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Zucchini Cake

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๐Ÿฅ’ Moist and tender zucchini cake that uses up summer garden bounty in the most delicious way possible
๐Ÿฐ One-bowl preparation makes this beginner-friendly cake perfect for busy bakers who want impressive results

  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and a soft texture for the cake base

2 teaspoons baking powder Helps the cake rise light and fluffy

3/4 teaspoon baking soda Works with applesauce for extra lift and tenderness

1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds warm spice that complements zucchini perfectly

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Brings a subtle nutty depth to the moist zucchini cake

1 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake incredibly moist without greasiness

1 1/4 cups packed light or dark brown sugar Offers rich molasses notes for depth

1/2 cup granulated sugar Provides clean sweetness to round out the mix

1 cup unsweetened applesauce Replaces some oil for moisture and natural fruitiness

4 large eggs Binds ingredients and adds richness

1 tablespoon vanilla extract Boosts overall flavor harmony

1 3/4 cups shredded zucchini Adds moisture, mild taste, and nutrition

1/4 cup unsalted butter Browns for nutty, caramel-like taste

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese Creates creamy, tangy frosting

2 1/2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar Sweetens smoothly without graininess

1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the frosting’s flavor profile

pinch of salt Cuts sweetness for perfect balance

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Pan Heat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC). Grease a quarter sheet pan well. This sets up for even baking. For gluten-free, use parchment for easy release; vegan folks, opt for oil spray.

2-Second Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. This ensures even distribution. Use GF flour here for dietary adaptations.

3-Third Step: Combine Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup room-temperature unsweetened applesauce, 4 large room-temperature eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth. For low-fat, swap half oil with more applesauce; vegan, use flax eggs.

4-Fourth Step: Blend Wet and Dry Pour wet mixture into dry. Whisk until just smooth, no lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep texture tender. Batter comes together quickly for this simple zucchini cake.

5-Fifth Step: Fold in Zucchini Gently fold in 1 3/4 cups shredded zucchini. Use medium ones, no peeling or blotting needed. This adds moisture key to the moist zucchini cake.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the Cake Pour batter into pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes. Tent with foil at 30 minutes if browning fast. Toothpick test: clean or few crumbs. Metal pans bake quicker than glass. Adjust for formats: cupcakes 19 to 21 minutes, layers 26 to 32 minutes, bundt 55 to 70 minutes.

7-Seventh Step: Cool Completely Let cool in pan on wire rack fully, about 2 to 3 hours. This prevents soggy frosting.

8-Eighth Step: Make Frosting Brown 1/4 cup butter pieces over medium heat until golden flecks appear, cool, then chill until solid. Beat until creamy, add 8 ounces softened cream cheese, beat smooth. Mix in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, pinch salt. Beat low then high for fluff. Vegan: use plant-based alternatives.

9-Final Step: Frost and Serve Spread frosting on cooled zucchini cake. Slice into 12 servings. Enjoy fresh or chilled. Store covered in fridge up to 5 days.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿฅ’ Use medium zucchinis to yield about 1 3/4 cups shredded; do not squeeze out the moisture as it keeps the cake moist
๐ŸŽฏ For different formats: bundt cake bake at 350ยฐF for 55โ€“70 minutes; layer cakes about 26โ€“32 minutes; cupcakes about 19โ€“21 minutes
โ„๏ธ You can make the cake ahead and freeze it before frosting – just thaw and frost when ready to serve

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 35
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4
  • Cholesterol: 65