• 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 Sheet Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake

July 9, 2013 Updated September 2, 2019 20 Comments

141 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Deep-dark and moist Chocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake cut into rounds and layered with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.  Not your average zucchini cake
 

The hot temperatures in Utah have made my garden explode.    I picked my first zucchini on July 2nd and immediately went into the house and made zucchini pancakes.  They were delicious.  

 

Right on schedule the raspberries are ripe and ready around July 4th.  While picking raspberries I noticed I had a basket full of zucchini ready to pick.  Dang!  I have to hide it before it mysteriously ends up on my roof or the garbage cans.

I decided to combine zucchini and raspberries.  I’ll hide the zucchini in a cake, which makes an incredibly moist cake, and top it with raspberries and he will never know.

 
 

 

Spray a 12 x 18-inch baking pan with a non-stick stray or lightly grease and flour.

 

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

 

Spray the parchment with non-stick spray.  This will make it easy to remove the cake from the pan without the cake breaking or sticking.

 

Grate 2 cups fresh zucchini.  Set aside.

 

In a large bowl add 2 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cup cocoa.

 

Add 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.

 

Sift together.

 

Set aside.

 

In a large bowl, add the eggs.

 

Slowly add 2 cups sugar while mixing the eggs.

 

Beat until the mixture is light yellow.

 

While the mixer is running slowly add the 1 cup oil.

 

Add 1/2 cup buttermilk.

 

And 2 teaspoons vanilla.

 

Mix well.

 

Mix the in the flour/cocoa mixture.

 

Fold in shredded zucchini.

 

Add 1/2 cup boiling water and mix thoroughly.

 

Pour batter into prepared baking sheet.

 

Spread evenly and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.

 

Or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

 

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

 

Run a knife around the edges of the cake to release from the sides of the pan.

 

Place the cooling rack on top of the cake and carefully invert cake onto the cooling rack.

 

Carefully remove the parchment paper.

 

Allow cake to completely cool.

 

 

 

Using a 3-inch biscuit or cookie cutter cut out 14 rounds of cake.  Sometimes I partially freeze the cake, which makes this process a bit easier.  Set the cakes aside.

You will have excess cake left over from around the circles.  Not a problem.  I have always found someone willing to eat them.

 

For the chocolate glaze and whipped cream filling you will need:

6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
6 tablespoons boiling water
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Raspberries

 

In the top of a double boiler, bain marie, or a bowl placed over a small saucepan, add the chopped chocolate.

 

Stir chocolate over simmering water until completely melted.

 

Immediately pour 6 tablespoons of boiling water into the melted chocolate.

I know what you’re thinking…if she adds the water the chocolate will seize.  Not if you add it all at once. This will make a wonderful chocolate glaze.

 

Stir until the glaze is smooth and has a thin consistency.

 

Place 1/2 of the cakes (7 of them) on a rack over a baking sheet.

 

Spoon chocolate glaze over the tops.

 

Spread the chocolate until the glaze begins to drip down the sides.

 

Let the cakes sit while the chocolate becomes firm.  This will take 20-30 minutes.  If you place them in the refrigerator the chocolate will loose it’s pretty shine.

 

For the cream filling:

Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into a large bowl.

 

Add 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar.

 

And 1 teaspoons vanilla.

 

Beat until stiff.

 

 

To assemble the cakes:

Place one of the un-iced cakes on a plate or platter.

 

Spread with whipped cream.  You can put the cream in a pastry bag fitted with a large tip or just dollop the cream on top of the cake.

 

Add raspberries, or strawberries, or fresh fruit of your choice.

 

Top with a glazed cake.

 

Pipe on a bit more whipped cream.

 

Garnish with more raspberries.  A delicious way to use the abundance of zucchini this season.

Oh my gosh!  I’m in the process of devouring this photo…This.  Is.  Amazing.

