Your dinner guests will be in awe of this gorgeous, yet easy to make, Surprise-Inside CHOCOLATE COCONUT ZEBRA CAKE topped with ganache and sweet coconut flakes. (I first shared this Coconut Zebra Cake recipe on Handle the Heat where I am a contributor.)
If you follow me on Instagram Stories you’ll know I ran a half marathon the other weekend. Right after running all I could think about was eating a big giant cake. I mean, gotta replenish all those calories, right?! But I’ll be honest with you, the reason I run is so I can eat more cake, brownies, ice cream, cookies… Ha! I have really grown to love running though. It’s really empowering and I love being able to enjoy the beautiful Earth and just have time to think without any distractions. If you haven’t given long distance a try, I highly recommend it… as well as this Coconut Zebra Cake!
Who doesn’t love to eat pretty desserts!? Unfortunately sometimes the most gorgeous desserts don’t taste good because it was turned more into an art project and the fact that people would be eating it was an after thought.
This Coconut Zebra Cake on the other hand is beautiful AND tastes phenomenal. Plus, it’s really not that difficult to make.
With this beauty you don’t even have to worry about choosing between chocolate and vanilla, you get both! With each slice of cake, you get to see the stunning zebra stripes. 
To create the zebra stripes all you have to do is divide the batter in two, add cocoa powder to one, and then alternate layering the batters into the pan. So simple.
If you don’t like chocolate (you crazy!) you can still use this recipe and technique. Divide the batter in two and then add food coloring to one (or add another color to the other batter) and proceed as normal.
I topped this cake with ganache because it makes cakes and cupcakes look and taste amazing!!! Remember these Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes, Banana Split Cupcakes, Raspberry Chocolate Swiss Roll, Samoa Cupcakes…
Chocolate Coconut Zebra Cake
Chocolate Coconut Zebra Cake
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Batter:
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 6 tablespoons coconut milk or whole milk
For the White Batter:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 5 eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup coconut milk or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces 2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325. Grease a bundt pan with shortening and then flour.
- In a mixing bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar and flour together. Mix in the milk and then set aside.
- In an other mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl or an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together for 2 minutes. Beat in one egg at a time adding an additional after each is mixed in. Mix in the vanilla and coconut extract.
- Alternate between mixing in the flour mixture and the coconut milk in three batches until smooth.
- Add 2 cups of the batter to the chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Then mix 2 tablespoons milk to the vanilla batter (this will help make the batter thinner and work better to create the stripes).
- Spoon about 1/4 cup vanilla batter into each side of the bundt pan (I like to use a spring release ice cream scoop). Then spoon 1/4 cup chocolate batter on top of the vanilla batter. Continue layering spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter. Occasionally give the pan a gently shake to help the batter spread.
- Place in the bundt pan in the center of the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes and then remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Glaze:
- Place chocolate and extract in a bowl and pour hot coconut milk (or cream) on top. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit for 2 minutes and then whisk together until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes and then pour over the top of the bundt cake. Sprinkle with coconut. Slice and serve.
Adapted from Southern Living and Bakers Royale
More amazing looking and tasting cakes to try: 
Raspberry Chocolate Swiss Roll
Paige
April 18, 2017 at 9:34 pmThis cake looks amazing! I need it in my life!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Melanie
May 8, 2017 at 10:14 pmThank you Paige! And yes, you do. 🙂
Jen
May 20, 2017 at 11:08 amThis looks relish and I really want to make it but just need some clarification, are you using canned coconut milk or the stuff that’s is like almond milk? Thanks!
Melanie
May 21, 2017 at 12:55 pmJen, The one from a can that you find in the international aisle. Use the full fat one, not lite.
Valeria
May 22, 2017 at 1:32 pmThis cake looks so pretty. I am searching for a recipe to make for when my mom comes ot visit this Wednesday. Something yummy to eat with coffee. If you have any other ideas or recommendations please let me know. Want something that’s tasty and also looks a bit different/impressive 🙂
Melanie
May 22, 2017 at 10:37 pmValeria, Thank you! This would be perfect! I also have a few coffee cakes and scones that you might like too. Have fun!
Amna
May 27, 2017 at 11:52 amSuch a beautiful looking cake!
Melanie
May 30, 2017 at 10:16 pmThank you Amna!
Ellen
June 6, 2017 at 2:21 pmMade this today. Looks lovely and taste great. Thanks for sharing.
Ellen
June 6, 2017 at 2:23 pmMade this today. Looks lovely taste great. Thanks for sharing
Melanie
June 23, 2017 at 8:23 pmEllen, So happy to hear it turned out for you. 🙂
Tsvei
June 10, 2017 at 10:00 amI made this for Book Club the other night and everyone loved it. Thank you so much for the amazing recipes!\\\\\\\
Tsvei
June 10, 2017 at 10:18 amI make this Book Club the other night and it’s was fantastic!
Melanie
June 23, 2017 at 8:17 pmThat’s awesome! Glad it was a hit!