Name: Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 cups finely shredded zucchini (do not squeeze liquid out); 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces block-style cream cheese (room temperature); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a tender, spice-laced treat that tastes like a warm hug, look no further than this Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting. This irresistible cake delivers everything: caramel-like brown sugar, cozy cinnamon and cloves, and a swoon-worthy tangy cream cheese frosting. Plus, it’s packed with grated zucchini to make every bite delightfully moist—no one will ever suspect you snuck in a vegetable! This cake is a family classic that’s just as perfect for a coffee break as it is for a celebration.

Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward this ingredient list is—just pantry basics and a fresh zucchini or two. Each ingredient has a role to play, whether it’s building structure, infusing flavor, or creating that plush, sliceable crumb. Here’s what you need for the Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting:

All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and body to support all the good stuff inside.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners work together to help the cake rise up soft and fluffy.
Salt: Just the right amount to sharpen and balance the rich sweetness and spices.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: This cozy spice team infuses the cake with warmth and depth—don’t skip any for the full autumnal effect.
Finely shredded zucchini (unsqueezed): Adds subtle moisture and tender texture without making the cake soggy—grate it fresh for the best result and leave that liquid in!
Light brown sugar: Brings a caramel note and extra moisture, making the crumb plush and flavorful.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays blissfully soft even after a day or two.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and help the cake hold that lovely structure.
Vanilla extract: Infuses both cake and frosting with a floral sweetness that ties the flavors together.
Block-style cream cheese (room temperature): For the creamiest, most luscious frosting, you need full-fat block cream cheese.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Teams up with cream cheese for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth frosting—soft but not melted is your goal.
Confectioner’s sugar: The secret to dreamy, fluffy frosting that spreads in gorgeous billows over the cooled cake.

How to Make Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Give your trusty 9×13 baking pan a light coating of nonstick spray or a quick rub with butter, making sure to get into the corners so every slice releases perfectly. Set the pan aside while you gather your ingredients—it’s go time!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Give everything a good whisk to break up clumps and evenly distribute the spices. This blend is the backbone of your Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting, so make sure it’s well-mixed for that signature warmth in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded zucchini (liquid and all), brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture will look a bit rustic and loose at first, but trust the process—it’s your ticket to an uber-moist cake with just the right amount of sweetness throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry—But Don’t Overmix

Pour the prepared dry ingredients on top of the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together gently until no streaks of flour remain. Try not to overmix at this stage—this helps keep your Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting tender and not dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your greased baking pan. Slide it onto the middle rack of your oven and bake for 28 to 34 minutes. The top should look set and slightly spring back when gently pressed in the center, or you can check with an instant-read thermometer (210℉ in the center means you’re good to go). Let the cake cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting—patience is a virtue here!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Once your cake is cool, grab a large bowl and beat together softened cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, salt, and confectioner’s sugar gradually. Begin mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds, then increase to high for a couple of minutes until the frosting is irresistibly light and fluffy. If you want a stiffer frosting (better for piping), just beat in a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Spoon generous dollops of the fluffy frosting onto your cooled cake and gently spread it into an even layer from edge to edge. For a classic finish, sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans over the top. Your Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The simplest and most beloved way to top this Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is with a scatter of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans—these add both a satisfying crunch and a rustic, homey look. For extra flair, try a dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for an autumn-inspired finish. If you’re feeling fancy, edible flowers or a sprig of mint can give the cake a gorgeous, bakery-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

This cake is lovely on its own, but you can make dessert hour even more delightful by pairing it with a mug of strong coffee or milky chai. For festive occasions, serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or accompany each slice with a dish of seasonal berries—the bright, tart flavors contrast and complement the cake’s spice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick to just squares! Cut your Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting into elegant bars, or use a round cutter for individual mini cakes layered with extra frosting. For parties, try serving in cupcake liners for a mess-free treat. You can even stack pieces into a rustic layer cake—just double up on both cake and frosting, and wow your guests with a towering showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting should be covered tightly and kept in the refrigerator, where it will stay delightfully moist and fresh for up to four days. The frosting actually helps lock in the cake’s moisture, making those next-day slices just as dreamy as the first.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted cake (wrapped well in plastic and foil) for up to two months. Bring it to room temperature, then frost just before serving for that just-made taste. You can also freeze individual slices of the frosted cake—just thaw in the fridge before indulging again.

Reheating

For a just-baked experience, let chilled cake sit out for about 20 minutes before serving—it will take the chill off and soften the crumb. Avoid reheating frosted cake in the microwave, as the cream cheese frosting can melt and lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I make Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts on top are purely optional and the cake is just as delicious without them. Feel free to skip them for a nut-free treat—or replace with pepitas or sunflower seeds for a crunch.

Why don’t you squeeze the liquid from the zucchini?

Leaving the natural moisture in the zucchini is the secret to the cake’s tender, plush crumb. If you remove the liquid, you risk a dry cake—embrace the moisture!

Can I use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a wholesome twist. For a gluten-free version, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free friendly.

Is the cream cheese frosting pipeable?

As written, the frosting is soft, creamy, and ideal for spreading in a luscious layer. If you’d like to pipe borders or rosettes onto your Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting, simply add extra confectioner’s sugar until it’s thick enough to hold its shape.

Can I prep the cake in advance?

Definitely! The cake (unfrosted) can be baked a day ahead. Just wrap tightly and store at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something remarkable about how an everyday vegetable transforms into a crowd-pleasing dessert like Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the marriage of warm spices, moist crumb, and tangy clouds of frosting, you’ll be making this recipe again and again. Give it a try and share the joy—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Zucchini Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 9×13 cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this delicious Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after dinner. The combination of zucchini and spices creates a unique and delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions

Zucchini Spice Cake – Preheat oven to 350℉ and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan. Set aside. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, pour into pan, and bake until done. Cool before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla, salt, and confectioner’s sugar. Mix until combined, then whip until light and fluffy. Spread onto cooled cake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American