5 from 2 votes
Print

Chocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake

Zucchini cake is a delicious way to use up garden abundance.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate zucchini cake, chocolate zucchini cake recipe, raspberry and whipped cream chocolate zucchini cake
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 7 servings
Calories 848 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

Glaze and filling:

  • 6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
  • 6 tablespoons boiling water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Raspberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 12 x 18-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray.  Line with a sheet of parchment paper and spray parchment with nonstick spray.  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 preheated oven.  Bake for 25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.  Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.  Invert cake onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
  2. Using a 3-inch circle cookie cutter, cut 14 circles out of the cake.  Place 7 of the round cakes onto a rack placed over a baking sheet.  Spread a heaping tablespoon full of glaze over each cake.  Spread until the glaze starts to drip over the edges of cakes.  Allow glaze to harden for 20-30 minutes.
  3. To assemble:  Place an un-glazed cake on a serving plate and top with a large dollop of whipped cream. Top with fresh raspberries.  Top with the chocolate glazed cake round.  Add another dollop of whipped cream and garnish with more raspberries.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Makes 7 double layer cakes.
  4. To prepare the glaze:
  5. Place chopped chocolate in the top of a double boiler that is sitting over simmering water.  Stir until chocolate is melted.  Immediately add the boiling water all at once.  Stir until smooth.
  6. For whipping cream filling:
  7. Add heavy cream to a large mixing bowl.  Add confectioners sugar and vanilla.  Beat until soft peaks form.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 848 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Cholesterol 143mg48%
Sodium 716mg30%
Potassium 463mg13%
Carbohydrates 113g38%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 70g78%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 1180IU24%
Vitamin C 6.8mg8%
Calcium 106mg11%
Iron 4.8mg27%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

You May Also Love

Overhead shot of Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Blackberry Buttercream on a board with blackberries and fresh thyme
chocolate zucchini cake with hibiscus icing one great plate with black background
Chocolate Coconut Zucchini Bread

Share this:

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

Related

Filed Under: Cakes and Cupcakes, Dessert Tagged With: cake, chocolate, chocolate glaze, chocolate zucchini cake, raspberries, raspberry cake, step-by-step instruction, step-by-step photo's., summer desserts, zucchini

Previous Post: « Orange Broccoli Fettuccine Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Next Post: My Favorite Almond Paste »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet Barton says

    July 31, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    That's sound great. This recipe is pretty versatile. You can even make it as a sheet cake. Thanks so much for sharing your birthday cake idea.

    Reply
  2. robbiejane says

    July 31, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Just made this yesterday for my birthday. So simple and easy… my 2 year old helped. I made is as 1, 2 layer cake and just had to bake it a little longer, but it came out great. Thinking about doing it your way for a baby shower I am throwing this weekend. Delicious! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  3. Becky at VintageMixer says

    July 22, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    Just found your blog while searching for chocolate zucchini sheet cake recipes!! I'm also a fellow Utahan! I'm needing this recipe for a part of 55 people… should I make 2 or three of these cakes. I will not be serving them in stacks but just in simple squares from the pan (it's kind of a rustic affair). Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 22, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      Hi Becky, I love your blog. I found you a couple of years ago while searching for vintage anything in SLC for my daughters wedding. I've been checking your blog regularly ever since. If you cut the squares into 3 x 4 you would get about 20 servings. You may want to make 3 to be safe, depending on how large you cut each serving. Leftovers freeze great. I tend to lean having more than worrying about running out. Sounds like a fun affair. I hope your guests love the cake. It's really delicious. My husband had no idea there was zucchini in it. He pretty much polished off any scraps. Enjoy.

      Reply
  4. Rafaella says

    July 14, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    i was going to ask if he ate the cake! hahaahaha look amazing and delicious! very good recipe, i'll try it soon, here in Brasil is always easy to find good Zucchini, that we call "abobrinha" like a little pumpkin (abรณbora).
    Congratยดs

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 14, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Rafaella. I would love to try your abobrinha.

      Reply
  5. Melanie says

    July 12, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    Yum! Don't leave us in suspense! Did Keith eat the cake?!

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 13, 2013 at 8:46 pm

      He totally ate the cake along with all the leftover pieces that were cut away. Deception works!

      Reply
  6. Joni Hilton says

    July 10, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Oh my gosh, zucchini or no zucchini, Keith is one lucky dog to have a wife who can cook like this! That cake looks moist and incredible and the fresh raspberries are amazing. I would be a stalker if I lived in Utah!!

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:32 pm

      I keep telling him how lucky he is. I've been telling him for 34 years now. I don't think he's convinced. You can stalk my garden anytime.

      Reply
  7. Laura says

    July 10, 2013 at 1:10 am

    The zucchinis have to go somewhere, right? Gorgeous cake. Gorgeous photos. I only wish I were actually in your kitchen eating those leftover cake nibbles.

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm

      You are so right. I wish you were her to eat the leftover cakes nibbles too. My thighs definitely don't need that much cake.

