Zucchini Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Vegetable cakes, like the famous carrot cake, have been popular for decades. The addition of zucchini is a more recent variation that emerged in kitchens to highlight vegetables in baking, taking advantage of their ability to make cakes moist and low in fat.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 250 g grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
• 200 g flour
• 1 packet baking powder
• 100 g sugar
• 100 ml vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 50 g chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional for added indulgence)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the batter: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until fluffy. Add the oil and vanilla extract, and mix well.
2. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the beaten eggs.
3. Add the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and gently squeeze out any excess water. Fold it into the batter along with the nuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured pan. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before removing from the pan.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Do not peel the zucchini: The skin adds nutrients and helps maintain the structure of the cake.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, slightly increase the amount of sugar or add a light cream cheese glaze.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Add spices like ginger or nutmeg for a deeper aroma.
• For an even fluffier cake, replace some of the flour with almond flour.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the Zucchini Cake takes about 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until the cake is cooked through in the center. To ensure even baking, it’s important to check the cake towards the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. This cake is not only delicious but also a healthier option, as zucchini adds moisture and nutrients without extra calories. The subtle flavor of zucchini pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting and aromatic treat. For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and richness.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This Zucchini Cake pairs well with green tea, citrus-flavored black tea, or fresh apple juice for a balanced and light afternoon snack. The subtle flavor of zucchini in the cake complements these beverages, creating a harmonious and refreshing combination.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the Zucchini Cake dusted with a little powdered sugar, garnished with thin slices of zucchini or crushed nuts for decoration. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch and a hint of freshness to each bite.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Zucchini adds fiber and vitamins, and helps reduce the amount of fats in the cake. This cake is lower in calories while being rich in nutrients, making it perfect for fans of healthy desserts.