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Squares of chocolate zucchini cake topped with chocolate frosting.
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5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Rich and indulgent, Chocolate Zucchini Cake is made with a bold, espresso-enriched chocolate batter and bursting with sweet chocolate chips in every bite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, chocolate zucchini cake, dessert, zucchini cake
Servings: 16 servings
Author: Food Dolls

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Zucchini Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cup espresso or strong coffee freshly brewed*
  • 2 medium zucchini grated (~2 heaping cups)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish, and set aside.
  • Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, combine the butter, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  • With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With the mixer still on low, add the coffee, and mix until just combined.
  • Turn off the mixer, and use a spatula to fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
  • In the meantime, prepare the frosting by adding the heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until hot. Add the chocolate chips, and let stand for 1-2 minutes.
  • Whisk the mixture together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined. Stir in the vanilla and espresso. Set aside to chill for 20 minutes.
  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Slice, and serve.
  • Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

*If needed, feel free to use decaf coffee. 
Shred the zucchini with a box grater, and blot off excess moisture gently with a paper towel. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 492IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 3mg