      Reply
  8. Danhiskka says

    July 10, 2013 at 12:09 am

    Janet, that looks amazing! What about this: Your husband and I make a house swap: He comes here, where the courgette season is like six months away (and my mom is harvesting the firsts citrus) and I go to your place and eat all those evil zucchinis?? Everybody wins!
    I haven't forgotten to tell you about my dad's cake, is just that he has to travel for work and we will celebrate when he returns in mid August.

    I hope that you're having a lovely summer!
    Kisses,

    Dani

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:27 pm

      It's a deal!!!! Where do I send him?

      Reply
  9. Erin Brady says

    July 9, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    Holy cow! This looks amazing!! Who knew you could take zucchini cake to such decadence?? I love your blog. I'm so making this. And the timing couldn't be more perfect because I just happened to purchase a biscuit cutter that size a few weeks ago:).

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      With chocolate anything is possible. I hope you try them soon.

      Reply
  10. Heather says

    July 9, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    It looks really beautiful, like you could serve in those fancy coolers or in a nice restaurant–good job! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      Thanks Heather.

      Reply
  11. Lucy says

    July 9, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    Love your story, the beautiful pictures and the lovely cake! Can't wait to try making it and sharing with my family.

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      Why thank you Lucy. I hope you try it.

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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 ยป

Trending Recipes

  • No-knead Crusty Bread in a Dutch oven No-knead Crusty Bread

  • Several chocolate drop cookies on white background Chocolate Drop Cookies

  • pink iced heart sugar cookies Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Wooden board with chocolate cookies with half chocolate icing and half vanilla icing Chocolate Half Moon Cookies

  • fried ice cream with spoonful taken out with honey and berries Fried Ice Cream

  • Glass of almond milk with 2 gray striped straws on wood board with container of almond milk in background Quick Homemade Almond Milk

  • Lemonade and raspberry lemonade in tall glasses Old Fashioned Lemonade

  • Jerk Spatchcock Chicken on wood Jamaican Jerk Spatchcock Chicken

  • Roasted Chicken Pot Pie

  • chocolate glazed and glazed spudnuts stacked on cutting board with donut holes Spudnuts (Potato Doughnuts with Glaze)

Latest on Instagram

simplysogood

๐Ÿ‹ I teach you how to cook from scratch
๐Ÿ’ Follow simple step-by-step recipes
๐Ÿซ A lover of fresh, seasonal, & local ingredients

Fresh Herb Crockpot Turkey Breast with Brown Butte Fresh Herb Crockpot Turkey Breast with Brown Butter Pears is perfect for a smaller but still impressive Thanksgiving dinner. This easy recipe features a boneless turkey breast coated in homemade herb butter and "roasted" in a slow cooker, then served with a creamy cider herb gravy and sautรฉed browned butter pears....

https://www.simplysogood.com/fresh-herb-crockpot-turkey-breast-with-brown-butter-pears/
These strawberry rhubarb crumble bars will take yo These strawberry rhubarb crumble bars will take you straight to dessert paradise! ๐Ÿฅฐโ ๐Ÿ“
.โ 
Sweet-tart love in every bite, theyโ€™re the perfect treat for sunny days and cozy nights. Grab a bar and letโ€™s indulge in this fruity delight!โ 
.โ 
Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio, where I post step-by-step photo instructions!
โ 
#rhubarbseason #homemadewithlove #dessertclub #strawberryrhubarb #strawberryrhubarbpie #strawberrycrumble #strawberryrhubarbcrumble
Baking up some homemade magic with my no-knead Lem Baking up some homemade magic with my no-knead Lemon Rosemary Gruyere bread!
โ€ข
This recipe is as easy as pie (or should I say bread?), bringing the flavors of tangy lemon, fragrant rosemary, and oh-so-melty Gruyere to life. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿž๐ŸŒฑ
โ€ข
Click the link in my bio to read through these helpful tips that will make your homemade bread a melt-in-your-mouth success!

#homemadebread #nokneadbread #gruyerebread #lemoncheesebread #cheesebread #homemadecheesebread
Starting the day off right with these indulgent no Starting the day off right with these indulgent no-knead brioche morning buns! ๐ŸคŽ Thereโ€™s just something about the buttery, flaky brioche and the sweet cinnamon swirl that makes mornings extra special.
โ€ข
The base dough recipe for no-knead brioche morning buns is a buttery no-knead dough that is refrigerated overnight. The chilled dough is very easy to roll, fill, slice, and bake.
โ€ข
So go ahead, treat yourself to something delicious and let these buns brighten up your day! 

