Deluxe Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Rich, moist chocolate zucchini cake with nuts and raisins, combining deep chocolate flavor with fresh zucchini for a wholesome, indulgent treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 c. unbleached flour ⓘ
- 1 c. whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 4 large eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins or chopped dates ⓘ
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 12-cup Bundt pan or two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans; dust lightly with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins or chopped dates, and shredded zucchini.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened chocolate. You can also substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter cake. If you're looking for a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts altogether. Using a combination of raisins and chopped dates can add a delightful sweetness. Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Deluxe Chocolate Zucchini Cake as a decadent dessert or a sweet snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Butterscotch Sundae Sauce for a delightful twist. Consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deluxe Chocolate Zucchini Cake contains roughly 348 calories, with 8g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the unbleached and whole wheat flours. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
For a vegan version, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also use flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).