Zucchini Spice Cake: Deliciously Moist & Easy

Name: Zucchini Spice Cake: Deliciously Moist & Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)

by Jannet Lisa

27 de July de 2025

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Zucchini spice cake has been a comforting aroma in my kitchen for years. I first tried making this easy spiced zucchini cake when I had an abundance of zucchini from my garden, and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling my home was pure bliss. It’s truly a delicious way to use up extra squash, turning it into something wonderfully moist and flavorful. This homemade zucchini spice cake is so simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Spice Cake

This zucchini spice cake is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with:

The incredibly moist and tender crumb, making it the moist zucchini spice cake you’ll ever taste.
Its delightful balance of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a truly comforting flavor.
How quickly it comes together – this easy spiced zucchini cake is perfect for weeknights.
The satisfyingly light yet rich texture that makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Its budget-friendly nature, using simple pantry staples and garden-fresh zucchini.
The subtle sweetness that makes it a fantastic treat without being overpowering.
Knowing you’re turning a healthy vegetable into a decadent dessert.
This truly is the best moist zucchini spice cake for any occasion.

Ingredients for Zucchini Spice Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious zucchini spice cake. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cake structure
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – for that warm, comforting spice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – pairs beautifully with cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – adds a touch of depth to the spice blend
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cake rise
1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness
3/4 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake incredibly moist
3 large eggs – bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer
2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis) – make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake. This is key for a perfect zucchini cake with cinnamon and nutmeg!

How to Make Zucchini Spice Cake

Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful zucchini spice cake. This easy zucchini spice cake recipe is perfect for beginners!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This ensures your beautiful cake releases easily.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture is the foundation for our spiced zucchini bread recipe.
Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Step 5: Gently fold in the 2 cups grated zucchini. Make sure the zucchini is evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, moist zucchini spice cake texture.
Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with your spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 8: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto the wire rack to cool completely. This easy zucchini spice cake recipe tastes amazing warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Spice Cake

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this zucchini spice cake absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness!

Always squeeze the grated zucchini very well to remove excess moisture. This is the most important step to prevent a soggy cake and achieve a moist zucchini spice cake.
Don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear to ensure a tender crumb.
Adding a simple glaze or frosting can elevate this cake to a whole new level. A cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze works wonderfully.

What’s the secret to perfect zucchini spice cake?

The secret to a truly perfect zucchini spice cake is all about managing the zucchini’s moisture. Squeezing it dry and not overmixing the batter are crucial for that wonderfully moist texture. For more baking tips, check out these baking secrets.

Can I make zucchini spice cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake this homemade zucchini spice cake a day in advance. Once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays wonderfully moist.

How do I avoid common mistakes with zucchini spice cake?

The most common mistake is a dry cake. This usually happens from not squeezing enough moisture out of the zucchini or overbaking. Make sure to drain it well and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean. If you’re looking for other vegetable-based recipes, you might enjoy this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Best Ways to Serve Zucchini Spice Cake

This versatile zucchini spice cake is delicious served in so many ways! For a simple treat, enjoy a warm slice on its own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also wonderful slightly chilled. For a more decadent experience, consider a delightful glazed zucchini spice cake. A simple powdered sugar glaze with a hint of lemon or vanilla adds a lovely sweetness and a beautiful finish. You could also pair a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special dessert.

Zucchini Spice Cake: Deliciously Moist & Easy - Zucchini Spice Cake - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Zucchini Spice Cake

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings of delicious zucchini spice cake. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per slice:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 250mg
Cholesterol: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade zucchini spice cake.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Spice Cake

Properly storing your homemade zucchini spice cake will help keep it moist and delicious for days. Once your cake has cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s time to store it. For short-term storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of cake or want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen zucchini spice cake, the best way to reheat it is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm slice, you can gently reheat it in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or bake it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through. This ensures your homemade zucchini spice cake is as fresh and delicious as when it was first baked. For other dessert ideas, check out these cosmic brownie bites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Spice Cake

What is zucchini spice cake?

Zucchini spice cake is a delicious baked dessert that incorporates grated zucchini into the batter, along with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The zucchini adds moisture and a tender texture, making it a delightful alternative to traditional cakes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat while getting some extra vegetables! For more information on the benefits of zucchini, you can refer to resources on Healthline.

Is this a quick zucchini spice cake recipe?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be a quick zucchini spice cake! The prep time is only about 20 minutes, and the baking takes around 35 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. You can easily whip this up after work for a delightful homemade treat. If you’re short on time, consider these nutter butter bars.

Can I add nuts or frosting to my zucchini spice cake?

Absolutely! Many people love to add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra texture and flavor. For frosting, a simple cream cheese frosting or a lemon-flavored glaze is absolutely divine and really complements the spices. A good frosting can take your homemade zucchini spice cake to the next level! You might also enjoy this apple zucchini bread.

Why is my zucchini spice cake dry?

A dry zucchini spice cake often results from overbaking or not managing the zucchini’s moisture correctly. Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. Also, avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, drier cake. Bake only until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations of Zucchini Spice Cake You Can Try

Once you master the basic Zucchini Spice Cake, you’ll find so many fun ways to customize it! For a healthier twist, try this healthy zucchini spice cake recipe by swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar slightly. You might also enjoy a spiced zucchini bread recipe variation; simply bake the batter in loaf pans instead of a 9×13 pan, adjusting the baking time as needed. For a touch of decadence, consider adding chocolate chips or a swirl of cream cheese filling to the batter. Another idea is to make a delicious glazed zucchini spice cake by topping it with a simple powdered sugar glaze after it cools. You could also try making apple cider donut cake for a seasonal treat.