Description
This moist and flavorful zucchini cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season! With a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s warmly spiced and topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting. You’ll be surprised how zucchini melts into the cake, leaving it tender and delicious. A total crowd-pleaser, this easy cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (see note for recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the grated zucchini.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. (Don’t overmix!)
- Stir in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before spreading on a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For the cream cheese frosting, combine 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- You can swap the walnuts for pecans, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a fun variation.
- Make sure to finely grate the zucchini to keep the cake’s texture soft and smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: zucchini cake, moist zucchini cake, zucchini dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe