Description
Classic zucchini cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring the unique taste of zucchini combined with a warm hint of cinnamon. Softened cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness, providing a delightful contrast to the subtly spiced cake. This easy-to-make recipe involves straightforward steps, from mixing basic pantry ingredients to folding in the grated zucchini, resulting in a deliciously moist cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix.
- Fold in the zucchini and walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy to make the frosting.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Notes
For substitutions, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or almond flour for all-purpose flour. To make ahead, bake the cake without frosting, wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to two days. Frost when ready to serve. For storage, refrigerate leftover cake for up to a week. Ensure even baking by squeezing excess moisture from zucchini. If the cake sinks, ensure baking soda and powder are fresh.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Classic Zucchini Cake