Jean'S Zucchini Cake
A moist zucchini cake with rich chocolate flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers and vegetable enthusiasts, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and subtle spice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons cocoa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups grated zucchini ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter, oil, and sugar together.
- Add eggs, vanilla, milk, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder; gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Stir in grated zucchini.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This will add moisture without excess fat. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa to 5 tablespoons. Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to avoid a soggy cake. If you don't have lemon juice, white vinegar can be a substitute in equal amounts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Zucchini Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. For a delightful combination, try it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad. This cake also makes a great snack or breakfast treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Zucchini Cake contains roughly 724 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may yield a denser texture. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain a lighter cake. This will still provide the health benefits while keeping the cake enjoyable.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also add a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist. If you enjoy spices, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the taste profile of the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can make a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free. This will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy Jean's Zucchini Cake too.
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).