Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

This Chocolate Zucchini Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert -- moist, rich, and incredibly chocolaty, with a hidden veggie twist. Freshly grated zucchini melts into the batter, creating a super tender crumb without adding any detectable vegetable flavor. Whether you're baking for a crowd, sneaking in extra greens, or just craving something deeply satisfying, this easy recipe delivers big on flavor, texture, and surprise.

Why bake bread when you can have cake? This decadent zucchini dessert boasts antioxidants too, with chocolate, whole-wheat flower and walnuts.

Wondering what to do with the abundance of fresh zucchini from your garden or your local market? Bake a chocolate zucchini cake instead of the standard zucchini bread or muffins. Even though it's still a decadent, rich cake, it offers nutrient perks: 60-percent whole-wheat flour for whole-grain goodness, plus canola oil instead of butter for lower saturated fat. Zucchini, pecans and cocoa powder offer good-for-you antioxidants. Cinnamon, espresso powder and orange zest add depth and balance the earthier whole-wheat flour.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

    Prep Time: 15 minutes

    Cook time: 45 minutes

    Yield: Serves 16

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe Ingredients

    1 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour

    1 cup all-purpose flour

    1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

    1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder

    2 teaspoons baking powder

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

    1 3/4 cups sugar

    3/4 cup canola oil

    3 large eggs

    2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest

    2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini (about 2 large)

    1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

    Powdered sugar for sprinkling (about 1 tablespoon)

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously grease and lightly flour a Bundt cake pan or a 10-inch tube pan.

    2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, cocoa, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans.

    3. In a large bowl, combine oil and sugar with an electric mixer until thoroughly blended. Add eggs, vanilla and orange zest and mix well. Fold in zucchini.

    4. Add flour-nut mixture to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Mix just until blended.

    5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

    6. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.

    7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Store at room temperature in tightly covered container.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Nutrition information (per serving)

    310 calories

    5 g protein

    40 g carbohydrates

    15.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated)

    40 mg cholesterol

    235 mg sodium

    144 mg potassium

    61 mg calcium

    2.2 mg iron

    90 IU vitamin A

    3 mg vitamin C

    3 g fiber

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Cake

    Rich and chocolatey flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth.

    The zucchini keeps it moist while adding a healthy twist.

    Easy-to-follow recipe that's perfect for all skill levels.

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Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Walnuts Recipe

Moist, rich, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Zucchini Cake is a dessert that delivers indulgence with a healthy twist. Fresh grated zucchini keeps the cake extra tender and moist, while cocoa powder and chocolate chips give it a decadent, fudgy finish. It's a great way to use up summer produce—and no one will guess there are veggies inside!

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