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Close-up of a homemade chocolate zucchini cake topped with rich chocolate frosting, showing a moist, dense crumb with tiny flecks of zucchini, captured in soft natural light on a kitchen counter.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

This moist chocolate zucchini cake is rich, fudgy, and filled with deep cocoa flavor. Hidden shredded zucchini adds incredible moisture without overpowering the taste, making this a secretly healthier indulgence.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, spelt, or gluten-free blend
  • 3/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or erythritol
  • 1 cup (240 g) water
  • 1/2 cup (96 g) melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or softened almond butter
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (160 g) shredded fresh zucchini, blotted
  • 1/2 cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and optional chocolate chips.

3. Add water, oil or almond butter, vanilla extract, and shredded zucchini to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

4. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.

5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

6. Cool completely in the pan before frosting. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Notes

Blot excess moisture from zucchini to prevent a gummy texture.

Use fresh baking soda for the best rise.

Swap up to half the oil with Greek yogurt or mashed banana for a lighter cake.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

  • Author: Angelina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chocolate zucchini cake, moist chocolate cake, zucchini dessert