Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

A chocolate cake made with... zucchini? That's right. Our secret ingredient to this this totally delicious and not-super-hard-to-make recipe is none other than the ubiquitous summer squash. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals and adds the moist texture to this mouthwatering cake. Such a tempting delight is the perfect treat any time of year. Here's how you make our favorite Chocolate Zucchini Cake:

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

Makes 10-12 servings | Adapted from Simply Recipes

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups regular all-purpose flour, unsifted
• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened cocoa
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup oil (vegetable or avocado)
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs (or sub flax eggs)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 3 cups coarsely shredded zucchini (comes from about 1 pound of zucchini)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar for finishing

Supplies

• Colander or sieve
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Bundt pan
• Wire cooling rack

Cake Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease pan with cooking spray.
2. Shred zucchini and drain in a colander, or a sieve. Press gently to get some of the moisture out. Note, if you have a very dry zucchini, add some water, and then let drain.
3. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Place your oil and sugar into a mixer. Beat until smooth.
5. Add the eggs to the mix one at a time, beating well after each egg.
6. Remove bowl from mixer. Use a wooden spoon to incorporate the vanilla, orange peel, and zucchini. Fold in nuts, if using. 
7. Pour batter into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth and level the batter.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto wire rack to cool completely.
9. Sift powdered sugar over cake
10. Serve and enjoy!