This page requires that scripting be enabled in your browser to function properly. If you need help enabling scripting, please vist our
technical FAQ page.

Zebra Cake

See how ingenious cooks adapted to food rationing during World War II. See more

READY IN 8+ hrs

Zebra Cake III

Read Reviews (19)

"This easy-to-make icebox cake seems to be as popular today as it was 50 years ago." — Joanne L. Hayes

Ingredients Edit and Save

Watch video tips and tricks

Zebra Cake

One Bowl Chocolate Cake III

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake

Adam’s Apple Cake

Fabulous Fudge Chocolate Cake

German Sweet Chocolate Cake

Tres Leches Cake

Tanya’s Date Cake

Cake Pop Maker

All about Cream

Sugar and Sweeteners

Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla Bean

Original recipe makes 6 servings Change Servings

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (9 ounce) package chocolate wafer cookies
1/4 cup grated chocolate

Check All Add to Shopping List

Directions

Beat cream in a large glass or metal mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the whipped cream should form a sharp peak that holds its shape.
Spread a generous teaspoon of whipped cream on each cookie. Press cookies together to make 3-inch stacks.
Spread a 1-inch wide line of whipped cream down center of a serving platter. Assemble cookie stacks into a log on platter following the line of whipped cream.
Frost cookie log with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate.
Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
To serve, slice diagonally to create striped pieces.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 30 mins
READY IN 8 hrs 30 mins

ADVERTISE WITH US

My family has made this recipe since I was a kid but the cookies can be difficult to find. They are called Famous Chocolate Wafers by Nabisco. They come in a Yellow rectangular box and are usually found on the top shelf in the cookie aisle or with the ice cream toppings. Sometimes they are only available around the holidays. The frosted cookies are laid on their side in a long row and then the whole thing is frosted with more whipped cream. This does not work with Cool Whip! It won't soak into the cookies to make the cake-like filling. This recipe is usually a dessert that the kids help with. They make the stacks of frosted cookies and put them on a plate and I put the cookies on a platter in a row. I save any broken cookies and crush them to sprinkle on the top. We always called this Holiday Log. YUM!

—mary w

See full review »

Apr 26, 2012

My Mom and Dad were married just before WWII. Mom made this cake all the time. My sister and I loved it! It is so easy to make. The cookies turn into cake in the frig. Yum!

—pooky1884

See full review »

22 Ratings

See other versions of this recipe!

Apr 23, 2012

My recently deceased mother in law used to make this. It made me nostalgic for her wonderful Sunday dinners. I am going to surprise my husband as soon as I can get the wafers. It sounds exactly like her delicious recipe which I had forgotten. Thank you!

—Brendaschoen

See full review »

Apr 26, 2012

I never knew this was called zebra cake! Thanks for sharing! This recipe was recently featured in a magazine, but it was done in stacks of 5 cookies, with fruit neatly displayed on top..a very nice and easier-to-serve variation!

—Marymom

See full review »

Jun 22, 2012

For those who have trouble finding the wafers, they are called Famous Chocolate Wafers. A quick Google search turned up online ordering sources and a ubiquitous BigBox store beginning with W. They are made by the Kraft food company. King Arthur Flour has a recipe for homemade wafers.

—Susan Guare

See full review »

Jun 12, 2012

I recently watched a video here on allrecipes about how this recipe came about. I totally set out to make it when I came across the chocolate wafer cookies. What a great and easy plea-z recipe. While I thought the vanilla extract was just a tad to much, that's fine because after it sits and melds with the cookies. It should mellow out some. Thanks for sharing this way. I love making fresh whip topping.

—mis7up

See full review »

Apr 29, 2012

I know this is an excellent recipe and I'd love to make it, but I need to know - Where do I find the wafers????? I've looked everywhere I can think of, where can I buy them?

—lmishaga

See full review »

Jun 08, 2012

This was my mom's go-to special occasion dessert. We loved it! It's now my kids' favorite. At Christmas, I used peppermint extract in the whipped cream and garnished with crushed peppermint candies. I recently found the choc wafers near ice cream cones and toppings at the grocery store...

—Tish

See full review »

Rate This Recipe

Edit

Glad you liked it! Your friends will, too:

Did you tweak the recipe? Edit and save your own version of it!

Edit this recipe

More Recipes Like This See all

Zebra Cake

Zebra Cake

Cake Batter Ice Cream

Dirty Snow Cake

Almond Puff Cake

Broken Glass Cake

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

White Chocolate Mousse Cake

What (Chocolate) Dreams Are Made Of Cake

Meringue Cake with Whipped Cream and Raspberries

ADVERTISE WITH US

Nutrition

Calories
430 kcal
22%

Carbohydrates
38.3 g
12%

Cholesterol
84 mg
28%

Fat
29.7 g
46%

Fiber
1.5 g
6%

Protein
4.3 g
9%

Sodium
270 mg
11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Zebra Cake III

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 430
Calories from Fat: 267

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29.7g 46 %
Saturated Fat 16.5g 83 %
Cholesterol 84mg 28 %
Sodium 270mg 11 %
** Potassium 135mg 4 %
Total Carbohydrates 38.3g 12 %
Dietary Fiber 1.5g 6 %
Protein 4.3g 9 %
Sugars 18.4g
Vitamin A 18 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 7 %
Iron 17 %
** Thiamin 10 %
** Niacin 17 %
** Vitamin B6 2 %
** Magnesium 9 %
** Folate 16 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.