Description
The Moist and Zesty Zucchini Lemon Cake is a fresh and flavorful dessert combining tender shredded zucchini with bright lemon zest and juice, offering a moist and vibrant cake perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients, this cake delivers a wonderful balance of moisture and tangy zing that delights every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or plant-based oil for dairy-free/vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (yellow part only)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Addition
- 1 ½ cups shredded fresh zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
Optional Variations
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty addition)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon (for spicy zest)
- Lemon glaze: powdered sugar and lemon juice mixed to desired consistency
- Flax eggs (for vegan substitution: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Gently squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel, retaining some moisture to keep the cake tender.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until slightly fluffy. Add vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest, mixing well to form a uniform liquid base.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
- Fold in zucchini: Carefully fold the shredded zucchini evenly into the batter to ensure consistent moisture throughout the cake.
- Bake to perfection: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best texture and moisture balance.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and airy.
- Only zest the yellow outer skin of the lemon to avoid bitterness.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and batter consistency.
- Check the cake a few minutes before the timer ends to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: zucchini cake, lemon cake, moist zucchini lemon cake, gluten free dessert, easy lemon cake, vegetable cake, fresh lemon dessert