Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Cream Sugar and Fats: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, and butter until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
• Add Zucchini: Fold in the grated zucchini.
• Combine Mixtures: Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk into the sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Make the Frosting:

• Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Stir in vanilla.
• Frost Cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

3. Serve:

• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
• Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or zucchini shreds on top for decoration.

Tips:

• Zucchini: Do not peel the zucchini before grating; the skin helps add more green flecks and nutrients.
• Moisture Content: If your zucchini seems very wet after grating, lightly pat it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Checking Doneness: Since this cake is very moist, make sure the toothpick really does come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Enjoy your Chocolate Zucchini Cake as a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the hidden health benefits of zucchini. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether a casual gathering or a more formal event.