2 Cookin Mamas

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me & Contact
  • Cookbooks
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Desserts » Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Published: Jul 16, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy Zucchini Cake is a moist, rich spice cake full of garden-fresh zucchini and crunchy walnuts. Its warm spices and tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting will make it your new favorite summer dessert. Perfect for dinner parties, BBQs, and snack time.

    Slice of zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting with fork in it.

    Fresh zucchini from your garden is the perfect excuse to make this moist and delicious zucchini cake. It's super easy to make and tastes even better when made a day ahead of time! And I can't say enough about the cinnamon cream cheese frosting that I could definitely eat with a spoon! (but save it for the cake 'cause it puts it over the top!)

    Zucchini is a great way to get your veggies and there are so many ways to bake with them. With my harvest I've made zucchini muffins for breakfast, a cheesy zucchini casserole for dinner, deliciously crispy zucchini chips for a snack, and this moist, perfectly spiced zucchini sheet cake for a sweet dessert.

    Frosted zucchini spice cake decorated with walnuts.

    My husband inspired the idea for this recipe because of his love of carrot cake. I used a combination of my carrot cake recipe and my famous Apple Cake to create my version of zucchini spice cake. And it came out so well that my husband said he now has a new favorite! (OK, to be honest, it is still second to carrot cake. lol)

    What is Zucchini Cake?

    Zucchini cake is similar to carrot cake with its share of warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, and uses zucchini in place of carrots to provide moisture for the cake. It is also topped with the signature carrot cake frosting, creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. Definitely a close cousin to carrot cake!

    What Makes Zucchini Spice Cake So Good

    I can't make up my mind whether it is the moist, rich spice cake or the incredible cinnamon cream cheese frosting that puts this cake as one of my number one summer desserts. And if you don't tell anyone there's zucchini in it, they'll never guess.

    Why You'll Love This Zucchini Sheet Cake Recipe

    • Easy to make
    • Moist
    • Flavorful, warm spices in a rich spice cake
    • Creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting
    • A sweet way to use up your garden zucchini

    How to Prepare Shredded Zucchini

    • Wash zucchini well. It is best to purchase organic zucchini since we will be leaving the skin intact.
    • Cut off the top and bottom of the zucchini.
    • Using the small side of a box grater, shred the zucchini.
    Steps to prepare zucchini.
    1. Place the shredded zucchini, in small batches, on several paper towels.
    2. Roll the paper towels up around the zucchini.
    3. Squeeze the zucchini to get out most of the water.
    4. Measure the zucchini for the recipe.

    Recipe Ingredients

    For the zucchini spice cake:

    Ingredients for spiced zucchini cake.

    The ingredient list may look a bit long, but it is worth making this cake from scratch:

    • All-purpose flour - provides the structure
    • Baking soda, Baking powder - used as a leavening agent
    • Salt - enhances the flavor of all ingredients
    • Spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves - give the cake its main flavor
    • Zucchini - provides moistness and texture
    • Eggs - acts as the glue to hold the cake together
    • Vegetable oil - provides additional moistness
    • White granulated sugar - besides sweetness, mixing sugar into the fats helps create tiny air bubbles to lighten the cake and help it rise.
    • Light brown sugar - provides sweetness, moisture and aids in browning
    • Vanilla extract - works with salt to enhance all the flavors
    • Walnuts - add a mild, nutty flavor with a little crunch to the cake.

    For the cinnamon cream cheese frosting:

    Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting ingredients.
    • Cream cheese - is the creamy base that also thickens and provides a tanginess to the finished frosting
    • Butter - adds rich and delicious flavor
    • Ground cinnamon - lends a spicy note to the frosting
    • Vanilla extract - enhances the overall flavor
    • Powdered sugar - provides sweetness
    • Milk or cream - is only used to thin the frosting if necessary

    How to Make Zucchini Cake

    Steps 1-6 to make cake batter.
    1. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
    2. Stir well.
    3. In a large bowl, combine shredded zucchini (see preparation notes above) with sugars and eggs.
    4. Pour in oil.
    5. Add vanilla extract.
    6. Mix well.
    Steps 7-10 to finish cake batter.
    1. Add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture.
    2. Stir until well mixed.
    3. Sprinkle in walnuts.
    4. Fold them into zucchini spice cake batter.
    Zucchini Sheet Cake unbaked and baked.
    1. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan. Level batter.
    2. Bake for 30-40 minutes then remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

    Zucchini Cake Tips

    • Bake the cake a day in advance because it is better the next day. Frost it the next day or when you are ready to serve it.
    • Grate the zucchini with the small side of a box grater.
    • Bake the cake in the center and on the middle rack of your oven to help with even baking.
    • Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out without any wet batter on it.

