Easy Zucchini Cake Frosting (Printer-Friendly)
Moist zucchini cake with orange zest and warm spices, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
2 small to medium zucchinis, grated (approximately 14 to 16 ounces)
→ Oils
02 -
120 ml neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
→ Sugars
03 -
200 grams granulated sugar
04 -
50 grams light brown sugar, packed
→ Dry Ingredients
05 -
240 grams all-purpose flour
06 -
5 grams baking powder
07 -
3 grams baking soda
08 -
3 grams ground cinnamon
09 -
1 gram ground nutmeg
10 -
1 gram ground cardamom
11 -
1 gram salt
→ Citrus
12 -
Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 tablespoon)
→ Eggs
13 -
3 large eggs
→ Frosting
14 -
225 grams cream cheese, block, softened
15 -
115 grams unsalted butter, softened
16 -
160 grams powdered sugar
17 -
1 gram ground cinnamon
18 -
1 gram ground nutmeg
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Grate zucchinis and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, oil, and orange zest until smooth and combined.
03 -
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, and salt.
04 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking gently until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
05 -
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
06 -
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
07 -
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate to set if desired before slicing and serving.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For a dairy-free frosting, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives; note the frosting will be softer.
02 -
If using frozen grated zucchini, thaw in the refrigerator and lightly squeeze to remove excess moisture before using.