Zebra Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
A zebra cake, with its beautiful striped appearance and deliciously moist texture, is a fun and decadent treat that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual family gatherings. Here’s how to make the perfect zebra cake!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Potato starch (cornstarch) | 140g |
| Butter | 150g |
| Milk | 200g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Eggs | 6 |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Sugar | 220g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
To start making your zebra cake, place the butter in chunks and the sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process ensures a smooth texture for your cake.
Step 2: Adding the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the bowl and continue beating with the electric whisk. The eggs will help to create a light and airy batter, which is key to the cake’s texture. Add the vanilla seeds by splitting the vanilla pod down the center and scraping out the tiny black seeds inside.
Step 3: Sifting the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, potato starch, and baking powder together to remove any lumps. Sifting helps to make sure that these dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Gradually add these sifted ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with the whisk or a spatula. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Dividing the Batter
Once your batter is fully mixed, divide it into two equal parts. This will allow you to create the striped effect of the zebra cake. In one of the bowls, add the cocoa powder and mix it well until the batter turns a rich, chocolatey brown. You now have two distinct batters: one light and one dark.
Step 5: Assembling the Cake
Grease a round cake pan (24 cm in diameter) with butter. Begin by spooning a ladle of the light-colored batter into the center of the pan. Next, add a spoonful of the dark batter on top of the light batter, right in the middle. Continue this process, alternating between the two batters, until all the batter is used. The batter will naturally spread out in concentric circles as you layer it, creating a beautiful zebra pattern.
Step 6: Baking the Zebra Cake
Place the cake in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can serve your zebra cake, either as it is or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness.
This zebra cake recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its striking visual appeal and delicious flavor. The combination of the light and dark batters creates a stunning effect, making it an eye-catching dessert for any occasion.
