Zebra Cakes: Classic Stripes, Creamy Layers, and Pure Snack Nostalgia

A Retro Treat That Never Goes Out of Style

Some desserts are fancy. Some are elegant. And then there are Zebra Cakes—fun, sweet, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With their soft vanilla cake layers, fluffy cream filling, and signature white icing striped with chocolate, zebra cakes are the perfect mix of playful and delicious.

Whether you remember pulling one from a lunchbox or just discovered them on the snack shelf, these treats are full of charm. And the best part? You can make them at home for that same soft texture and signature look—with even better flavor.

What Are Zebra Cakes?

Originally made famous by Little Debbie, zebra cakes are hexagon-shaped snack cakes with layers of light vanilla sponge and whipped cream filling. They’re coated in smooth white icing and drizzled with those iconic chocolate zebra stripes. The flavor is simple—vanilla and cream—but the nostalgia and joy they bring? Off the charts.

Homemade versions often taste even better, with real vanilla, richer filling, and a soft texture that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Vanilla Cake Layers:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Cream Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)

For the Coating:

• 1½ cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle)

How to Make Homemade Zebra Cakes

1. Bake the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a large jelly roll pan. Prepare the vanilla cake batter and spread it evenly in the pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, then cool completely.

2. Cut & Layer
Use a round or hexagon cookie cutter to cut out cake shapes in even numbers. Pipe or spread cream filling on half, then sandwich them with another layer.

3. Coat with White Chocolate
Melt white chocolate until smooth, then dip each sandwich cake until fully coated. Let excess drip off and place on a wire rack or parchment.

4. Drizzle the Stripes
Melt semi-sweet chocolate and use a piping bag or spoon to create signature “zebra” stripes over the top. Let them set completely before serving.

Tips for the Best Zebra Cakes

• Chill the cakes before dipping for a cleaner coating
• If the filling feels too soft, add more powdered sugar
• Don’t rush the cooling—set stripes are key to the look
• Store them chilled for firmer texture or room temp for softness

Final Thoughts

Zebra Cakes are a reminder that desserts don’t always have to be complicated to be memorable. With their fluffy cake layers, sweet filling, and playful chocolate stripes, they’re a treat that brings out the kid in everyone.

Homemade or store-bought, zebra cakes offer a little bite of happiness wrapped in stripes.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.