If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at, this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe is your answer. Imagine cutting into a moist, tender cake and revealing gorgeous chocolate and vanilla stripes in every slice—it’s a moment that inspires oohs and aahs at the table. With rich buttery flavor, just the right balance of cocoa, and a playful swirled interior, this cake truly brings joy to special occasions or simple Sunday afternoons alike. You’ll love how the marbled pattern forms so effortlessly, making every bake a fun baking adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, each chosen with purpose, are what give the Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe its magic. Every element plays a role, from creating the vivid zebra stripes to ensuring cake stays soft and flavorful. Here’s why each one matters:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and just the right crumb.
- Baking powder: Provides lift and helps the cake rise evenly for a light texture.
- Baking soda: Adds extra lift and works with the sour cream for tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and amps up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture while creaming beautifully with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to that fine, soft texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cake a golden color and lovely structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to both batters.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Keeps your zebra bundt extra-moist and ensures melting softness in every bite.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds extra richness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For a deep, chocolatey streak that creates the signature zebra pattern.
- Extra milk (for cocoa batter): Thins the chocolate batter so the stripes are just as silky as the vanilla.
How to Make Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your oven warmed up to 350°F, so it’s ready to create that perfect rise. While it heats, generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or a thorough coating of baking spray. This step is key for releasing those beautiful zebra stripes later—make sure to get into every nook and cranny!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures all the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, guaranteeing even texture and flavor in every slice of your zebra Bundt cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy. This magical step incorporates air, creating a light cake. Don’t rush this process—it’s worth the extra minute for super-tender results.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well absorbed before adding the next. This step helps maintain a smooth, emulsified batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, inviting aroma we all love.
Step 5: Mix in Dairy and Combine
Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk. Mix until your batter turns silky-smooth and luscious. Now, add the dry ingredient mixture gradually, blending just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, soft crumb.
Step 6: Create Chocolate and Vanilla Batters
Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls. In one, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and the extra 2 tablespoons of milk. Now you’ve got two gorgeous batters, ready for marbling.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl for Your Zebra Design
To create the signature stripes in this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe, spoon 2 tablespoons of vanilla batter into the center of your prepared Bundt pan, then top with 2 tablespoons of chocolate batter right in the center of the vanilla. Keep alternating spoonfuls directly in the center—this is what creates those hypnotic, concentric rings! Gently tap the pan to level everything out.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes (don’t skip this—Bundt cakes are delicate at first), then carefully invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
How to Serve Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar transforms your zebra cake into something truly ethereal and lets those stripes take center stage. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle over a velvety vanilla glaze or a thin chocolate drizzle for extra elegance—both options enhance the pattern without covering it up!
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a spoonful of tangy berries. The richness of the Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe contrasts especially well with raspberries, strawberries, or sliced plums.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a dramatic display by serving slices on bold, monochrome plates to highlight the hypnotic stripes, or top each portion with fresh mint for a pop of color. Try layering slices with vanilla pudding and berries in clear glass cups for an eye-catching trifle presentation, proving this cake is as versatile as it is stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe slices super fresh by wrapping them tightly in plastic or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The moist crumb actually deepens in flavor after a day, and you’ll love slicing off a piece for a quick treat!
Freezing
Zebra Bundt Cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap cooled slices (or the whole cake) in a double layer of plastic, followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Or, give it a few minutes in a low oven to revive its just-baked aroma—the striped pattern will stay intact and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat yogurt or milk instead of full-fat ingredients?
Full-fat options give the Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe its lush texture and irresistible taste, but you can substitute low-fat yogurt or milk in a pinch. Just know the cake might be a little less rich, though still delicious and stripey!
How can I ensure the stripes come out bold and defined?
For clean, distinct zebra stripes, be sure to spoon the batters carefully and always drop the next spoonful directly in the center of the previous one. This method magically pushes the batter out for those picture-perfect rings.
What type Dessert
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder creates the deepest contrast and rich flavor in this recipe, but Dutch-processed cocoa works if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for best results.
Can I make this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be mindful that texture may change slightly—keep a close eye on doneness, as gluten-free cakes can dry out more quickly.
Do I have to use a Bundt pan, or can I use another type of pan?
While a Bundt pan helps showcase the zebra stripes in grand style, you can use a regular loaf or round cake pan in a pinch. Just adjust the baking time and keep a close watch so it bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe celebrates all the fun and flavor of a classic marble cake, but with a bold twist that’ll make everyone smile. Whether you’re sharing it at family gatherings or indulging in a quiet slice with coffee, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’re about to win rave reviews and see why every striped slice tastes just as good as it looks!
Print
Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and vanilla with this visually striking Zebra Bundt Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and flavorful cake will impress your guests with its unique striped pattern.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (for cocoa batter)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10-cup Bundt pan. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, mix in vanilla. Add sour cream and milk, then gradually add dry ingredients.
- Create Batter: Divide batter into two bowls. Mix cocoa powder and milk into one bowl.
- Assemble Zebra Cake: Spoon alternating vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan to create rings.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 50–60 minutes, cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze once cooled.
- Avoid overmixing for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
