Zebra cake with vanilla cream

Zebra Cake with Vanilla Cream – An Irresistible Dessert!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

When it comes to desserts, few can rival a zebra cake with vanilla cream. This recipe is not only simple but also a true feast for the eyes, featuring alternating stripes of cocoa and vanilla. The history of this dessert dates back to ancient times when people experimented with ingredient combinations to create something truly special. Today, I will show you how to transform a classic recipe into a delicious experience by adding a smooth cream that will make each slice even more delightful.

The basic ingredients are easy to find and you probably already have them in your pantry. But let’s see what you need to achieve the perfect zebra cake:

Ingredients for Zebra Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml oil
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 40 g cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for Vanilla Cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 1 packet vanilla cream (Dr. Oetker)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Ingredients for Glaze:
- 100 g dark or milk chocolate (your choice)
- 50 ml heavy cream

Optional:
- Syrup for soaking (water, sugar, and vanilla essence)
- A handful of blackberries for decoration

Necessary Utensils:
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Loaf pan (25 cm long)
- Spatula
- Grater for chocolate (if you want to decorate)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the Base: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the loaf pan with a little oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Mixing the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential as the air incorporated will give the cake a light texture.

3. Adding Wet Ingredients: Add the milk and oil, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.

4. Dry Components: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the flour is a simple yet effective technique that helps prevent lumps.

5. Combining Ingredients: Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix to avoid developing gluten in the flour.

6. Dividing the Mixture: Split the batter into two equal parts. In one part, add the cocoa powder and mix well. Now you have a light-colored batter and a dark one.

7. Creating the Zebra Cake: Start adding tablespoons of each type of batter into the pan, alternating between the two. Continue adding batter until the pan is filled, creating a zebra pattern.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Preparing the Vanilla Cream: In a bowl, heat 200 ml of milk. Add the packet of vanilla cream and powdered sugar, stirring well. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens. Then, allow it to cool.

10. Assembling the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, slice it horizontally in half. Spread the vanilla cream between the two halves. This step will add a creamy and delicious layer, transforming your dessert into a true feast.

11. Glazing: Melt the chocolate with the heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a spectacular effect.

12. Cooling: Allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling time is crucial for the flavors to meld perfectly.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the zebra cake with vanilla cream alongside a handful of fresh blackberries for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream to make the dessert even more decadent.

Tips and Tricks:
- If you prefer a moister cake, you can soak the layers with a simple syrup made from water, sugar, and a few drops of vanilla essence.
- Experiment with adding extra flavors, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to give your cake a unique twist.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Whole wheat flour can be used to add fiber, and blackberries provide additional antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits for decoration?
Yes, you can use blueberries, raspberries, or even banana slices to customize the dessert.

2. Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter and cream, or use alternatives like honey or natural sweeteners.

3. How can I store the cake for a longer time?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the glaze will remain intact for a few days.

With this zebra cake recipe with vanilla cream, you will not only impress your friends and family, but you will also experience the joy of creating a delicious and elegant dessert. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!