Easy Halloween Cake Recipe (zebra cake)

Start by preparing the cake: Grease and flour your pan (this is not necessary if you are using a silicone mold). In a large bowl, mix the oil, sugar, orange juice, and eggs until you obtain a smooth mixture (avoid using an electric mixer to prevent incorporating too much air into the mixture). Divide the preparation into two equal parts. To one part, add 175 g of flour with 1 level teaspoon of baking powder and mix to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Add the orange food coloring until you reach the desired shade. To the other part, add the remaining flour (125 g) with 1 level teaspoon of baking powder, then add the unsweetened cocoa and mix to obtain a smooth mixture. Add black food coloring until you reach the desired shade. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In the center of the pan, alternately pour three heaping tablespoons of each batter (one on top of the other) and repeat the process until both batters are used up; the batter will spread out on its own and form a sort of target. Bake for about 40 minutes (this is an average time that may vary depending on the oven), then check the doneness using the blade of a knife; it should come out clean (if not, extend the baking time). Unmold and let cool on a wire rack.

To finish, when the cake has completely cooled, proceed with the icing: Start by preparing the white fondant by mixing the powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of water. Pour the mixture into a piping bag or a resealable bag and set it aside. Next, prepare the chocolate frosting by pouring the cream into a saucepan and bringing it to a boil over medium heat. While the cream heats, chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl. When the cream is boiling, pour it over the chocolate. Let it rest for about a minute, then mix well until the mixture is smooth. Drizzle the frosting over the cake and smooth it out with a spatula. Using the previously prepared white fondant, create a spiral starting from the center of the cake. With a knife or toothpick, starting at the center, pull the lines outward to form a web.