The Best Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (318 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk (see note)
- ½ cup (113 g) melted coconut oil, avocado oil, canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cups (283 g) finely shredded zucchini
- 1 ½ cups (213 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (43 g) natural, unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. I always use an aluminum/metal baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, sugar, buttermilk and oil.
- Stir in the shredded zucchini.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, soda and baking powder.
- Stir until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25-35 minutes until the top springs back lightly to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely.
- Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened chocolate whipped cream (see note) or spread with chocolate frosting and cut into squares.
Notes
Zucchini: I don't squeeze any excess liquid out of the zucchini for this recipe; however, previously frozen, shredded zucchini tends to be a bit more liquidy so if using thawed zucchini that's been frozen, you might drain slightly.
Frosting: this cake is delicious all by itself! But it's also super tasty with chocolate frosting or my favorite, lightly sweetened chocolate whipped cream. For the cream, combine 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process cocoa powder is delicious here but you can use natural, unsweetened too), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Whip until thick and creamy.
Bundt Pan: my Aunt Marilyn says this recipe works great in a bundt pan - bake for about 45-50 minutes.
Buttermilk: here are some buttermilk substitutions if you don't have buttermilk on hand.