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Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Chocolate Zucchini Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the hidden goodness of zucchini. Moist, decadent, and oh so satisfying, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice tonight!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups milk Any milk works perfectly to provide moisture and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar This helps to curdle the milk, acting like buttermilk for extra fluffiness.
  • 3 cups oat flour A gluten-free alternative that gives great texture without being too heavy.
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder This is what makes the cake chocolaty and rich.
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder A great thickening agent, helping to bind the ingredients together.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Works alongside baking soda for a perfect rise.
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce Provides moisture and natural sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup zucchini Shredded, this adds moisture and nutrients without altering the flavor.
  • 1 cup chocolate frosting For that luscious topping that makes every bite a dream.

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. This is a crucial step to ensure that the cake bakes evenly. Grease two 8-inch cake pans and set them aside. You want to ensure your cake doesn’t stick!
  2. In a bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Whisk them together and let the mixture sit for a bit to curdle. This will mimic buttermilk and add moisture to your cake.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the oat flour, cocoa powder, arrowroot powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix them well. You’re creating the dry mix, which is vital for a balanced cake.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk mix, brown sugar, and unsweetened applesauce. Make sure they’re well combined before adding the dry ingredients. This mixture brings sweetness and moisture.
  5. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If you do, your cake could end up dense instead of fluffy.
  6. Fold in the shredded zucchini. This will add moisture and a hint of veggie goodness without changing the flavor. It’s a sneaky way to get some nutrients into your dessert!
  7. Distribute the batter evenly among the two greased cake pans. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s what you want!
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. You’ll want to check around the 35-minute mark. The cake should look puffed and slightly cracked.
  9. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for frosting later on!
  10. When the cakes are completely cool, frost them generously with chocolate frosting. Layer them if you like! Slice and serve, watching everyone’s amazed reactions!

Notes

  • Tip 1: For a richer cake, swap out half the applesauce with olive oil, butter, or vegetable oil.
  • Tip 2: Swap out the oat flour for either all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour.
  • Tip 3: For a low-carb cake, replace the oat flour with blanched almond flour, use allulose as the sweetener, and swap out the applesauce for full-fat yogurt.
  • Tip 4: Swap out the applesauce for either plain yogurt or sour cream.
  • Tip 5: Gluten Free: Use gluten-free oat flour.
  • Tip 6: Make a bundt cake by baking the batter in a bundt pan.