Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Grate the Zucchini: Using a box grater or food processor, grate the zucchini. Place it in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cacao powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in grated zucchini.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your moist and fudgy zucchini chocolate cake.
Notes
- For best results, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute almond flour for a different texture, but expect a denser cake.
- This cake pairs well with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra decadence.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to add nuts or berries into the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Healthy Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour), Vegetarian, Nut-Free (if nut-free ingredients are used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg