Zebra Cream Pie (Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding Layers)

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Sneak Preview: This striped chocolate and vanilla pudding pie is as fun to make as it is to slice. Layered inside a chocolate crumb crust and chilled until set, this zebra pie uses a microwave pudding method for silky texture with no double boiler needed. Includes a video showing how to layer the stripes.

Zebra pie with slices to show interesting layersPin

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If you’re craving a fun dessert with familiar flavors but a playful twist, this Zebra Pie delivers. Each time you make it, the striped layers turn out a little different—just like a zebra’s unique pattern. You won’t know exactly what it looks like until you cut that first slice… and that’s half the fun.


What Makes This One Worth Sharing

  • Tastes like chocolate cream pie—with a playful twist in every slice
  • No-fuss store-bought crust makes slicing (and serving) easy
  • Silky microwave pudding means no tempering, no double boiler, no lumps

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Store-bought is easiest to slice cleanly, but graham cracker or homemade crumb crusts also work.
  • BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE: Use any dark chocolate that melts well—chips, chunks, or chopped bar.
  • MILK: Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2%, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be substituted.
  • SUGAR: White granulated sugar works best for smoothness.
  • FLOUR: Used to thicken the pudding—no cornstarch needed.
  • EGG YOLKS: Adds richness and structure. Save the whites for meringue or another recipe.
  • BUTTER + VANILLA: Stirred in at the end to enhance flavor and texture.
  • HEAVY CREAM, POWDERED SUGAR, VANILLA: For whipped cream topping; or use Cool Whip if preferred.
  • CHOPPED CHOCOLATE (optional): Sprinkle over the top for garnish.

Step-by-Step for Making the Pie Filling

➊ Microwave the chocolate and set it aside.
➋ Blend the milk, sugar, flour, salt, and yolks.
➌ Microwave the mixture, whisking often, until thick.
➍ Stir in butter and vanilla, then divide in half.
➎ Mix melted chocolate into one half.
➏ Let both fillings cool briefly.
➐ Layer the fillings in the crust, alternating vanilla and chocolate.
➑ Cover, flatten gently, and chill at least 4 hours.

💡 Tips That Make a Difference

  • Blend the filling for a smooth start, then microwave for 6–9 minutes, whisking often. Keep cooking if it isn’t thick—it should coat a spoon.
  • Microwave ovens vary. Don’t worry if you overcook the filling—just whisk well and strain to remove lumps.
  • The filling thickens more as it cools. If the chocolate portion gets too stiff to spread, whisk in a little milk.
  • Chill the pie at least 4 hours before slicing. If it’s too soft, the stripes will blur along the edges.
  • Prefer the stovetop? A double boiler will work—just stir constantly to avoid scorching.

Plan ‘B’


If your layers blur or the filling shifts, take a knife and gently swirl the cream like you meant to do it all along. Call it Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding Swirl Pie—no one will know the difference.

Chocolate and Vanilla Swirled PiePin

slice of Zebra Cream PiePin
Yield: 10 slices

Zebra Cream Pie (Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding Layers)

This playful pudding pie features alternating layers of homemade chocolate and vanilla cream inside a crumb crust. The filling cooks in the microwave—no tempering or double boiler needed. Chill well before slicing to show off the zebra stripes.
5 from 10 votes
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Video

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 28 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 prepared chocolate crumb crust (I use store-bought)

Cream Filling:

  • 2 ounces (56 g) bittersweet chocolate
  • 2 cups (454 g) of milk
  • ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
  • cup (40 g) flour
  • teaspoon salt
  • 3 large (54 g) egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup (227 g) cold heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • finely-chopped chocolate for garnish optional

Instructions

Cream Filling:

  • Melt 2 ounces (56 g) bittersweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power for 2 minutes, stirring once. Set aside.
  • Blend 2 cups (454 g) of milk, 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, 1/3 cup (40 g) flour, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 3 large (54 g) egg yolks until smooth.
  • Pour into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 5–9 minutes, whisking after minute 4 and each minute after, until thick and creamy. (If not thick, keep adding time until it thickens. Microwave ovens vary wildly.)
  • Whisk in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Pour half into the bowl of melted chocolate and stir until smooth. Let both puddings cool 5–10 minutes before assembling.

Assembling the Pie:

  • Pour half of the vanilla pudding into 1 prepared chocolate crumb crust and spread it evenly
  • Add half the chocolate pudding into the center and spread gently, leaving a vanilla border.
  • Repeat with the remaining vanilla and chocolate, creating a slight mound.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and gently press to level the top. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Whipped Cream Topping:

  • Beat 1 cup (227 g) cold heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  • Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks.
  • Spread over chilled pie and garnish with chopped chocolate, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.

