This Easy Orange Zucchini Cake is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and textures, combining the mild taste of zucchini with the bright, citrusy zest of orange. Moist, light, and delightfully fragrant, this cake makes for a fantastic dessert or snack. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up extra zucchini or simply craving something different, this cake is a must-try! It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Zucchini: Fold the grated zucchini into the batter, followed by the chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve your delicious orange zucchini cake! Enjoy it as a light dessert, snack, or with a cup of tea or coffee.