The Zebra Sponge Cake is an irresistible delight that brings the charm of zebra stripes to your dessert table. This cake is light, fluffy, and carries a balanced flavor profile of vanilla and chocolate. The batter is meticulously layered to create a zebra-like pattern that is both aesthetically pleasing and deliciously inviting.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common in many homes. However, you might need to pick up a few items like cocoa powder and cornstarch if they are not readily available in your pantry. Also, make sure to grab some fresh strawberries for the sauce.
Ingredients Required for Zebra Sponge Cake
Flour: The base ingredient for the cake. It gives structure to the cake.
Cornstarch: It makes the cake tender and helps in binding the ingredients together.
Baking powder: This is a raising agent that helps the cake to rise and become fluffy.
Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Butter: It adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Milk: It provides moisture and helps in the mixing of the ingredients.
Vanilla Extract: It enhances the flavor of the cake.
Eggs: They provide structure and leavening to the cake.
Sugar: It sweetens the cake.
Cocoa powder: It adds the chocolate flavor to the cake.
Strawberries: They are used for making the sauce.
Whipped Cream: It is used for serving with the cake.
One reader, Dasie Bianco says:
This zebra sponge cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and fluffy, and the zebra pattern was a hit with my family. The strawberry sauce added a burst of flavor, and the whipped cream was the perfect finishing touch. I'll definitely be making this again!
Key Techniques for Making Zebra Sponge Cake
How to separate eggs: Gently crack the egg and open it into a bowl, then carefully transfer the yolk back and forth between the two halves of the shell, allowing the white to fall into a separate bowl.
How to fold batter: Use a rubber spatula to gently combine ingredients by using a down-across-up-and-over motion, ensuring the batter is mixed without deflating it.
How to make strawberry sauce: In a saucepan, combine the strawberries and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.
How To Make Zebra Sponge Cake
Soft, airy, and fluffy zebra sponge cake features beautiful chocolate and vanilla stripes when sliced. Topped off with strawberry sauce for a fruity finish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupflour
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- 3tbspmilk,warm
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 5eggs,room temperature
- ¾cupsugar,divided
- 1tbspcocoa powder
For Strawberry Sauce:
- 1lbstrawberry,hulled, smashed
- 1cupsugar
- whipped cream,to serve
Instructions
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In a bowl, sift the flour cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, add the butter, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until well-combined. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside.
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In two large bowls, separate 3 eggs into yolks and whites. Crack the last 2 whole eggs in the bowl with the egg yolks.
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Pour 6 tablespoons of sugar into the egg yolk bowl. Mix on high for about 5 minutes until the batter is thick and pale yellow.
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Beat the egg whites on high until frothy, then gradually add the remaining sugar. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
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Gently fold in the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Add the flour mixture, continue folding until the flour is mixed in.
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Create a well in the bowl, then pour in the butter mixture. Fold until the batter is smooth and silky.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Pour half of the batter into a smaller bowl. Sift the cocoa powder over the batter. Fold in until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated.
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In a greased parchment paper-lined 8-inch cake pan, spoon in a scoop of the vanilla batter in the center of the pan.
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Spoon in a scoop of the chocolate batter over the vanilla in the center. Repeat until done pouring about 6 to 8 layers, keeping in mind to spoon in a little less batter each layer.
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Using a chopstick or skewer, gently draw a line from the edge of the pan to the center. Repeat until 8 lines are made. Pour a little chocolate dot in the center.
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Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Use a knife or spatula to gently release the cake from the edge of the pan. Cover the cake with a greased plate. Flip the cake on to the plate then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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Let cool for about 20 minutes before slicing.
Strawberry Sauce:
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Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the strawberries and sugar, and stir until bubbling. Remove from heat.
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Serve the cake with strawberry sauce and whipped cream, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 304.58kcal
- Fat: 6.00g
- Saturated Fat: 2.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.77g
- Carbohydrates: 59.01g
- Fiber: 1.71g
- Sugar: 46.93g
- Protein: 5.31g
- Cholesterol: 108.17mg
- Sodium: 160.55mg
- Calcium: 76.86mg
- Potassium: 156.67mg
- Iron: 1.03mg
- Vitamin A: 70.44µg
- Vitamin C: 33.34mg
Crucial Technique Tip for a Flawless Zebra Sponge Cake
When folding in the cocoa powder into the batter, it's important to do so gently to prevent the batter from deflating. Overmixing can result in a denser cake. Also, when creating the zebra pattern, be patient and take your time. The more precise you are, the more distinct the zebra stripes will be. Lastly, when baking the cake, avoid opening the oven door frequently as it can cause the cake to fall or bake unevenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Zebra Sponge Cake Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and avoid any last-minute rush.
Organize your workspace: Clear and organize your workspace before you begin to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Multi-task: Look for steps in the recipe where you can multi-task, such as preparing the strawberry sauce while the cake is baking, to save time.
Use pre-made strawberry sauce: To save time, consider using pre-made strawberry sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Bake in advance: Consider baking the cake in advance and storing it in an airtight container to save time on the day you plan to serve it.
