Zucchini cake is a delicious and moist dessert that incorporates fresh zucchini into the batter. It’s a great way to use up surplus zucchini, and the vegetable adds moisture and a subtle flavor to the cake. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic zucchini cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium-sized zucchinis)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Optionally, you can garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or grated lemon zest.
- Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious zucchini cake!
This zucchini cake is a wonderful combination of moist texture and sweet flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
