Zucchini Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced cake that combines the best of both worlds—fresh zucchini and carrots—for a flavorful, wholesome treat. This cake is packed with grated vegetables, making it wonderfully moist and tender, while the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warm, aromatic notes. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, this cake is finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting that complements the spiced cake beautifully. It’s a delightful way to use up extra zucchini and carrots and a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the grated zucchini, grated carrot, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Enjoy this Zucchini Carrot Cake as a delicious, spiced treat that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and earthy flavors, with a creamy frosting that takes it to the next level!
