ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan (or a similar size) to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.
2. Make the Sponge Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This can take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and thick enough to form ribbons when you lift the whisk.
- Add in the oil and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula to keep the batter light and airy.
- Once combined, divide the batter into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain (this will be your vanilla batter). To the other portion, add the cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Layer the Batters:
- Now comes the fun part! To create the zebra stripes, spoon a tablespoon of vanilla batter into the center of the cake pan. Then, spoon a tablespoon of the chocolate batter directly on top of the vanilla batter.
- Keep alternating between the two batters, placing them one on top of the other, until you’ve used all the batter. The batter will spread out and create a circular, striped pattern as it bakes.
- You can give the pan a little shake or tap it on the counter to help the batter settle into place.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it to reveal the beautiful zebra stripes inside. The cake has a soft, fluffy texture and a rich flavor from the combination of vanilla and chocolate.
- Optionally, you can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or top with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Zebra Sponge Cake:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve the best texture, make sure your eggs, milk, and oil are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the cake’s rise.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, fold gently to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense.
- Perfect the Swirl: The key to getting perfect zebra stripes is layering the batter carefully. The more evenly you spoon the batter, the more defined your stripes will be.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with the flavors. Add citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to the vanilla batter for a refreshing twist, or try a hint of coffee in the chocolate batter for a deeper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
This Zebra Sponge Cake can be served as is, but you can also pair it with a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor:
- Whipped cream or ice cream on the side.
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- Fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries) to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion:
The Zebra Sponge Cake or Zebra Biscuitkuchen is not just a feast for the eyes – it’s a treat for the taste buds as well. Its beautiful striped pattern, combined with the soft, fluffy texture and delicious vanilla-chocolate flavor, makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a family favorite!
ADVERTISEMENT