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Copycat Little Debbie Zebra Cakes Recipe

Copycat Little Debbie Zebra Cakes Recipe
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5.1 from 20 reviews

This Copycat Little Debbie Zebra Cakes recipe recreates the beloved snack cake featuring moist yellow cake rounds sandwiched with fluffy buttercream filling, coated in white chocolate and decorated with signature chocolate zebra stripes. Enjoy a homemade version of this nostalgic treat with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15 ounce box)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk

Buttercream Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk

Coating

  • 24 oz vanilla almond bark
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, 3 eggs, and the egg yolk. Mix well until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray the paper with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish.
  2. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool for 15 minutes. Then, place another piece of parchment paper on a tray, carefully lift the cake out using the edges of the parchment paper, and invert the cake onto the new parchment paper. Place the baking dish on top of the cake and gently press down to keep it flat while it cools completely. After cooling, place the cake in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up.
  3. Make the Buttercream Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between additions. After all sugar is incorporated, add the 3 tablespoons of milk and beat again until smooth and slightly fluffy. Transfer the buttercream to a large zip-top bag, seal, and cut a small corner off for piping.
  4. Assemble Cake Sandwiches: Remove the cake from the freezer and cut it into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or straight-edged cup. Slice each circle in half horizontally. Pipe a circle of buttercream onto the flat side of one half, then place the other half on top, gently pressing to form a sandwich. Place the assembled cakes on a parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer while you prepare the coating.
  5. Melt Coating Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the vanilla almond bark in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted. In a separate small bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips similarly and stir until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small zip-top bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner for piping.
  6. Coat the Cakes: Remove the cake sandwiches from the freezer. Holding each with a thumb on the bottom and index finger on top, dip the sides into the melted almond bark, twisting to coat all sides evenly. Place the coated cakes back on the parchment paper. Use a spoon to drizzle a little almond bark over the top of each cake and gently smooth if needed. Let the coating harden slightly.
  7. Decorate with Zebra Stripes: Pipe chocolate stripes or wavy lines over the tops of the coated cakes to mimic zebra stripes. Allow the chocolate to set completely. Once hardened, your homemade zebra cakes are ready to serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use a cookie cutter or a straight-edged glass to cut the cake into perfect circles.
  • Ensure the butter for the buttercream is softened to room temperature to get a smooth texture.
  • Using parchment paper makes transferring the cake easier and prevents sticking.
  • Freeze time helps the cakes hold their shape during coating.
  • If you don’t have almond bark, white candy melts are a good substitute.
  • Store the finished zebra cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and ensure vegan white chocolate coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Copycat Little Debbie Zebra Cakes, zebra cakes recipe, homemade zebra cakes, buttercream filling snack cake, almond bark coated cakes

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/copycat-little-debbie-zebra-cakes-recipe/