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A slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on a white plate, with a gold fork beside it. In the background, whole zucchinis and a tray of additional cake are visible.
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Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

Moist Chocolate Zucchini cake is made with cocoa powder and shredded zucchini, topped with chocolate frosting.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 slices
Author: Dorothy Kern
Cost: $10

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 1 ¾ cups (217g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200g) lightly packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (220g) shredded zucchini

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • ¼ cup (20g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (226g) powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch rectangular cake pan. You can also use nonstick baking spray (the kind with flour).
  • Whisk salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cocoa, and flour in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs until beaten, then whisk in oil, vanilla and both sugars. Whisk until well combined.
  • Using a spatula, stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in zucchini.
  • Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly pressed.
  • Let the cake completely cool before removing from the pan and frosting.

To make the frosting:

  • Whisk cocoa, salt, and powdered sugar (sift if the cocoa is lumpy).
  • Add butter to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar cocoa mixture and mix until crumbly; add vanilla.
  • Add enough cream to make the mixture come together; beat at least 1 full minute before adding more cream to desired consistency.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

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