    How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    Steps to make cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
    1. In a mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine softened cream cheese, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
    2. Beat until light and fluffy.
    3. Add the powdered sugar.
    4. Beat again on low until combined.

    Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

    • Use quality cream cheese such as Philadelphia cream cheese or Organic Valley if you want to use organic cream cheese.
    • Make sure the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature.
    • Beat until the frosting is nice and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

    Make-Ahead Zucchini Cake

    Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Do not frost the cake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap first then aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
    Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. Prepare the frosting and frost the cake.

    Recipe Variations

    If you want to make your zucchini spice cake with fruit, another vegetable, or add in some chocolate, here are some ideas:

    • Zucchini Apple Cake - substitute 1 cup of zucchini with 1 cup of grated apple
    • Zucchini Banana Cake - substitute ½ cup of zucchini with 1 mashed ripe banana
    • Zucchini Blueberry Cake - add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter
    • Zucchini Carrot Cake - substitute 1 cup of zucchini with 1 cup of grated carrots
    • Zucchini Cake with Chocolate Chips - add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter
    • Zucchini Cake with Pineapple - substitute ½ cup of zucchini with ½ cup of drained crushed pineapple

    Gluten-Free Zucchini Cake - substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour. Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour and King Arthur Measure for Measure are great choices.

    How to Store Zucchini Cake

    Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.

    • Zucchini cake without frosting can be stored on the counter for 5 to 7 days.
    • Cream cheese frosted zucchini cake must be refrigerated. It will be good for up to 5 days.

    Can You Freeze Zucchini Cake?

    Yes, this cake can be frozen with or without the frosting. Note it is best to freeze it without the frosting and then make the frosting after you have thawed the cake in the refrigerator overnight. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you peel the zucchini?

    You do not need to peel zucchini for a zucchini cake.

    Do you squeeze the water out of the shredded zucchini?

    You do not need to squeeze the water out of shredded zucchini for a zucchini cake.

    How long does zucchini cake last?

    Unfrosted zucchini cake will last up to 5 days on the counter or in the fridge. Frosted zucchini cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Frozen zucchini cake will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

    More Cake Recipes

    • Chocolate Pound Cake made in a bundt pan and covered with chocolate glaze
    • Key Lime Cake with raspberry cream cheese frosting
    • Lemon Chiffon Cake with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze
    • Peaches & Cream Poke Cake from 4 Sons R Us
    • Milky Way Cake has all the flavor of the candy bar
    • Strawberry Lemon Cake with strawberry buttercream frosting

    Find lots of easy dessert recipes here on 2CM!

    LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK. 

    Slice of spiced zucchini cake with bite on fork.

    Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Easy Zucchini Cake is a moist, rich spice cake full of zucchini and crunchy walnuts. Top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for the perfect summer dessert.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 547kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Zucchini Cake

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ginger
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
    • 2 ½ cups grated zucchini about 2 medium
    • 3-4 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup light brown sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

    Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    • ½ cup salted butter softened
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 2-3T milk, if needed to thin frosting

    Instructions

    Zucchini Cake

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
    • in a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices together.
    • Prepare the zucchini by grating finely then squeezing as much liquid out as you can. You can also roll it in paper towels to make sure it is dry.
    • In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, oil, sugars and vanilla extract.
    • Add the flour mixture to the zucchini mixture then fold in walnuts.
    • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean. You do not want to overbake it
    • Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

    Cream Cheese Frosting with Cinnamon

    • Beat together the butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
    • Add the powdered sugar gradually with mixer on low. Beat until combined. If frosting appears too thick, thin with a little bit of milk.
    • Once cake has completely cooled, spread frosting on cake. If you like, decorate with additional chopped walnuts.

