Light and pretty, this Berry Zebra Cake with Berry Buttercream Frosting just seems to say "welcome spring!" Featuring delectable swirls of yellow and berry cake with an airy and sweet triple berry buttercream layer, Berry Zebra Cake is an indulgent treat that is not too heavy or intense.
I happen to think that layer cakes are so impressive, and this Berry Zebra Cake's stripes look complicated, but are actually quite easy to achieve. Simply scoop the two cake batters in an alternating pattern into the cake pans. As the batter cooks, it will spread and create the zebra stripe effect.
Topped with pale pink frosting and fresh berries, this Berry Zebra Cake makes a truly lovely presentation. This cake is just perfect for celebrating a springtime holiday, special occasion or serving at Sunday brunch.
What is the Difference Between Yellow Cake and White Cake?
Yellow cake gets its color and more custard-like flavor from using whole eggs, whereas white cake calls for using only (or mostly) the egg whites.
More Sweet and Pretty Cake Recipes
If you like this Berry Zebra Cake, you will also love my Strawberry Angel Food Cake, this elegant Orange Champagne Cake, and my recipe for Yellow Zebra Cake.
Rich yellow cake striped with sweet berry cake and layered with a deliciously sweet berry frosting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk or milk room temperature
- 1 cup mixed berry preserves
- ¼ cup buttermilk or milk room temperature
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup triple berry jam or preserves
- 6-7 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup triple berry jam
- Fresh berries for garnish
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
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Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
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In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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Add the egg yolks one at a time.
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Stir in the vanilla.
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Run the mixer or beaters for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the batter becomes pale and light.
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Gradually add in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.
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In a medium-sized microwave save bowl, heat jam for 20 seconds or until warm, but not hot.
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Stir the buttermilk and sugar to the warm jam.
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Stir in 2 cups of the cake batter into the jam mixture, mixing only until just combined.
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To make the zebra stripes, scoop a small amount of the yellow cake batter into the center of the pan and then alternate with a scoop of the berry cake batter directly on top of the first. Continue adding yellow cake batter and berry batter on top of each layer until you have used half of both batters; repeat with second pan. As the batter sets, it will spread to the edges of the pans.
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Bake cakes 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then remove from the pans and place on a wire rack to finish cooling.
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Beat butter, vanilla, and jam until creamy and smooth.
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Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and mix on low until combined.
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Add an additional 3 cups of powdered sugar and mix until combined.
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Once combined, increase mixer speed to medium high and beat until frosting is light and airy. If needed, add an additional cup of powdered sugar.
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To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on the cake plate.
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Spread a thin layer of frosting over the layer.
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Spread ½ cup of berry jam over the frosting, then top with 2nd cake layer.
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Frost the top and outside of the cake.
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If you have remaining frosting, pipe rosettes on the top using a 2D tip.
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Garnish with fresh berries and serve!
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