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:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting.
Prepare the Filling:
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cakes:
- Once the cake is cooled, cut it into small rectangles or circles using a cookie cutter.
- Spread a layer of filling onto half of the cake pieces, then top with the remaining pieces to create sandwiches.
- Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up before coating.
Coat & Decorate:
- Melt white chocolate with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cake sandwich into the melted white chocolate, coating it evenly. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Melt dark chocolate and drizzle or pipe thin stripes over the coated cakes to create the classic zebra pattern.
- 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