Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - USA
Introduction
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the flavors of zucchini, cinnamon, and walnuts with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special celebration.
History
Zucchini Spice Cake has been a popular dessert for many years, especially during the summer months when zucchinis are in abundance. The addition of zucchini to the cake not only adds moisture but also a subtle flavor that pairs well with the warm spices like cinnamon. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy finish to the cake, making it a decadent treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 16 oz (454 g) powdered sugar
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, using a mixer at medium speed, beat together sugar, brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs until well blended. Reduce speed to low and beat in the dry ingredients, zucchini, and walnuts.
- Spread the batter in a greased rectangular baking pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
- When cool, cover with frosting.
- To make the frosting, combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sugar. Blend well until creamy.
Variations
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Use a different frosting, such as a lemon glaze or chocolate ganache, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to shred the zucchini finely to ensure it blends well into the cake batter.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as a dessert after a family dinner or bring it to a potluck or party to share with friends. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to properly grease the baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness before removing the cake from the oven.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute applesauce for some of the oil in the cake batter to reduce the fat content.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute maple syrup or honey for the granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Presentation Ideas
Decorate the top of the cake with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting pairs well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a special occasion, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. Walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while cream cheese is a good source of calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, butter) and nuts (walnuts), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the zucchini, walnuts, and cream cheese.
Summary
Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious and moist dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With the warm spices of cinnamon, the subtle flavor of zucchini, and the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. They were both wonderful cooks, and I was always amazed by the delicious dishes they would create in the kitchen.
One summer afternoon, my grandmother invited me into the kitchen to help her bake a cake. As we gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, she began to tell me a story about how she had learned to make this particular cake. She explained that she first came across the recipe in an old cookbook that had been passed down through her family for generations.
The recipe called for simple ingredients like zucchini, spices, flour, sugar, and cream cheese. But what really intrigued me was the combination of flavors and textures that would come together to create a moist and delicious cake. My grandmother had a way of making even the most basic recipes seem magical, and I couldn't wait to see how this one would turn out.
As we mixed the batter and poured it into the cake pans, my grandmother shared more memories of her own experiences in the kitchen. She told me about the time she had first made this cake for a family gathering, and how everyone had raved about it for weeks afterwards. She also mentioned how she had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own special touches to make it truly her own.
Once the cake was in the oven, we began to work on the cream cheese frosting. My grandmother showed me how to whip the cream cheese and butter together until it was light and fluffy, then slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The aroma of the spices and zucchini baking in the oven mixed with the sweet scent of the frosting was absolutely intoxicating.
When the timer finally went off, we pulled the cake out of the oven and let it cool before adding the frosting. My grandmother carefully spread the creamy frosting over the top of the cake, creating swirls and peaks that made it look almost too pretty to eat. But of course, we couldn't resist cutting into it and taking a taste.
The first bite was pure heaven. The moist cake was filled with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the creamy frosting added a rich and tangy sweetness. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own collection.
Over the years, I have made this Zucchini Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting many times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of the sense of wonder I felt that first day in the kitchen with my grandmother. The memories of her stories and the delicious aromas that filled the air will always hold a special place in my heart.
Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear, I hope that you will feel the same sense of joy and wonder that I did when I first learned to make it. May this cake bring you as much happiness and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Happy baking, my darling.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cake Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Egg Recipes | Walnut Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |