Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas
This Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake is a delightful treat that combines the moisture of zucchini with the bright flavor of lemon, creating a cake that's perfect for any occasion.
This delightful Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake is perfect for those looking to sneak some veggies into their dessert. The zucchini adds moisture and a subtle flavor, while the lemon drizzle gives it a refreshing kick!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful with a hint of lemon
- A great way to use up excess zucchini
- Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake masterfully balances the moist, tender texture of zucchini with the bright and zesty notes of lemon. The subtle sweetness from the sugar complements the slight tartness of the lemon, creating a cake that is both refreshing and satisfying. It's a unique combination that keeps each bite interesting, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or quiet afternoons at home.
The addition of lemon zest not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while the cake bakes. This aromatic touch makes it hard to resist a slice as soon as it comes out of the oven. Whether you're a lemon lover or just looking for a new cake recipe, this cake is sure to impress.
Why Zucchini?
Zucchini is often underestimated in the baking world, but it brings incredible moisture to cakes without overpowering the flavor. This versatility is what makes zucchini a fantastic ingredient for baked goods. Not only does it help create a soft crumb, but it also allows for a healthier cake option, as it adds nutrients without excess fat. Packed with vitamins and minerals, zucchini can help boost your overall health while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Using zucchini in your baking is also a clever way to use up the abundant harvest from your garden or local farmer's market. Rather than letting those extra zucchinis go to waste, you can transform them into a delicious dessert that your family and friends will love. This recipe not only helps reduce food waste but also encourages creativity in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake is perfect for various occasions. It can be served as a delightful afternoon tea treat, paired with a steaming cup of herbal tea or coffee. The citrus notes are refreshing, making it a great choice for summer gatherings or picnics. You can even serve it as a light dessert after dinner, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
For a lovely presentation, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few fresh berries. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal, but it also adds a burst of flavor that complements the cake beautifully. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Make sure to mix well for the best results!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Incorporate Zucchini
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Lemon Drizzle
While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle and Serve
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake!
Tips for Perfecting Your Cake
To ensure your Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake turns out perfectly, it's important to properly prepare your zucchini. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step will prevent your cake from becoming too wet and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the outcome of your cake. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially when measuring flour and sugar.
Storing Your Cake
Once cooled, store your Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it sit at room temperature before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, thaw and drain the excess moisture from frozen zucchini before using.
→ How should I store leftover cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I substitute the flour for gluten-free options?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake
This Zucchini Lemon Drizzle Cake is a delightful treat that combines the moisture of zucchini with the bright flavor of lemon, creating a cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g