Zebra Cake III: A Classic and Eye-Catching Dessert

The Zebra Cake III is a stunning and delightful dessert that combines flavors of vanilla and chocolate in a beautiful striped pattern. This recipe takes traditional zebra cake to the next level by incorporating moist and tender layers with a velvety smooth buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will surely impress your guests with its unique and eye-catching appearance. Follow these simple steps to create this delightful treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. In a separate small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.
7. Take 1 cup of the batter and mix it with the cocoa mixture.
8. Spoon ¼ cup of vanilla batter into the center of each prepared cake pan. Then, spoon 2 tablespoons of the chocolate batter into the center of the vanilla batter.
9. Continue alternating between vanilla and chocolate batters, creating concentric circles or rings until the pans are filled.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring if desired.
13. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the rest of the cake.
14. Slice and serve the zebra cake III, and enjoy!

Interesting Facts