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Close-up of a classic zebra cake with bold stripes on a rustic table.

Zebra Cakes


  • Author: Vera
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 Zebra Cakes 1x

Description

These homemade Zebra Cakes are a nostalgic treat featuring light, fluffy vanilla cake layers sandwiched with a creamy marshmallow filling and coated in a smooth white chocolate shell with signature dark chocolate stripes. Perfect for lunchbox snacks, birthday parties, or a fun baking project!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (120g) marshmallow creme (e.g., Marshmallow Fluff)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

  • 12 oz (340g) white chocolate, melted
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (for a smooth coating)
  • 3 oz (85g) dark chocolate, melted (for zebra stripes)

Instructions

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool completely before cutting.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cakes:

  1. Once the cake is cooled, cut it into small rectangles or circles using a cookie cutter.
  2. Spread a layer of filling onto half of the cake pieces, then top with the remaining pieces to create sandwiches.
  3. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up before coating.

Coat & Decorate:

  1. Melt white chocolate with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Dip each cake sandwich into the melted white chocolate, coating it evenly. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
  3. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle or pipe thin stripes over the coated cakes to create the classic zebra pattern.
  4. Let the coating set at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Variations: Try using a chocolate cake base for a twist or adding a layer of fruit preserves inside.
  • Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk in place of butter and whole milk.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Sugar: ~28g
  • Sodium: ~120mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~3g
  • Cholesterol: ~40mg