Description

A soft, moist sheet cake infused with cozy spices and shredded zucchini, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts. An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

2 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves (or allspice)

3 large eggs, room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

¾ cup vegetable oil

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla extract

1½ cups shredded zucchini, patted dry

8 oz block-style cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)

2½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for frosting)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Roughly chopped walnuts for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
In another bowl, whisk eggs with granulated and brown sugar until well combined. Add oil, applesauce, and vanilla; whisk again.
Stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined, then fold in zucchini.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cake cool completely before frosting.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, salt, and vanilla; beat until creamy.
Spread frosting over cooled cake. Top with chopped walnuts. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use two 8-inch round pans or muffin tins for variation—adjust bake time accordingly.
Try vanilla buttercream, salted caramel drizzle, or glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for extra texture.
No need to peel the zucchini—skin softens during baking and adds visual appeal.
Always pat zucchini dry to avoid excess moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 330
Sugar: 27g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg