• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Simply So Good

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Cakes and Cupcakes / Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

September 2, 2019 Updated February 7, 2020 2 Comments

141shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
overhead shot of chocolate zucchini cake with hibiscus icing, 2 slices on plates

Deep-dark Chocolate Zucchini Cake is extremely moist, made with buttermilk and shredded zucchini.  This chocolate cake recipe turns out perfect every time and can be baked in just about any size or shape of the pan. Iced with Hibiscus Swiss Meringue Buttercream.

chocolate zucchini cake with hibiscus icing one great plate with black background

Chocolate Zucchini Cake is what I love to make with the overabundance of zucchini I have in my garden this time of year.  I have grilled, stir-fried, casseroled, and sauteed zucchini almost daily this summer because I’m trying to be so healthy.  Now it’s time for chocolate cake!

overhead shot of chocolate zucchini cake with hibiscus icing, 2 slices on plates

Why Mix Zucchini Into a Cake?

Zucchini is nutrient-rich in vitamins and minerals.  It contains calcium, some sugars, carbohydrates, and a little protein.  Mostly zucchini contains water!  Over 90% of zucchini is water which makes the perfect addition to cake batter to create an extremely moist cake.   After baking a cake with shredded zucchini you won’t be able to find the zucchini back in the cake, nor will it taste like it.  Because most of the zucchini is water, it will disappear into the cake and be soaked up by the flour and cocoa powder. The structure of a zucchini breaks down because of the heat and literally disappears. And this is why my husband will eat chocolate zucchini cake…because he thinks it is just chocolate cake!  

How to make Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Cake ingredients measured into bowls, 2 zucchini, 2 eggs in bowl1
flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda whisked in glass bowl3
oil in glass measuring cup pouring into egg mixture5
grated zucchini on white plate2
beaten eggs and sugar in bowl of mixer4
cocoa flour mixture in bowl of electric mixer6
  1. Gather and measure all ingredients
  2. Grate 2 cups zucchini and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl whisk or sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until light in color.
  5. With the mixer running, slowly drizzle in oil.  Beat on medium speed until completely combined with the sugar egg mixture
  6. Stir in flour mixture only until combined.
Grated zucchini added to chocolate cake batter7
hot water pouring into chocolate zucchini cake batter8
  1. Stir in grated zucchini
  2. With the mixer on low speed add boiling water.
round cake pan with parchment liner
Three round baked chocolate cakes on cooling rack
Chocolate cake batter in round cake pan on a scale
three round chocolate cakes upside down on a cooling rack parchment peeled off
  1. Generously grease, flour, and line 3 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.  A nonstick baking spray may also be used.
  2. Evenly divide the cake batter between the three prepared pans
  3. Bake in a preheated 350℉ oven.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed or a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the cake.
  4. Allow for the cakes to cool 5 minutes in the pan then carefully tip cake pan upside down to release the cake onto a wire rack to cool.

Tip:

Round chocolate cake wrapped in plastic wrap

This little step will help you create extremely moist cakes every time.  While the cakes are still hot (YES! still hot) wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in the freezer.  I like to make my cakes ahead of time, so this tip works.  They will keep in the freezer for quite a while.  If storing for more than a few days, wrap in plastic THEN wrap in foil.  The cakes will keep for weeks.

If you want to use the cakes the same day, wrap in plastic wrap and cool in the refrigerator for a few hours.  Make sure the cakes are completely cold before icing.

Why Hibiscus Buttercream?

bright pink hibiscus buttercream in bowl showing beater covered with icing
Metal spatula with a dollop of bright pink hibiscus icing

I wanted to create a bright, earthy icing for my chocolate zucchini cake and because I don’t like to use artificial coloring, I decided to reduce a strong hibiscus tea. The result was intense color and flavor that goes really well with my chocolate cake and fresh berry toppings.

overhead shot of layered cake with hibiscus icing topped with blackberries and black currants

Spread hibiscus buttercream icing between layers, on the top, and around the sides.  Top with a mixture of fresh berries and currants, if desired.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  

Simple Hibiscus Syrup Reduction

glass measuring cup with water, gray bowl with dried hibiscus flowers1
dried hibiscus steeping in water2
hibiscus in strainer3
hibiscus water in saucepan4
Reduced hibiscus juice in saucepan5
reduced hibiscus concentrate in small glass bowl6
  1. You will need 1 cup very hot water and 1/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers or loose hibiscus tea
  2. Add dried flowers to hot water.  Allow steeping for 30 minutes.
  3. Strain mixture pressing on the hibiscus to remove as much liquid as possible.  I reused the hibiscus to make myself a tall glass of iced hibiscus tea.😋
  4. Pour liquid into a small saucepan.  Place over medium heat, bring to a boil. 
  5. Continue to boil until liquid is reduced to 2 tablespoons.  It will begin to look like a thick glaze. Watch very carefully so the mixture doesn’t completely boil away.
  6. Pour hibiscus reduction into a small bowl to cool completely.

