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Moist Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Chocolate Frosting

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Servings: 12 slices (approx)
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini about two medium zucchinis
  • 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative I use almond or oatmilk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup butter I use Earth Balance vegan butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tbsp milk or dairy-free alternative

Method
 

For the Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, applesauce, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Stir in the grated zucchini and dairy-free milk until evenly distributed. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dairy-free milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.