Pre-slice the cake: If possible, pre-slice the cake before serving to save time and make it easier for your guests to enjoy.
Efficient clean-up: Clean as you go to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Plan ahead: Plan your cooking schedule in advance, allowing for efficient use of time and resources.
Prep ahead: Prepare some components of the recipe, such as measuring ingredients or making the strawberry sauce, ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Zebra Sponge Cake Recipe
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, and it adds a nutty flavor to the cake.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cake.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative to regular milk and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the cake.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that can be used as a healthier alternative to regular sugar.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder and has a naturally sweet flavor.
strawberry - Substitute with raspberry: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for strawberries in the sauce, providing a similar tartness and sweetness.
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Zebra Sponge Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the zebra sponge cake, focus on creating an elegant and refined presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the beauty of the cake.
Incorporate artistic elements: Introduce artistic elements such as delicate chocolate shavings or edible flower petals to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the zebra sponge cake to stand out as the focal point on the plate. This will create a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Highlight the contrast: Emphasize the contrast between the vanilla and chocolate layers of the cake by strategically placing them to create a visually captivating display on the plate.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Introduce fresh, vibrant strawberries as a garnish to add a pop of color and a touch of natural elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of strawberry sauce: Use a delicate drizzle of the homemade strawberry sauce to add a burst of flavor and a visually appealing element to the plate.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Enhance the visual appeal and provide a luxurious touch by adding a carefully placed dollop of whipped cream to complement the zebra sponge cake.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and executed with precision.
Essential Tools for Baking a Perfect Zebra Sponge Cake
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Sifter: A device used to aerate and break up clumps in dry ingredients such as flour and cocoa powder.
- Cake pan: A round or square pan with tall sides, used for baking cakes.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line baking pans and prevent food from sticking.
- Chopstick or skewer: Used for creating decorative patterns or swirling batters in the cake.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food during cooking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Zebra Sponge Cake
- Allow the zebra sponge cake to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store the cake at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the zebra sponge cake:
- Cut the cake into individual slices, if desired.
- Wrap each slice (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, making sure no air pockets remain.
- Cover the wrapped cake with a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake slices or whole cake in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw the frozen zebra sponge cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer, you can also thaw individual slices of the cake at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Zebra Sponge Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zebra sponge cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and prevent it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place a single slice of zebra sponge cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the cake is not warm enough, heat it for an additional 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or tough.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your leftover zebra sponge cake, try steaming it. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the cake slice on a heatproof plate and set it on a steamer basket or a colander above the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the cake for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through and soft.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, try pan-frying your leftover zebra sponge cake. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the cake slice in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and heated through. This method works best for slightly stale cake, as it helps to revive its texture.
If you have multiple slices of leftover zebra sponge cake, you can create a delightful bread pudding. Cut the cake into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the cake cubes and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cake to absorb the liquid. Bake the pudding in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown on top.
Interesting Trivia About Zebra Sponge Cake
The zebra sponge cake is named after the zebra due to its striped appearance, which is achieved by alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate batter. This cake is a popular dessert in many countries and is often served with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, fruits, or chocolate sauce. The zebra sponge cake is not only visually appealing but also delicious and versatile, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Is Making Zebra Sponge Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This zebra sponge cake recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, with minimal specialty items required. The use of basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs keeps the cost down. The addition of strawberries for the sauce may slightly increase the overall cost, but it's still reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable dessert option. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Zebra Sponge Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The zebra sponge cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The cake contains a significant amount of sugar, with ¾ cup in the batter and an additional 1 cup in the strawberry sauce
- The recipe uses butter, which is high in saturated fat
- The cake is made with refined flour and cornstarch, which are low in fiber and nutrients
- The whipped cream topping adds extra fat and calories to the dessert
However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients, such as eggs, which provide protein and nutrients, and strawberries, which are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and strawberry sauce, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier fat, such as olive oil or Greek yogurt
- Use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Top the cake with fresh strawberries and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream
- Serve smaller portions of the cake to control calorie intake
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of the zebra sponge cake while making it a bit more nutritious and guilt-free.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Zebra Sponge Cake
The zebra sponge cake recipe is a delightful and visually stunning dessert. The method of layering the vanilla and chocolate batters creates a beautiful striped pattern, making it an eye-catching treat for any occasion. The cake itself is light, fluffy, and moist, with a perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of the strawberry sauce and whipped cream complements the cake beautifully, adding a fresh and fruity element to each bite. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for those looking to impress with both presentation and flavor.
Why trust this Zebra Sponge Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful treat that will surely impress your taste buds. The combination of vanilla extract and cocoa powder creates a harmonious blend of flavors, while the use of strawberries in the sauce adds a burst of freshness. The meticulous instructions ensure a perfect outcome, and the step-by-step process guarantees a successful baking experience. With the careful incorporation of whipped cream, this zebra sponge cake is a true culinary masterpiece that promises to delight and satisfy.
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