HIbiscus reduction can be added to a Swiss Meringue Buttercream or any other icing recipe of your choice.  To make Swiss Meringue Buttercream check out my tutorial on how to make this incredibly smooth, velvety icing.  Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream Tutorial.

chocolate cupcake with strawberry icing with whole strawberry on top

Arrange top of the cake with assorted berries, currants, and grated chocolate.

chocolate zucchini cake with hibiscus icing one great plate with black background
5 from 2 votes
Print

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Moist chocolate cake topped with a tangy bright HIbiscus reduction.

Servings 8 servings
Calories 842 kcal
Author Janet Barton

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light flavored olive oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups grated zucchini

Hibiscus Swiss Meringue Buttercream

  • 2/3 cup 150 g egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cups 250 g sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups 340 g butter 1 1/2 cups cut into 1 tbl. cubes or slices
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 Hibiscus reduction

Instructions

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line with a parchment paper. Set aside. In a large bowl sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand-up mixer beat eggs, With the mixer running, slowly add sugar and mix until light yellow in color. Slowly add olive oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and light in color. Beat in flour and cocoa mixture until smooth. Fold in grated zucchini then boiling water. Pour batter into prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Invert cakes onto a cooling rack until completely cool OR for a moister cake immediately wrap in plastic and wrap and place right into a freezer. Can be frozen for several days, or place in a refrigerator until completely cool before using.

Hibiscus Swiss Meringue Buttercream

  1. In a very clean bowl of an electric mixer, add egg whites and sugar. Place over a simmering pot of water, stirring constantly until temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Rub a small amount of the mixture between two fingers to make sure the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Using the whisk attachment, beat until the mixture is a thick meringue and the bottom of the bowl is cool to the touch. The bowl must be cool before adding the butter. Replace the whisk with the paddle attachment. With the mixture on medium-low speed add butter once slice at a time until all of the butter has been incorporated. The mixture should be silky smooth and thick. The mixture may begin to look curdled, keep mixing until it is smooth. This can take 10 minutes or so. Mix in salt and vanilla.
  2. Replace the whisk with the paddle attachment. With the mixture on medium-low speed add butter one slice at a time until all of the butter has been incorporated. The mixture should be silky smooth and thick. The mixture may begin to look curdled, keep mixing until it is smooth. This can take 10 minutes or so. Mix in salt and vanilla. Add hibiscus reduction and keep mixing until the mixture is silky again.

Recipe Notes

Recipe Notes
Chocolate Zucchini Cake batter can be baked in a 9 x 13-pan, 12 x 17-inch sheet pan, two 9-inch round cake pans as well.
This little step will help you create extremely moist cakes every time. While the cakes are still hot (YES! still hot) wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in the freezer. I like to make my cakes ahead of time, so this tip works. They will keep in the freezer for quite a while. If storing for more than a few days, wrap in plastic THEN wrap in foil. The cakes will keep for weeks.

If you want to use the cakes the same day, wrap in plastic wrap and cool in the refrigerator for a few hours. Make sure the cakes are completely cold before icing.

Buttercream can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for several weeks. Thaw frozen buttercream overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature then beat until creamy.
If the buttercream happens to have a curdled look to it, that means it is too cold. Take a warm washcloth and place it on the bottom of the mixing bowl while beating. Continue this process just until the mixture is silky smooth. Not melt the butter!

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 842 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 23g115%
Cholesterol 134mg45%
Sodium 939mg39%
Potassium 283mg8%
Carbohydrates 116g39%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 83g92%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 1210IU24%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

You May Also Like

Overhead shot of Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Blackberry Buttercream on a board with blackberries and fresh thyme
chocolate glazed zucchini cake topped with whipped cream and raspberries
Chocolate Coconut Zucchini Bread

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Cakes and Cupcakes, Dessert

Previous Post: « No-Knead Green Chile Cheddar Bread
Next Post: Southern Peach Cobbler »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tann says

    September 6, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    Just finished eating this cake… HOLY HELL it is AMAZING!!! The hibiscus in the buttercream adds a slight tart taste, that pairs so well with the chocolate! My husband assumed it was a raspberry buttercream. The Zucchini makes the cake incredibly moist too. Thanks for the amazing Recipe SSG!!

