cup, drop a scoop of the vanilla batter into the center of the prepared pan. Next, spoon the chocolate batter directly into the middle of the vanilla. Alternate spoonfuls one inside the other, making sure each new scoop lands in the center of the last circle. The batter will naturally spread out, forming concentric rings that look like a zebra’s stripes.

Step 6: Final Preparation and Baking

If the batter isn’t spreading on its own, give the pan a gentle shake to help the circles widen. Bake your cake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling perfectly baked layers inside.

Step 7: Cooling and Preparing the Glaze

Allow the cake to cool almost to room temperature before glazing. Meanwhile, whisk the sour cream until smooth. Melt the dark chocolate gently — I recommend a double boiler to avoid scorching. Gradually mix sour cream into the chocolate in batches to cool it down and combine into a silky glaze.

Step 8: Glazing Your Zebra Cake

Pour the luscious chocolate glaze evenly over the cooled cake. It creates a rich, glossy finish that complements the subtle tang of the cake beneath. Serve immediately or refrigerate to let the glaze set further for a firmer texture.

How to Serve Easy Zebra Cake Recipe

A slice of cake is held above a white plate by a woman's hand. The cake has about ten thin layers with alternating light beige and dark brown stripes inside, showing a zebra pattern. On top, there is a thick, smooth layer of rich dark brown chocolate frosting with soft swirls. The rest of the cake in a clear glass pie dish has one slice removed, showing the same striped pattern inside. The dish is on a wooden board, with a soft blue cloth and white flowers in the background over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries can brighten the presentation without overpowering the rich chocolate glaze. For a little crunch, try some chopped nuts or decorative chocolate shavings.

Side Dishes

This zebra cake pairs beautifully with light sides like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance its moistness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes it an ideal afternoon indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, slice the cake and serve on a contrasting colored plate to showcase the striking zebra stripes. Stack mini slices for a layered dessert tower or use colorful edible flowers for a festive touch that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover zebra cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if wrapped properly. Freeze individual slices or the whole cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the whole cake come to room temperature before serving. Reheating slightly enhances the chocolate glaze’s flavor and softens the cake for melting-in-your-mouth goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or even melted butter if you prefer. Just make sure the oil has a neutral flavor so it doesn’t overpower the cake.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

While cocoa powder is essential for the chocolate stripes, you could experiment with melted chocolate mixed into half the batter instead. Keep in mind this might change the batter’s consistency slightly.

How do I prevent the zebra pattern from mixing?

The key is to pour each batter spoonful directly into the center of the last one, letting gravity and the batter’s texture do the work. Use gentle shaking to spread the layers evenly but avoid stirring or spreading the batter manually.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure. The cake may turn out a bit different in texture but will still taste delicious.

What is the best way to melt the chocolate for the glaze?

Melting chocolate over a double boiler is ideal because it protects the chocolate from direct heat, preventing it from burning. Alternatively, melt it in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Zebra Cake Recipe inspires you to bring a bit of fun and elegance to your baking adventures. It’s a fantastic treat that combines simplicity with show-stopping looks. Once you taste that tender, striped masterpiece with its creamy glaze, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved recipe. So grab your mixing bowl, invite friends or family, and enjoy every joyful step of making and sharing this delightful cake.