FAQs About Zebra Pie

Will the pudding thicken more after cooking?

Yes. It firms up significantly as it cools, especially after chilling in the fridge.

Can I use pudding mix instead of homemade?

Yes—one box each of chocolate and vanilla pudding mix will work, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as rich.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dessert that brings smiles before the first bite. Whether your stripes turn out crisp or swirl into abstract art, the familiar chocolate and vanilla flavors always deliver. If you enjoy making cream pies, you might also like my Speedy Microwave Chocolate Cream Pie or this Microwave Pastry Cream that’s perfect for Banana or Coconut Cream Pie.

Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!

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5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love this. I always wanted to make the cake but just never have. I think I would like the pie better over the cake anyway and I’ll have to give this a try. 🙂 Love the first picture!

  2. cocidodesopa says:

    5 stars
    Up to now, what I had seen was a zebra cake, but a zebra cream pie? It looks delicious, and the best of all: how easy to make!

    Cheers!

  3. 5 stars
    That is really cool looking Paula, what fun! You make it look easy. PS. I still haven’t made the honey wheat bread I’m out of town now for 3 weeks, but I will be making it soon.

  4. 5 stars
    Paula, this is brilliant! Your creativity is so inspiring. Gorgeous top shot of that slice of pie! Yum! Who doesn’t love a no-bake pie and lord knows anything we can do to keep the heat down during the summer in Texas, is a good thing! xo

  5. I love this idea! I’ve made zebra cake before, but I’m more than a little obsessed with pastry cream so this is perfect for me. My husband just saw your photo and said, “You’ve got to make that!” Done deal.

  6. Oh, this is a stunner. And what a plus that you can make it w/o turning on the oven.

  7. Chung-Ah @ Damn Delicious says:

    This pie has such great color contrast. Looks gorgeous. Well done!

  8. 5 stars
    I love this. I always wanted to make the cake but just never have. I think I would like the pie better over the cake anyway and I’ll have to give this a try. 🙂 Love the first picture!

  9. TheKitchenWitch says:

    Genius! And I love the name 🙂

  10. This looks too cool!!!!!! And it photographs well:+)

  11. Wow, this looks so cool! Not to mention finger licking good. Love how you came up with the “zebra pie”. 🙂

  12. Looks fantastic! I am going to have to try this one out- perfect for bringing to a BBQ!

  13. cocidodesopa says:

    5 stars
    Up to now, what I had seen was a zebra cake, but a zebra cream pie? It looks delicious, and the best of all: how easy to make!

    Cheers!

  14. 5 stars
    That is really cool looking Paula, what fun! You make it look easy. PS. I still haven’t made the honey wheat bread I’m out of town now for 3 weeks, but I will be making it soon.

  15. It looks gorgeous from both the top and when cut! Wow! Cold and perfect!

  16. Wow Paula! That first shot is awesome. Not only do you make everything look easy but so beautiful as well.

  17. Awesome. I’ve seen zebra cakes, but never pie. I could lick the picture!

  18. This is beautiful! Every time I get a post from you via email, I am in awe of your beautiful, enticing photographs. And the pie recipe looks divine, too! But let’s face it, we eat with our eyes first.

  19. The Café Sucré Farine says:

    Fabulous and so fun, Paula, I LOVE it! Wonderful pictures too!

  20. Oh Paula, you continue to amaze me. This looks so so good. Something this lite and creamy is bound to be low calorie right?????? I know this is bound to be worth it no matter what the calorie count. I will have to make this soon when my sister Judy comes to visit. She won’t believe her eyes! Thanks for another enjoyable post.

  21. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says:

    This is a perfect recipe for my “still without AC” kitchen. A girl needs her treats even when it’s too hot to cook! This pie looks scrumptious- I love the layers! 🙂

  22. 5 stars
    Paula, this is brilliant! Your creativity is so inspiring. Gorgeous top shot of that slice of pie! Yum! Who doesn’t love a no-bake pie and lord knows anything we can do to keep the heat down during the summer in Texas, is a good thing! xo

  23. That would be so cool with meringue on top because when you cut into it it would be a big surprise.

  24. Wow! This is looking yummy by the minute to this pregnant mother of ten! I must find the ingredients and make this NOW!

    I just found your site and I am looking through it. Mmmm. Good ideas and stuff here!

  25. Hi – Is there a link to the recipe somewhere? Thanks.

    1. Not sure why the recipe didn’t show up originally but I think it’s fixed now. Let me know if you still don’t see it.