Chocolate Zucchini Cake

This Chocolate Zucchini Cake is bound to be a new favorite for chocolate lovers! Fabulously moist, decadently rich, and impossible to resist! The perfect way to enjoy the summer bounty!

Looking for more zucchini recipes? Make sure to try my Zucchini Quiche and Zucchini Fries!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

If you love chocolate cake, this Chocolate Zucchini Cake is most definitely for you. It’s rich, decadent, moist and surprise, there’s zucchini inside!

Three different chocolate elements assure a deep chocolate flavor in this amazing chocolate zucchini bundt cake.

We’ve been enjoying baking up all kinds of zucchini recipes but, if you’re a chocolate lover like me though, this Chocolate Zucchini Cake is the recipe for you.

“I made this cake yesterday and OMG is it delicious. Everyone loved it. My 6 and 3 year old devoured the cake. My husband and co-workers couldn’t believe it had zucchini in it. Absolutely delish. And easy…so easy to make. Thank you for this recipe.” – Tracy

Zucchini Recipes

There is nothing I look forward to more in the summer than making up all kinds of amazing zucchini recipes with zucchinis from our garden. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Zucchini Spice Cake
2. Amazing Zucchini Brownies
3. Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Cookies
4. Lemon Zucchini Cake
5. Zucchini Quiche with Bacon and Hash Brown Crust
6. Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Bread

Rich Chocolate Flavor

The rich, chocolate flavor comes from the cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips inside the cake and an incredibly delicious chocolate glaze that is drizzled on top.

To really enhance the chocolate flavor, I’ve added a bunch of mini chocolate chips to the mix which creates little pockets of rich chocolate flavor that just melt in your mouth with each bite. Delicious!

The glaze is super simple and while not entirely necessary on this cake, looks gorgeous and adds a bit of sweetness.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

There is just something wonderful about a homemade chocolate cake with hidden veggies. I have served this recipe to so many people who have doubted that there was even zucchini in the cake – it’s just that good!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need and, as always, you can find the full, printable recipe at the end of this post:

For the cake:

• zucchinis – it’s not a zucchini cake without the zucchini! This ingredient adds so much moisture to this chocolate cake.
• unsweetened cocoa powder – gives the cake rich chocolate flavor.
• butter – for flavor
• eggs – room temperature eggs work best.
• granulated sugar – this recipe calls for 2 cups but you can reduce to 1 1/2 cups without any issues.
• unsweetened applesauce – I use this in place of vegetable oil just like I do in my carrot cake recipe.
• vanilla extract – a must for flavor! I use a good amount in this recipe.
• all purpose flour – the structure and base of this cake recipe.
• baking soda – our leavener.
• salt – to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
• ground cinnamon – this is completely optional but I do love it in this recipe.
• semi-sweet mini chocolate chips – use mini chocolate chips for the best results. They melt into the cake better.

For the chocolate glaze:

• semi sweet chocolate chips – you can use bar chocolate instead if you prefer. Just chop finely before melting.
• butter – gives the glaze richness and a lovely texture.
• light corn syrup – makes the glaze so shiny.
• vanilla extract – for flavor and depth.

How To Make Chocolate Zucchini Cake

I just love how simple this cake is – super easy to prepare when you don’t have a lot of time. Here is a quick overview of how to make this easy cake:

1. Preheat oven and prepare bundt pan.
2. Prep zucchini. Grate zucchinis and let sit on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Blot dry with a towel.
3. Combine wet ingredients.
4. Whisk together dry ingredients.
5. Stir dry into wet just until combined.
6. Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.
7. Bake. Takes about 60 to 70 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
8. Prepare chocolate glaze. Prepare the glaze when the cake has cooled.
9. Glaze cake and serve.

I’m a sucker for a good bundt pan and I really love how this glaze looks on a bundt cake.

Variations To Try

• Make cupcakes instead. I love parchment cups for this recipe to ensure the cupcakes don’t stick to the wrappers. You’ll need to bake for about 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Make in loaf pans. This cake is delicious in 2 loaf pans as well and just as easy so if you don’t have a bundt cake, this is a great option.
• Layered Cake. This cake can be made as a layered cake using two 8 inch or 9 inch pans. This Whipped Ganache frosting would be amazing on this cake.
• Add some nuts. Pecans and walnuts are a delicious addition.
• Omit the glaze. The glaze adds an additional layer of chocolate decadence but if it’s too much for you, just serve with some fresh whipped cream on the side and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Make Ahead and Storage

Can this cake be made ahead of time? Yes. This cake can be made a day or two in advance. I recommend making the glaze the day you plan on serving.

Can you freeze chocolate zucchini cake? Yes. Let cake cool completely and then wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap and then foil. Transfer to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing the cake without the glaze.

More Cake Recipes To Enjoy

1. Chocolate Pound Cake
2. Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
3. To Die For Carrot Cake
4. Orange Creamsicle Cake
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake
6. Easy Ice Cream Cake

How To Make Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Originally published July 5, 2012.