Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini, not squeezed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or spray with a non-stick baking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Gently fold in the grated zucchini. The batter will be thick, and it will seem like a lot of zucchini, but it will bake down beautifully.
Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out with a spatula if necessary.
Step 7: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost as desired or simply dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, ensure your zucchini is fresh and not overly large. Dutch-processed cocoa powder yields a richer, darker chocolate flavor. The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg