Description
This rich and tender chocolate zucchini cake is the perfect dessert to surprise and delight. It’s deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist thanks to the shredded zucchini, and adaptable for any occasion. No one will believe a vegetable helped make a cake this irresistible. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be served plain, frosted, or paired with ice cream. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a weeknight treat, this cake will win hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium)
- Optional: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
- Grate zucchini finely and set aside. Do not squeeze out moisture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until creamy.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in shredded zucchini. Batter will loosen as zucchini blends in.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
- Pour batter into the pan. Smooth top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Serve plain or frosted.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stop stirring once everything is combined.
- Zucchini skin is thin and edible—no need to peel.
- Add espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
- Let the cake rest overnight for even more flavor.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290