This Best-Ever Zucchini Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that transforms simple garden zucchini into a bakery-style treat. Made with freshly grated zucchini, this easy zucchini cake recipe is perfect for any occasion.
The addition of shredded zucchini keeps it extra moist without tasting ‘veggie,’ making it a hit even with picky eaters. Once cooled, it’s topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness.
Overview of Zucchini Cake
The Zucchini Cake Recipe stands out as a delightful dessert that transforms simple garden zucchinis into a moist and flavorful treat. This cake is not just a clever way to use up extra zucchini; it’s a delicious dessert that appeals to everyone, even those who might be hesitant about vegetables in their sweets.
With its tender crumb and subtle spice, this cake can be enjoyed in various forms, whether as a Zucchini Bundt Cake, a sheet cake, or layered dessert. The addition of freshly grated zucchini keeps the cake moist without imparting any vegetable taste, making it an easy Zucchini Cake Recipe that even picky eaters will love.
Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting
The crowning glory of this Moist Zucchini Cake is its rich cream cheese frosting. This frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced flavors of the cake. Made with softened cream cheese and butter, it’s whipped to a smooth consistency, making it easy to spread over the cooled cake.
For those looking to elevate their dessert, a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. This combination of moist cake and creamy frosting is sure to impress at any gathering.
Preparation and Baking Tips
Preparing this Zucchini Cake is straightforward and requires minimal time. The process begins with preheating the oven and greasing your chosen cake pan. Mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another ensures a well-combined batter.
When combining the mixtures, it’s important to mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s fluffy texture. If desired, you can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture, creating a delightful Chocolate Zucchini Cake variation.
Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Zucchini Cake is perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
For a more festive presentation, consider layering the cake and frosting for a stunning display. Each slice reveals the tender crumb and moist interior, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once baked and frosted, this Zucchini Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld, and the cake remains moist for several days. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert that can be prepared in advance for gatherings.
If you have leftovers, they can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can savor the Best Zucchini Cake Recipe even weeks later!
Nutrition Information
This delightful dessert serves approximately 12 slices, making it a great option for sharing. Each slice contains around 350 calories, with a balance of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The inclusion of zucchini adds a touch of nutrition, making this cake a more wholesome choice compared to traditional desserts.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, this Moist Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Delicious Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist zucchini cake features a tender crumb and a subtle spice, perfect for serving as a bundt cake, sheet cake, or layered dessert. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 12 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan or sheet cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the vegetable oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g