Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Zucchini Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This moist zucchini cake is lightly spiced, perfectly sweet, and topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting that brings it all together. It’s a simple yet unforgettable dessert perfect for summer gatherings or everyday treats.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs with granulated and brown sugars. Stir in oil and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in grated zucchini.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cake completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until fluffy.
  9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother frosting.
  • The cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle.
  • Chill the cake before slicing for neater pieces.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: zucchini cake, lemon cream cheese frosting, summer dessert, moist cake, easy cake recipe