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A slice of freshly baked Zucchini Cake topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, garnished with finely chopped zucchini and a bright yellow flower for a beautiful finishing touch.

Zucchini Cake

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This moist and flavorful zucchini cake is paired with a delicious brown butter cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients:
  • 2and ½ cups 313g all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup 240ml vegetable oil or neutral oil like avocado or canola
  • 1and ¼ cups 250g packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
  • 1 cup 240g unsweetened applesauce room temperature
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1and ¾ cups 210g shredded zucchini no need to blot
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • ¼ cup 56g unsalted butter cut into 4 slices
  • 8 ounces 226g full-fat brick cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 and ½ cups 300g confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Gently fold in the shredded zucchini until evenly incorporated.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil around the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
  6. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. To make the frosting, melt the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter foams, then begins to brown with a nutty aroma. Pour into a heatproof bowl, scraping up any browned solids, and let it cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator to solidify.
  8. Once the brown butter has solidified, beat it in a large bowl with a mixer until smooth. Add the cream cheese and continue beating until fully combined and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on high for 2 minutes.
  9. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 125gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 6mg

Notes

A perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg with a sweet, moist texture. The brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty touch that perfectly complements the cake.

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