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      September 9, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      I know! Thank you so much for your energetic comment. I agree completely! It’s a bit of work, but so worth the effort. 😋

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Janet Barton

Hi I'm Janet and this is where I share my delicious made-from-scratch seasonal recipes that I make at home for my family every day.

I believe cooking from scratch, using unprocessed and whole foods is an important part of healthy eating. My goal is to help you create amazing recipes by providing easy step-by-step photos and instructions.

Read More »

Trending Recipes

  • Slices of No-knead Partially sliced Green Chile Cheddar Bread No-Knead Green Chile Cheddar Bread
  • No-knead Crusty Bread in a Dutch oven No-knead Crusty Bread
  • pink iced heart sugar cookies Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
  • Cheddar Cheese Rolls arranged on a plate Cheddar Cheese Rolls
  • Artisan No-knead Bread
  • Glass of almond milk with 2 gray striped straws on wood board with container of almond milk in background Quick Homemade Almond Milk
  • Semlor buns with dusting of powdered sugar Swedish Semlor Buns
  • Several chocolate drop cookies on white background Chocolate Drop Cookies
  • assortment of sprinkles on heart shape sugar cookies Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
  • overhead shot of sliced cranberry orange pecan bread on a burgundy cloth No-Knead Cranberry Orange Pecan Bread

Subscribe to our email list for exclusive tips and recipes

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Latest on Instagram

simplysogood

My no-knead bread recipes are perfect for holiday My no-knead bread recipes are perfect for holiday prep! Make the dough today, then quickly bake tomorrow! 🎄
PLUS If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive last-minute gift from the kitchen, this no-knead cranberry orange pecan bread is definitely the answer! I have delivered this bread slightly warm wrapped in a cute dishcloth tied up with a bow 🎁
These amazing, yet simple, shortbread cookies have These amazing, yet simple, shortbread cookies have been a holiday tradition in our home for years. I love these little cookies because they are so easy to make — It’s kind of hard to mess up only 4 ingredients!
This German Christmas Stollen is a yeast bread fil This German Christmas Stollen is a yeast bread filled with dried fruit, candied citrus peel, nuts, spices, and a ribbon of marzipan down the center! ❤️ I developed a quick version using my famous no-knead bread dough!
I like to have this spiced cranberry wassail on ha I like to have this spiced cranberry wassail on hand for cold and flu season! ❄️ This wassail is made with cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, a hint of lemon, and then steeped with my favorite holiday spices! I love sipping on wassail when I’m sick, It’s comforting and loaded with vitamin C! And it’s easy to take a jar-full to a sick friend!
Leaving Santa some Norwegian Pepperkaker this Chri Leaving Santa some Norwegian Pepperkaker this Christmas Eve! 🎅🏼 What cookies are you leaving out for Santa Claus this year??
Do you have a tradition of decorating gingerbread Do you have a tradition of decorating gingerbread houses during the holidays? We decided to design them with a more natural look this year🌲 Instead of candy canes and gumdrops we decided to use nuts, spices, and greenery from my yard
Every Christmas my grandkids ask my daughter to ma Every Christmas my grandkids ask my daughter to make these peanut butter cookies layered with chocolate and a delicious peanut butter glaze! 🎄These chewy peanut butter bars have been a family favorite for decades! Trust me, your family will LOVE them!
These cold winter mornings call for some warming g These cold winter mornings call for some warming gingerbread hot chocolate ❄️ This hot chocolate is like drinking a warm gingerbread truffle in a mug!
It’s officially cookie season! Which makes it m It’s officially cookie season!  Which makes it my favorite season because I love baking cookies and I love eating cookies! 🍪 I’m sharing some of my all-time favorite Christmas cookie recipes for you to bake and share!
Load More... Follow on Instagram


Footer

Featured on

The Daily Meal Logo The foodgawker-logo reddit Logo BuzzFeed Logo halfbaked Harvest Logo Browneyed Baker Logo BLOGHER Logo FOOD52 Logo University of Washington Logo sheknows Logo

Copyright © 2021 Janet Barton
Privacy Policy