Simple chocolate zebra tea cake

Ingredients

Tea Cake

100 grams (3.5 ounces) eggs
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar
100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sour cream
80 grams (2.8 ounces) yoghurt
2 grams (0.07 ounces) vanillin
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
110 grams (3.9 ounces) flour #1
20 grams (0.7 ounces) cocoa
granola to taste
90 grams (3.2 ounces) flour #2

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Use at least two to separate your ingredients; one for wet and one for dry.
Whisk
A hand whisk will do, but an electric mixer can make the job easier.
Cake Mold
Ensure it’s the right size for your mixture to rise properly. Grease it well to avoid sticking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in baking – don't eyeball!
Wooden Skewer
Perfect for checking the cake’s doneness.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). To ensure even baking, make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside.

Step 2

All the ingredients should be at **room temperature**. This helps them mix more easily and results in a smoother batter.

Step 3

**Lightly whisk** the eggs with sugar and vanilla (or vanilla paste) until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Using a hand whisk or mixer on low speed will help you achieve the right consistency.

Step 4

Melt the butter and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5

Add the sour cream, melted butter, and baking soda to the egg mixture. **Stir thoroughly** to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Divide the mixture into two equal parts.

Step 7

Add **flour #1** to one part of the mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 8

Add **flour #2** and **cocoa** to the second part of the mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 9

Grease a cake mold with butter (or oil).

Step 10

Lay out the chocolate and light dough alternately in the prepared mold, creating two or three layers. You can also do this in a **checkerboard pattern**. For a more artistic look, use different layering patterns.

Step 11

Draw a zigzag line along the dough with a knife or wooden stick to create a marbled effect.

Step 12

If desired, sprinkle the cake dough with **granola**.

Step 13

Bake the tea cake for about **50 minutes**. Check for readiness with a wooden skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If the cake starts browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Servings

✨ Serving Suggestions & Ideas: ✨

Serve this delectable tea cake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and watch it become an instant classic! 🍦

For a touch of elegance, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top or give it a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a sophisticated evening dessert.

If you're planning a picnic, slice this cake into bite-sized pieces and wrap each in parchment paper for a grab-and-go treat. 🍰🧺

Pair it with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or a frothy latte to elevate your snacking experience to a whole new level. ☕

Variations

**Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations** 🍃

Going gluten-free? Simply swap out the regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your baking soda is also gluten-free to avoid any contamination.

For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). Use vegan butter and plant-based yoghurt and sour cream to keep the texture and flavor intact. 🥥

Faq

Why does my cake sink in the middle?
This could be due to opening the oven door too early or not baking it long enough. Using room temperature ingredients can also help avoid this problem.
Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes, but it will alter both the texture and flavor slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid content in your batter.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Once the cake cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
How do I ensure even layers when alternating the dough?
Use an ice cream scoop for precision. Also, gently tap your cake mold on the counter to level out the layers.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Yes, adding some chopped nuts or dried fruits can give the cake an extra texture and burst of flavor.
How can I make sure the cake doesn’t stick to the mold?
Besides greasing the mold, you can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.