Description
This healthy chocolate zucchini cake is rich, moist, and secretly loaded with veggies! With simple pantry staples and fresh zucchini, you’ll bake a fudgy, irresistible dessert that tastes indulgent while being wholesome enough for everyday treats. Perfect for garden zucchini season or anytime a chocolate craving strikes.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups zucchini, finely grated (no need to peel)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (swap half for whole wheat if desired)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil/olive oil)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Grate zucchini and gently press with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (don’t squeeze dry).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet, stirring until just combined.
Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips. The batter will loosen as the zucchini blends in.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Store at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freezer-friendly: wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
Turn into cupcakes: bake in a lined muffin tin for 18–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220kcl
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Healthy chocolate zucchini cake, moist zucchini cake, chocolate dessert with vegetables, fudgy zucchini cake recipe, garden zucchini recipe