These copycat Little Debbie Zebra Cakes are easy to make for any occasion. White cake with a sweet, marshmallow filling is covered with white chocolate and decorated however you wish. They freeze well and are great for back to school!
1white cakebaked according to instructions in a 12x18x1 inch jelly roll pan
Marshmallow Filling
½cupbutterroom temperature
1cupmarshmallow cream
1teaspoonvanilla
¼teaspoonalmond extract
1-½cupsconfectioner's sugarmore as needed
1tablespoonheavy creammore as needed
White Chocolate Glaze
16ounceswhite chocolateI used candy melts
2tablespoonswhite vegetable shortening
Instructions
Cake
Let the cake cool completely
Carefully cut in desired shapes.
Slice cake shapes in half horizontally with a sharp, serrated knife.
Cover and set aside.
Marshmallow Filling
Add the marshmallow and butter to a bowl of a mixer.
Beat on high until well blended.
Switch to low and beat in the vanilla and confectioner's sugar.
Switch to high and, with the mixer running, add enough cream to get a fluffy texture.
Beat on high for a minute or two or until light and fluffy.
Assembly
Spread an even layer of filling on the cut side of half of the cakes.
Top with the other half and press down gently.
Freeze for about 30 minutes.
Glaze
Melt the white chocolate and shortening together in the microwave in 1 minute increments. Stir often.
When the glaze is smooth and runny remove the cakes from the freezer.
Spoon the glaze evenly over the top of a cake and smooth with a knife, letting it run down and cover the sides.
Top with sprinkles.
Place in the refrigerator to harden and set.
Notes
StorageStore for 3-4 days at room temperature. If you live in a hot climate and your kitchen temperature goes about 80F you may need to keep them refrigerated. You can freeze these for up to 3 months. Tips
Use a sharp cutter and push straight down to make the shapes
Make sure the cutter is a pretty basic shape - a giraffe shape is probably not a good idea
A cake with a texture closer to pound cake works best
Use a sharp, serrated bread knife held horizontally to split the cakes
Add sprinkles to the batter
Use other flavorings in the cake batter - almond, for example
If you place the filled homemade snack cakes on a rack and pour the melted chocolate over it the glaze will be smoother and cover better
Use a thin layer of raspberry jelly underneath the marshmallow filling
Melt some chocolate and drizzle it across the white glaze while it's still wet for the true zebra cake recipe and look
Let these homemade snack cakes dry completely before storing
For longer storage put them in the freezer layered between sheets of waxed paper