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Copycat Zebra Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

This Copycat Zebra Cakes recipe recreates the beloved snack cake featuring moist, tender cake layers filled with a creamy vanilla filling and coated in a rich chocolate shell. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or a fun dessert, these homemade zebra cakes deliver the classic combination of soft cake, smooth filling, and chocolatey coating in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water

Cream Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
  2. Bake Cake Layers: Pour the batter into greased and parchment-lined baking pans or mini loaf pans to create individual cake layers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
  3. Make Cream Filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to beat until the filling is fluffy and spreadable.
  4. Assemble Cakes: Once the cake layers have cooled, evenly spread a generous layer of the cream filling over one cake layer. Top with a second cake layer to create a sandwich. Repeat for all cake layers.
  5. Prepare Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
  6. Coat the Cakes: Dip each assembled cake sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring all sides are fully coated. Place on parchment paper to set. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Notes

  • Use mini loaf pans or small round pans to mimic the classic zebra cake shape and size.
  • The cream filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring to room temperature before using.
  • You can substitute the chocolate coating with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives.
  • Store finished zebra cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Zebra cakes, Copycat snack cake, Cream filled cakes, Chocolate coated cakes, Homemade snack cakes

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/copycat-zebra-cakes-recipe/