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Lemon Zucchini Cake Recipe (Moist, Bright, and Topped with Fluffy Frosting)

A moist, citrus-bright zucchini cake topped with fluffy lemon frosting. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 3 cups grated zucchini not drained
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoons baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened (for cake)
  • 0.5 cups olive oil
  • 0.8 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 lemons zested (for cake)
  • 0.3 cups fresh lemon juice for cake
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for frosting
  • 1 lemon zested (for frosting)
  • 1 pinch of salt for frosting

Instructions

  • Whisk dry ingredients: Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoons baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoons salt in a bowl and set aside.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened (for cake), 0.5 cups olive oil, 0.8 cups granulated sugar, 0.5 cups brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 lemons, zested (for cake), and 0.3 cups fresh lemon juice (for cake).
  • Add dry to wet: Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Fold in zucchini: Gently fold in 3 cups grated zucchini (not drained), without draining the excess water.
  • Spread batter in pan: Spread the batter evenly into a prepared, parchment-lined baking pan.
  • Bake: Bake until golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Whip frosting: In a stand mixer, whip 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting), 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting), 1 lemon, zested (for frosting), and 1 pinch of salt (for frosting) until light and fluffy.
  • Frost and serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and serve.