Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting
This Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting is as fun to make as it is to eat! With its striking chocolate-and-vanilla striped layers and a luscious cream cheese frosting speckled with crushed Oreos, every slice is a showstopper. Moist, flavorful, and loaded with cookies-and-cream goodness, this cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a celebration, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for kids’ parties, adult celebrations, or as a weekend baking project.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and simple mix-ins.
Quick and Easy: Easier than it looks with a few simple steps.
Customizable: Add more Oreos, extra layers, or colorful decorations.
Crowd-Pleasing: The flavor and presentation make it a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting
Here’s the magic of this cake it’s beautiful, moist, and decadent. Let’s break it down:
Butter and Oil: Butter for flavor, oil for a moist crumb.
Sugar: Sweetens and balances both batters.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake layers.
Baking Powder and Salt: For lift and flavor balance.
Milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the batter.
Cocoa Powder: Creates the chocolate batter for the zebra stripes.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the vanilla and chocolate layers.
Oreos: Crushed and mixed into the frosting for texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
Combine Ingredients: Prepare a basic cake batter by creaming butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Divide the batter in half—stir cocoa powder into one half for the chocolate batter.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the center of each cake pan to create the zebra stripe effect.
Assemble the Dish: Tap the pans lightly on the counter to spread the batter evenly.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Finishing Touches: Cool completely. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and crushed Oreos. Frost the cooled cake layers generously.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice to reveal the beautiful stripes inside and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting
Serve at room temperature with extra Oreos crumbled on top for a decorative touch. It pairs beautifully with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier assembly.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Double the recipe for a stunning three-layer cake.
Decorate with whole Oreos around the edges for a show-stopping finish.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ’s
- Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes, just alternate the batters in cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. - Do I have to use Oreos?
No, you can use any chocolate sandwich cookie. - Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, prepare one vanilla and one chocolate mix and layer as directed. - How do I make the stripes neat?
Add the batter spoonful by spoonful in the exact center of the pan. - Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, freeze the layers (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. - Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt. - Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?
Yes, but cream cheese frosting holds up better. - How do I prevent dry cake?
Don’t overbake and measure flour accurately. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor. - Can I make it ahead?
Yes, the flavors develop beautifully if made a day in advance.
CONCLUSION
This Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting is the perfect blend of striking presentation and indulgent flavor. With its chocolate-vanilla layers and cookies-and-cream frosting, it’s a dessert everyone will rave about.
Print
Zebra Cake with Cream Cheese Oreo Frosting
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning zebra-striped vanilla and chocolate cake layered with a decadent cream cheese Oreo frosting. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) crushed Oreo cookies (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing well.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter in half. To one half, add cocoa powder mixed with water and stir until smooth.
- To create the zebra pattern, spoon 2 tbsp of vanilla batter into the center of the prepared pan, then 2 tbsp of chocolate batter on top. Continue alternating batters until the pans are full.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Fold in crushed Oreos.
- Frost the cooled cakes and stack them. Decorate with extra Oreo crumbs if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain the zebra pattern.
- Chill cakes before frosting for cleaner layers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: zebra cake, oreo frosting, cream cheese frosting, marble cake, chocolate vanilla cake