Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake
The Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake is a moist, tender chocolate cake that cleverly incorporates grated zucchini for natural moisture and a subtle veggie twist. With rich cocoa flavor, optional chocolate chips or nuts, and an adaptable recipe, it’s perfect for any occasion, blending indulgence with nourishment.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups sugar (can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh zucchini, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
Optional Add-ins & Toppings
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cream cheese frosting or glaze
- Melted dark chocolate drizzle
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional for flavor boost)
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder (optional)
- Prep Your Ingredients and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release. Finely grate the zucchini and squeeze out some of its excess water, leaving moisture to keep the cake tender.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free blend), cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices or espresso powder until evenly combined.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Gently stir in the grated zucchini so it incorporates without breaking down too much.
- Bring Wet and Dry Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, starting to check doneness at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use freshly grated zucchini for best moisture and texture; avoid pre-shredded or frozen zucchini.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy crumb.
- Check baking time starting at 50 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- Grease and flour the bundt pan well or use baking spray with flour to prevent sticking.
- For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of espresso powder which enhances chocolate without adding coffee flavor.
- Peeling zucchini is optional; the skin adds color and nutrients.
- To make vegan, substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based milk instead of oil or liquid substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chocolate bundt cake, zucchini cake, vegetable chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, healthy chocolate cake, gluten free chocolate cake, chocolate cake with veggies