Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups finely shredded and lightly drained zucchini
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
- 1 cup (224g) vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (450g) granulated sugar
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup (226g) butter, room temperature
- 3½ cups confectioners' sugar
- juice of one lemon
- zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour or use non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Drain Zucchini: Grate large zucchini(s) to obtain 2 cups of shredded zucchini. Place zucchini in a clean dish towel and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture without drying it completely. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined. Fold in the shredded zucchini.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda until the batter is smooth. Then gently fold in the fresh blueberries to avoid breaking them.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Lemon Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat together room temperature butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt until creamy and well combined.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Add the juice of one lemon and vanilla extract, then continue to beat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Finish Frosting: Fold in lemon zest gently. If piping the buttercream, it is recommended to leave out the zest for a smoother texture.
- Assemble Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, frost with the lemon buttercream, layering as desired and garnish with reserved blueberries if desired.
Notes
- It’s important not to dry the zucchini completely; some moisture helps keep the cake moist.
- If you want a smoother frosting for piping, omit the lemon zest in the buttercream.
- Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian