Easy Zucchini Cake Cream Cheese (Printer-Friendly Version)

Soft, moist zucchini cake enhanced with orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 small to medium zucchinis (approximately 14-16 ounces total), grated

→ Oils

02 - ½ cup avocado oil (or neutral oil such as vegetable or canola)

→ Sugars

03 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
04 - ½ cup packed light brown sugar

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
11 - ½ teaspoon fine salt

→ Flavorings

12 - Zest of 1 medium orange
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Eggs

14 - 3 large eggs

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

15 - 8 ounces block cream cheese, softened
16 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 3 cups powdered sugar
18 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch aluminum baking pan. Grate zucchini and gently squeeze out excess moisture if needed. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and avocado oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
02 - In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
03 - Fold the grated zucchini gently into the batter to evenly distribute without deflating the mixture.
04 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
05 - Using a stand or hand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until light and fluffy.
06 - Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Slice and serve.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For a dairy-free frosting, substitute block cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives; note frosting will be softer and less suitable for piping.
02 - Optional additions to the batter include 1 cup chopped walnuts, diced apples (peeled and patted dry), golden raisins, or 1 to 1¼ cups chocolate chips.
03 - Incrementally increase spices or add ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves for enhanced warmth, keeping in mind these spices are potent.

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