Recipe for Chocolate-and-Vanilla Zebra Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth. Set the vanilla batter aside.

For the Chocolate Batter:

1. Mix the ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Assembling the Zebra Cake:

1. Layer the batters: Start by spooning 1-2 tablespoons of the vanilla batter into the center of the cake pan. Then, on top of the vanilla batter, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate batter. Keep layering the batters by adding spoonfuls of each batter into the center of the previous layer. As you continue, the batter will spread out and create a striped pattern.
2. Swirl (optional): You can use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the batters together, but it’s not necessary if you want the distinct zebra stripes.
3. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):

1. Make the glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream (or milk). Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
2. Pour over the cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve:

• Slice and serve the Zebra Cake as is, or with whipped cream or fresh fruit on top. The beautiful zebra stripes will surprise and delight everyone!

This cake is not only a treat for the eyes but also for the taste buds, with the light and fluffy vanilla batter contrasting the rich chocolate flavor. Enjoy!