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Easy Zucchini Cake Recipe: How to Make Zucchini Cake

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jul 13, 2024 • 3 min read

For a carrot cake alternative guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth, give this ultra-moist zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting a try.

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What Is Zucchini Cake?

Zucchini cake is a dense treat that involves folding shredded zucchini into a classic cake batter for a rich, moist texture. Diners can enjoy zucchini cake—which features tangy cream cheese frosting—for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea or as a dessert.

4 Tips for Making Zucchini Cake

Follow these tips to make the best zucchini cake possible.

  1. 1. Squeeze out excess liquid. Zucchini squash has a high water content, which can adversely affect the baking process. To prevent the excess moisture from affecting the texture of your cake, press the shredded zucchini beforehand with cheesecloth, a tea towel, mesh sieve, or colander.
  2. 2. Mix the batter just right. Overmixing this ultra-moist cake batter will result in a stodgy, dense loaf. For a pillowy, moist crumb, mix the zucchini cake batter until just combined.
  3. 3. Experiment with additions. Zucchini cake is an excellent canvas for different flavors and additions. To make chocolate zucchini cake, fold in a ½ cup of chocolate chips or a spoonful of cocoa powder. Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet note. Mix chopped nuts (like walnuts and pecans) into the batter for some crunch. Recreate a classic spiced cake by adding warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves to the batter. Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical take on the classic.
  4. 4. Store properly. Store frosted zucchini cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Unfrosted zucchini cake will keep well covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, wrap the unfrosted slices of cake in plastic wrap, and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake slices at room temperature before eating.

Easy Zucchini Cake Recipe

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3 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

prep time

30 min

total time

1 hr 15 min

cook time

45 min

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups zucchini, grated and drained
- 4 ripe strawberries, sliced, to garnish

For the cream cheese frosting:
- ½ cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon whole milk

Make the cake:

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 9x13-inch sheet cake pan with nonstick spray.

  2. 2

    In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until combined. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

  4. 4

    With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter just comes together.

  5. 5

    Stir the zucchini into the cake batter until evenly distributed.

  6. 6

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and transfer it to the oven. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted through the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

  7. 7

    Remove the baking pan from the oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature, about 30–40 minutes.

Make the frosting and assemble:

  1. 1

    When the cake is almost cool, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer.

  2. 2

    Sift together the powdered sugar and salt and add to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until smooth.

  3. 3

    Add the milk and mix until smooth.

  4. 4

    Spread the frosting over the top of the cooled cake and decorate with sliced strawberries, if using. Slice and serve.

Note: The total time does not include 40 minutes of inactive time.

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