    Notes

    ZUCCHINI CAKE TIPS
    • Bake the cake a day in advance because it is better the next day. Frost it the next day or when you are ready to serve it.
    • Grate the zucchini with the small side of a box grater.
    • Bake the cake in the center and on the middle rack of your oven to help with even baking.
    • Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out without any wet batter on it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 391mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Lifting slice of lemon cheesecake from decorated cake.
      Lemon Cheesecake
    • Strawberry Shortcake with Angel Food Cake
    • Lemon Ricotta Cake
    • Closeup of Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake Cheesecake slice with frosting.
      Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake Cheesecake

    Comments

    1. Hayley Dhanecha says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:55 am

      5 stars
      Love my zucchini in bakes, and this amazing and crowd-pleasing cake with cream cheese is so inviting. Looking forward to making it!

      Reply
    2. Nicole says

      July 24, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      I bet my kids would love this and not know there’s vegetables in the cake.

      Reply
    3. Amy Casey says

      July 24, 2022 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      A perfect snack cake and a nice change from zucchini bread. The tangy cream cheese frosting was such a delicious topper.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 25, 2022 at 10:00 am

        It's a great change of pace and you agree with my husband, the cream cheese frosting is the best!

        Reply
    4. Lauren Michael Harris says

      July 22, 2022 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      I've been making ALL the zucchini recipes lately and this cake was the kids favorite by a landslide! It was easy to make and very flavorful - definitely a winner!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 25, 2022 at 10:03 am

        Yay! So glad it was liked by all.

        Reply
    5. Mikayla says

      July 22, 2022 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      With my zucchini plants producing like mad I had plenty to make this cake last night. I should make it for company so that I do not eat it all by myself. Perfectly moist and fluffy!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 25, 2022 at 10:04 am

        Haha! I said the same thing myself! I actually gave some to my neighbor so I wouldn't eat the whole thing.

        Reply
    6. Kayla DiMaggio says

      July 21, 2022 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      My garden is currently overflowing with zucchini's and I don't know what to do with them all. I finally came across this recipe and let me tell you, it was a total hit! The cake was so moist and the cream cheese frosting was so delicious!

      Reply
    7. veenaazmanov says

      July 21, 2022 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      This cake sounds so healthy and the cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level. Love the nuttiness and spice flavor added to it. Yummy for sure

      Reply
    8. Jenny says

      July 21, 2022 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      Very creative featuring zucchini in a cake! I love cream cheese frosting. A little “Royal Cinnamon” and off we go.

      Reply
    9. Erin says

      July 21, 2022 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      This cake was amazing! I loved the texture. And the taste! Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 25, 2022 at 10:06 am

        Isn't it a great way to enjoy zucchini? So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    10. Raksha Kamat says

      July 21, 2022 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      I wish I had got this recipe before. I made it today with zucchini which I picked form my garden. The cake was super moist and the spices made it delicious. Really perfect for snack time.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 25, 2022 at 10:07 am

        It's a great way to use up that garden zucchini. I just picked 4 pounds so I think I'll be making this cake again. (That's my excuse anyway lol)

        Reply
    5 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

    Trending Recipes

    • Overnight Cinnamon French Toast
    • Celebrate Spring with Sparkling Mimosas
    • Holding bite of steak over plate of pan seared steak and scallops.
      Steak and Scallops with Champagne Butter Sauce
    • Lifting out slice of cheesecake with yellow napkin in background.
      Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake with Almond Crust

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Margarita on the Rocks
    • Closeup of enchiladas on white plate with lime slice rice guacamole and beans.
      Easy Chicken Enchiladas
    • Air fried breakfast taquitos closeup.
      Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos
    • Lifting slice out of margarita cheesecake.
      Margarita Cheesecake
    As featured in list.

    Stay Updated!

    Subscribe and receive your free "AWESOME APPETIZERS FOR EVERY OCCASION" e-book.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Media

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Cookbooks

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Sitemap

    Copyright © 2025 2CookinMamas

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.