Description
Chocolate zucchini cake is a moist, decadent dessert made with rich cocoa and tender zucchini. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion, blending chocolatey goodness with hidden veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the grated zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix well. There’s no need to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini; it will keep the cake moist.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with frosting if desired.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
- Frozen zucchini works fine, just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture.
- This cake gets even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax or chia eggs and use a plant-based oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg