I’d previously attempted the zebra cake (see how well that turned out) and was eager to have another go at it. I came across this recipe for a “slimmed down version” (cutting nearly half the calories!) and decided to try my hand at the zebra cake again, this time with a more liquid batter that was eager to spread.
I really enjoyed this part, the attention to detail was too much fun. However, when the cake came out, I realized not only how thin and un-cake-like it was, but also how sloped our oven is! Solution? Mini cakes.
I used a cookie cutter to cut rounds out of the cake and layer them so each half’s slope aligned.
How gorgeous is that zebra pattern? I then made double the chocolate frosting so that I could use it in between the layers as well as on the sides and top of the cake. I topped it off with my leftover maraschino cherries from my root beer cupcake experiment.
These were a total blast to make, and ended up being the perfect amount for our visit to my in law’s. I will warn you: this is a dense cake, definitely doesn’t have the “light” feeling of a slimmed down cake! But it’s absolutely delicious.
Final tips:
- go overboard on the icing. It adds some flavor back to the cake that you lose with the “slimmed down” recipe.
- be patient with yourself creating the zebra striping. No matter how successful you are, it’ll be beautiful!
These were beyond delicious!!! They were very rich, but isn’t dessert supposed to be rich and yummy? We are so fortunate to have a daughter-in-law who loves to bake, is exceedingly good at it, and so nice to share the wonderful treats. Thank you, Lara.
These look great! And I have honestly never seen that zebra cake technique before! I’m going to have to try it sometime.
We’re always glad to see Lara & Brad grace our doorway, but when they come “bearing gifts” – which is very often the case, we’re always in for a special treat. The zebra doo-dah’s are beyond great, and totally successful as a visual and gustatory treat. (We liked ’em) ((a lot!!!))
I’ve never made a zebra cake before. It looks so artsy!
That looks so beautiful, and so delicious! love the stripes especially :)
I love the Zebra Cake technique. Your creative solution to a non-perfect cake made me smile. Beautiful job!
thank you so much for crediting back to my recipe, i really appreciate it!
more importantly, your cakes are ADORABLE & making them mini was genius.
xo,
girl who bakes
Oh of course! Your recipe is genius :) Thanks so much for the comment! :D
oh, of course! i actually love seeing what other people do with my recipes. your photography is also gorgeous! your site is definitely a keeper.
If you ever come out here to Minnesota, you’re always welcome to bring those with you. They look yummy!! I don’t need the cherry – always used to take them off everything and give them to my brother David. I can’t do that anymore because he lives across the pond. LOL!
I love your blog and your pictures and your recipes. I just wish I lived as close as Ann and Peter do although I would definitely present a challenge as I’m not as adventurous in my eating. Hopefully some day we’ll meet since you are my cousin-in-law. :-)
It looks wonderful, the lines, the frosting and the cherry on top! Hopefully I could make this someday :)
they are so cute!