If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to serve, this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite! The gorgeous, swirling stripes tucked inside every slice are sure to draw admiration, but the real magic is in the vanilla-chocolate flavor combo and tender, buttery crumb. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, need a bake sale winner, or simply want to bring a little edible artistry into your kitchen, this bold and beautiful cake promises unforgettable taste and style. Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe is that it starts with baking basics you already know and love—each one thoughtfully chosen to provide the perfect rise, richness, and eye-catching color. Simple doesn’t mean boring here; each ingredient works overtime to deliver indulgent flavor and that signature marbled look.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the cake soft yet sturdy enough to hold up all those beautiful stripes.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely lift and ensures a delicate, airy crumb.
Salt: Enhances both chocolate and vanilla flavors, making each bite more balanced.
Unsalted butter, softened: Lends incredible richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture—always start with room temperature!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps the batter cream up light and fluffy.
Large eggs: Bind everything together, adding moisture and helping the cake rise perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with classic warmth that pairs so well with chocolate.
Whole milk: Makes for a tender crumb and locks in moisture for days.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Turns half the batter into deep, chocolatey stripes—pick a good quality cocoa for the best flavor!
Milk (for cocoa batter): Loosens the chocolate batter for easy pouring and perfectly defined stripes.

How to Make Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

To guarantee a gorgeous release every time, generously grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan—don’t skimp on this step! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to bake up your masterpiece evenly from edge to center.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick whisking ensures even distribution, which helps your Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe rise beautifully and keeps every stripe just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns extra light and fluffy—this usually takes at least 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush! Aerating at this stage means a tender, even crumb later on.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents curdling, ensuring the Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe batter is glossy and unified.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture—beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. The batter should be just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor

Scoop half the batter into a separate bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then fold this into one bowl of batter to make your chocolate portion. Now you have both stunning contrast and balanced flavors!

Step 7: Layer for the Zebra Effect

Spoon 2 tablespoons of vanilla batter into the center of your prepared pan, then add 2 tablespoons of chocolate batter right on top. Continue alternating spoonfuls, always centering each pour, to build those iconic zebra stripes all the way up.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick poked into the center emerges clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A generous dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake highlights all the curves and crevices of your beautiful bundt shape. For a glossy finish, try drizzling a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze over the top—pure dessert magic!

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream is a dreamy companion for this tender cake. Fresh berries—think raspberries or sliced strawberries—add a pop of color and a tart contrast to those sweet, buttery stripes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe at the table to reveal the dramatic stripes—your guests will be delighted! For parties, cut the cake into mini slices and skewer with fruit for a dazzling dessert platter. Or, for a festive touch, top with edible flowers or chocolate shavings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe covered tightly at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop it in the fridge—just make sure it’s well wrapped to lock in moisture and freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap slices of Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe in plastic wrap and then foil, or stash whole in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months—just defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring out the fresh-baked softness, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you’ve topped it with a glaze, heat very briefly to avoid melting—just enough to take the chill off and make those flavors pop!

FAQs

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a bundt pan?

Absolutely! This recipe works in a standard loaf pan (make two), or a tube pan, though be sure to adjust baking times and check for doneness a bit earlier with smaller or shallower pans.

What’s the secret to really bold zebra stripes?

Consistency is key! Layer the batters directly on top of each other in the center of the pan and avoid swirling them—letting gravity do the work gives you distinctly separate stripes every time.

Can I make this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute a quality vegan butter and use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk. Opt for a neutral flavored non-dairy milk to keep those classic vanilla and chocolate notes front and center.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Grease every nook and cranny generously and dust well with flour, making sure there are no bare spots. For added insurance, you can use a baking spray with flour or line the pan with a thin coating of melted shortening.

Can I enhance the chocolate flavor?

Go for it! Add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the cocoa batter for depth and richness. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a more intense color and taste in your Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate blend of fun, flavor, and flair, this Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe always delivers. Each slice is a little adventure, and the cake’s soft crumb and classic duo of flavors make it irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy every striped bite!

Zebra Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful visual and taste experience of a Zebra Bundt Cake. This striking dessert features a mesmerizing striped pattern of chocolate and vanilla batters, creating a beautiful marble effect that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons milk (for cocoa batter)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 10-cup bundt pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Combine Ingredients: Alternately mix dry ingredients and milk into wet ingredients.
Create Chocolate Batter: Divide batter, mix cocoa powder with milk, and blend into half the batter.
Assemble Zebra Pattern: Layer vanilla and chocolate batters in the pan to create stripes.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, then cool before serving.