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Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

4.7 from 129 reviews

A rich and moist Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cake that perfectly balances the subtle freshness of zucchini with the deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate. This cake is a decadent treat ideal for chocolate lovers looking to incorporate a vegetable twist for added moisture and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Chocolate and Baking

  • 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Zucchini: Wash and grate the zucchini finely, then gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to avoid a soggy cake batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
  3. Melt Dark Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
  5. Incorporate Zucchini: Fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them together until just blended. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  8. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the zucchini to avoid overly moist cake.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
  • This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
  • Optional: dust with powdered sugar or top with a light frosting for added sweetness.

Keywords: Dark chocolate zucchini cake, moist chocolate cake, vegetable cake, chocolate dessert, healthy chocolate cake