The recipe link is in my Instagram bio!

#MorningTreats #BriocheLove #SweetIndulgence #cinnamonsugar #cinnamonandsugar #morningbuns
No fancy Ice Cream Maker โ€” no problem! ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿจ No fancy Ice Cream Maker โ€” no problem! ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿจ This no churn Strawberry Raspberry Ice Cream recipe is quick and easy to make without an ice cream maker in only 10 minutes.
โ€ข
Simply blend together a mix of frozen strawberries and raspberries with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sherbet for a rich, fruity, and creamy dessert that tastes homemade! ๐Ÿ“
โ€ข
Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio, where I post step-by-step photo instructions!

#nochurnicecream #homemadeicecream #strawberryicecream #raspberryicecream #kidfriendlyrecipes #simplerecipes
These chewy peanut butter bars have been a family These chewy peanut butter bars have been a family favorite for decades! Peanut butter cookies layered with chocolate and a delicious peanut butter glaze! ๐Ÿฅœ๐Ÿซ
โ€ข
Trust me, your family will LOVE them!
โ€ข
Click the link in my bio to read through these helpful tips that will make your peanut butter bars a melt-in-your-mouth success!

#peanutbutterbars #peanutbuttercookies #pbbars #peanutbutterchocolate #peanutbutterlover #pbandchocolate
Start your day off on a flaky note with these skys Start your day off on a flaky note with these skyscraper buttermilk biscuits!
These melt-in-your-mouth treats are the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or anytime youโ€™re craving something buttery and delicious.
โ€ข
So go ahead, treat yourself to these heavenly delights and savor every flakey, buttery bite with me!
โ€ข
The recipe link is in my Instagram bio!

#butterybiscuits #homemadeisbest #breakfastindulgence #brunchgoals
Sharing my famous Lemon Curd Recipe! ๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ’› Sharing my famous Lemon Curd Recipe! ๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ’› The one that everyone says I should sell at farmers markets โ€” nah! Iโ€™ll just share the recipe with you all instead!
โ€ข
I love lemon curd, and use it for so many things!!
๐Ÿฐ Layered in a cake
๐Ÿฆ Swirled into ice cream
๐Ÿช Smashed between cookies
โ˜€๏ธ Filled inside scones

The possibilities are endless!! Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio! And if youโ€™d like the recipes for my other lemon curd inspired goodies, theyโ€™re all linked in my Instagram stories!

#lemoncurd #lemoncurdcake #lemoncurdicecream #lemonicecream #lemondessert #lemoncurdrecipe
Have you ever tried an olive oil cake!? ๐Ÿฐ They Have you ever tried an olive oil cake!? ๐Ÿฐ They are incredibly soft and moist โ€” you gotta give it a try!
โ€ข
This citrus olive oil cake recipe features a tart lemon curd filling and a rich mascarpone frosting. Then we gently add flowers for beautiful decoration. It is an impressive looking and mouth-watering dessert thatโ€™s perfect for any special occasion! ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿค๐ŸŒผ

Recipe is linked in my Instagram bio!

#oliveoilcake #oliveoilcakes #lemoncurdcake #mascarponefrosting #mascarponeicing
Follow on Instagram
  • No-knead Crusty Bread in a Dutch oven No-knead Crusty Bread posted on September 19, 2018

  • Several chocolate drop cookies on white background Chocolate Drop Cookies posted on May 20, 2024

  • pink iced heart sugar cookies Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting posted on February 8, 2025

  • Wooden board with chocolate cookies with half chocolate icing and half vanilla icing Chocolate Half Moon Cookies posted on April 5, 2024

  • fried ice cream with spoonful taken out with honey and berries Fried Ice Cream posted on May 4, 2025

  • Glass of almond milk with 2 gray striped straws on wood board with container of almond milk in background Quick Homemade Almond Milk posted on June 3, 2020

  • Lemonade and raspberry lemonade in tall glasses Old Fashioned Lemonade posted on June 22, 2018

  • Jerk Spatchcock Chicken on wood Jamaican Jerk Spatchcock Chicken posted on May 18, 2018

  • Roasted Chicken Pot Pie posted on November 14, 2022

  • chocolate glazed and glazed spudnuts stacked on cutting board with donut holes Spudnuts (Potato Doughnuts with Glaze) posted on October 21, 2019

Footer

Featured on

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

Copyright © 2025 Janet Barton
Privacy Policy

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.