Recipes

Zucchini Cake

RECIPE BY: San

DATE: September 19, 2025

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This zucchini cake is incredibly moist and tender, like carrot cake. Grated zucchini adds sweetness and keeps it moist, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting aroma.

And let’s not forget the cinnamon cream cheese frosting—it ties all the flavors together beautifully.

For best flavor, use freshly grated zucchini and pure vanilla. Lighten it up with powdered sugar or melted chocolate instead of frosting—either way, this zucchini cake is always a hit!

You can also experiment with different types of zucchini, like green, yellow, or striped. Each variety brings unique flavors and textures to the cake, making it truly special. Add some chopped nuts for crunch or chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. The possibilities are endless!

No matter how you serve it, this zucchini cake will make an impression. Its comforting spices and sweet cream cheese frosting will make it a favorite in no time. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Tips for Zucchini Cake

  • Get creative with your mix-ins. Nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut can add delightful textures and flavors to your cake.
  • If you need to balance the sweetness or the moisture of the cake, reduce the sugar slightly, or if it’s too moist, consider adding a bit more flour.
  • If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature (unfrosted), covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. If your cake is frosted, cover it and store it in the refrigerator; see below.
  • For longer storage (up to a week), refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe Variations

Zucchini cake is a versatile canvas for experimenting with various mix-ins. Here are some creative options to consider:

  • Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.”
  • Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add the perfect crunch.
  • Sprinkle in lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist that complements the zucchini.
  • Add cardamom, allspice, or cloves to give your cake a warm, unexpected flavor.

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collage image of zucchini cake with recipe title

Zucchini Cake

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 656 kcal
This zucchini cake is incredibly moist and tender, like carrot cake. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the flavors.
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Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups oil
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 3 1/4 cups zucchini grated

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (165 degrees C) convection bake. Lightly grease one (1) – 9×13 pan.
  • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the shredded zucchini and stir it in. Finally, pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a tester inserted into each layer comes out clean, about 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool, until the bottom of the pan is cool to the touch.
  • Make the frosting.
    Beat cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in confectioner's sugar, a little at a time, until smooth. Stir in vanilla and add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Get the directions for the full recipe here.

Calories: 656kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 5gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 1gSugar: 62gVitamin A: 511IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg

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Hey, I'm Sandra! At A Dash of Sanity, you'll discover family-friendly recipes for every occasion. Whether it's speedy dinners or delectable desserts, I'm here to make your mealtime delicious, simplify your holiday baking, and unite your loved ones around the table.

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6 Comments

  6. This zucchini cake looks amazing. You’ve done a really great job. It was a pleasure to eat this dessert. After eating this zucchini cake, I realized what a great idea it was to use zucchini sweetly. Thank you!

    Reply