The zebra pumpkin and chocolate loaf cake is the perfect choice for an autumn dessert that captivates with its scenic appearance and irresistible flavor. The pumpkin gives the batter a moist and soft texture, while the chocolate creates a delicious contrast both in taste and presentation. Each slice reveals a striped pattern, enchanting both adults and children!
This dessert is ideal to prepare in advance, perfect to accompany a cup of hot tea on colder days. Simple to make and with few ingredients, it’s a recipe that can be easily adapted to gluten-free or lactose-free versions, to satisfy those with particular dietary needs. Discover how to prepare your zebra pumpkin and chocolate loaf cake and tips for achieving an impeccable result!
If you love loaf cakes, take a look here:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 7 oz pumpkin
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 3/4 oz dark chocolate
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Steps
Preparing the pumpkin
To start, prepare the pumpkin puree: cut the pumpkin into pieces and cook it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until soft. Once cooked, mash it with a fork or blend it until smooth and homogeneous.Prepare the base batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and frothy. Gradually add the oil and milk, mixing until incorporated. Add the pumpkin puree and mix well.Add the dry ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then add them to the wet mixture little by little, stirring gently until a homogeneous batter is obtained.Divide the batter and add the chocolate
Divide the batter into two bowls: in one, add the melted dark chocolate and mix until a uniform color is obtained.Create the zebra effect
Take a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Pour a spoonful of pumpkin batter in the center of the pan, then pour a spoonful of chocolate batter on top of the previous one. Continue alternating the two batters until finished. This method will create the zebra effect when the loaf cake is cut.Baking
Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf cake comes out clean. Let it cool completely before slicing to appreciate the striped pattern.
Tips, Storage
• Pumpkin: Prefer a variety like Delica or Butternut, which has dense and sweet flesh. If you want to intensify the flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Zebra effect: For an even more visible effect, try to pour the batters in the center of the pan with precision.
• Storage: The loaf cake stays soft for 3-4 days at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap. You can also freeze it already sliced, so you have a ready slice whenever you want.
Making this loaf cake is really simple, and the final result is a soft, aromatic, and beautiful dessert.
Making this loaf cake is really simple, and the final result is a soft, aromatic, and beautiful dessert.
