Description
This recipe delivers an exceptionally moist and flavorful cake by incorporating fresh grated zucchini and ripe bananas. Finished with a rich maple cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect dessert or snack that skillfully hides a serving of vegetables.
Ingredients
- Grated Zucchini (about 1.5 cups packed)
- Ripe Bananas (mashed)
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vegetable Oil
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese, softened
- Butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for the cake batter.
- Fold in your mashed ripe bananas, leaving a few small chunks for texture if desired.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Carefully fold in the grated zucchini, distributing it evenly without deflating the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy for the frosting base.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Spread the maple frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and serve this joyful treat.
Notes
To ensure maximum flavor and moisture retention, use room temperature eggs and slightly oily zucchini (if not overly watery). If converting this 9×13 cake recipe to a loaf pan, reduce the oven temperature slightly to 325°F (160°C) and increase the baking time, checking frequently after 60 minutes. This cake freezes beautifully without the frosting; wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American