I love baking, but sometimes I don’t have the time or energy to make something complicated. That’s why I was excited to discover the recipe for 3-Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake. This cake is incredibly easy to make and requires only three simple ingredients: chocolate cake mix, eggs, and shredded zucchini.
Don’t let the zucchini fool you – this cake is super moist and chocolatey. The zucchini adds a subtle flavor and texture that makes the cake even more delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into your dessert! I was skeptical at first because of so few ingredients, but after trying this cake, I’m a believer. It’s the perfect dessert for busy and lazy moments, whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat for yourself. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe, give this 3-ingredient cake a try!
Ingredients
When it comes to baking, I love recipes that are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients. That’s why I prefer making a 3-Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake. This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time and want to satisfy their sweet tooth. In this section, I will share the needed ingredients with you.
Base Ingredients
The base ingredients for this recipe are zucchini, chocolate cake mix, and eggs. Here is a breakdown of each ingredient:
- Zucchini: This vegetable adds moisture to the cake and helps to keep it light and fluffy.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Using cake mix makes this recipe super easy and convenient. You can use any chocolate cake mix you like.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the cake together and giving it structure.
Optional Ingredients
While the base ingredients are all you need to make a delicious cake, there are a few optional ingredients that you can add to take it to the next level. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sugar: If you want your cake to be sweeter, you can add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup granulated sugar to the mix.
- Baking Soda or Baking Powder: Adding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda will help to make your cake rise and become fluffier.
- Oil: Adding 1/4 cup vegetable oil will make your cake more moist and tender.
- Vanilla: Adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet ingredients will give your cake a delicious aroma and flavor.
- Salt: Adding a pinch of salt will help to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Flour: If you want your cake to be denser and more filling, you can add some flour (about 1/4 cup) to the mix.
- Coffee: If you love coffee, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Chocolate Chips: Adding 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the dry ingredients will make your cake even more chocolatey and delicious!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For an even more chocolatey flavor, add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 egg to the mixture.
As you can see, the ingredients needed to make a 3-Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake recipe are simple and easy to find. You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding optional ingredients or sticking to the base ingredients. Either way, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Preparation
When it comes to making this fabulous cake, the preparation is key to ensuring a delicious and moist cake. In this section, I will guide you through the preheating of the oven, mixing of the ingredients, and baking of the cake. Like that, you will end up with a perfect, moist and delicious cake no matter if you are a novice of master chef.
Preheat Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This is the standard temperature for baking cakes, and it will ensure your cake cooks evenly and to perfection. While the oven is preheating, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Mix Ingredients
The three ingredients you’ll need for this cake are 1.5—2 cups shredded zucchini, 1 box chocolate cake mix, and 2 eggs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and eggs, and stir until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the shredded zucchini and mix until it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
If you want some extra flavor to your cake, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cake batter. These ingredients will give your cake a rich and decadent flavor.
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is mixed, pour it into a greased loaf pan or a bundt pan. If you’re using a loaf pan, bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you’re using a bundt pan, the baking time is longer, about an hour. Read here more instructions how to remove your cake successfully from a bundt pan
While your cake is baking, you can prepare a simple glaze by mixing together powdered sugar and buttermilk. Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
And that’s it! With just three simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a delicious chocolate zucchini cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your 3 ingredient chocolate zucchini cake, there are a few variations you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Zucchini Bread
If you prefer a bread texture over cake, try making this recipe in a loaf pan instead of a cake pan. You can also add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to give the bread a little crunch.
Layer Cake
Want to make a fancier dessert for a special occasion? Simply double the recipe and bake two cakes. Once they’ve cooled, you can stack them with a layer of filling in between. Cream cheese filling is a classic choice, but you can also try a chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting.
Carrot Cake
If you’re a fan of carrot cake, you can easily adapt this recipe to make a chocolate zucchini carrot cake. Simply replace the zucchini with shredded carrots and add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter. You can also add some raisins or chopped pineapple for extra sweetness.
Here are some additional variations you can try:
- Swap out the zucchini for mashed bananas to make a chocolate banana cake.
- Use sour cream or yogurt instead of eggs for a richer, creamier texture.
- Use a white or yellow cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch for a quicker and easier dessert.
- Add some brown sugar to the batter for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins for extra fruity and sweet goodness.
Experiment with different variations to find your favorite way to enjoy this simple and delicious dessert.
Frosting
When it comes to frosting a chocolate zucchini cake, there are a few options to choose from – if you don’t want to make a glaze, that is. Here are two of my favorite frosting recipes that are perfect for this cake:
Chocolate Frosting
If you’re a chocolate lover, then you’ll definitely want to try this rich and decadent chocolate frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the frosting, start by beating the butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and enjoy!
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a tangy twist on traditional frosting, try this cream cheese frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the frosting, start by beating the butter and cream cheese together until they’re light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and enjoy!
For more frosting ideas, read my comprehensive how to choose the best frosting to your chocolate cake. But, no matter which frosting you choose, be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help ensure that the frosting sets properly and doesn’t melt or slide off the cake.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make a delicious 3-Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy fix that is also a tad healthier.
By using zucchini in the cake, you are adding a serving of vegetables to your dessert, which is always a plus. Additionally, the use of only three ingredients makes this recipe incredibly simple and affordable.
If you are looking to switch things up, you can also add other ingredients to the cake, such as nuts or dried fruit. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
This recipe is a great option for those who want a quick, easy, and yummy dessert. Give it a try and let me know what you think!