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Zebra Cakes (4)

Zebra Cakes Bliss: How to Make the Best Homemade Version Ever

These irresistible homemade Zebra Cakes bring back all the nostalgic feels—soft vanilla sponge cake, fluffy marshmallow filling, and that iconic chocolate drizzle. Better than store-bought, and surprisingly simple to make!

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 16 sandwich cakes (32 pieces) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (like Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1⅓ cups water

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Filling:

  • 7 oz marshmallow creme or fluff

  • ¾ cup salted butter, room temperature

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

  • 24 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature

For the Coating:

  • 32 oz almond bark (white candy coating)

  • 3 tbsp Crisco, butter, or vegetable oil

  • ⅓ cup milk chocolate melting wafers or chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Prep and Bake the Cake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 18×13-inch half sheet pans with parchment and spray lightly.
    In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, cornstarch, sugar, water, eggs, vanilla, and oil for 1 minute. Add flour, sour cream, and salt. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
    Divide batter between the pans and smooth out evenly. Bake 15–18 minutes, until cooked through. Cool at room temp for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

  • Make the Filling:
    Beat the marshmallow creme and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Add cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until spreadable (not runny).

  • Assemble the Cakes:
    Cut cooled cake into 2-inch hexagons (or circles) using a cookie cutter. Dust the cutter with flour to prevent sticking.
    Spread filling onto half the pieces, then sandwich with the rest. Place assembled cakes on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

  • Coat the Cakes:
    Melt almond bark in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each. Stir in Crisco until smooth.
    Dip frozen cakes into coating and place on a rack lined with parchment.

  • Decorate:
    Melt the chocolate wafers and drizzle over cakes using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Let set completely before serving.

Notes

– Dip your cookie cutter in flour after each cut to prevent sticking.
– These freeze beautifully! Make ahead and decorate the day you serve.
– If almond bark isn’t available, use white chocolate chips with a bit of oil.
– You can use round or heart-shaped cutters if you don’t have hexagons.
– For kids, try adding sprinkles before the coating sets!

  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • + Chill/Freeze Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking, Dipping
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Zebra Cake
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Zebra Cakes, homemade zebra cakes, snack cakes, marshmallow filling, nostalgic dessert