Double-Chocolate Zucchini Snack Cake

Garden zucchini often finds a sweet second life in moist chocolate snack cakes that hide the vegetable completely. This double-chocolate version relies on cocoa, semisweet chips, and a cream cheese finish for rich, kid-friendly squares.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 30 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 420 cal
• 6g protein
• 54g carbs
• 22g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups packed shredded zucchini
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with a parchment sling for easy removal.
2. 2Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove excess water; you want it damp but not dripping so the cake stays fudgy rather than soggy.
3. 3In a large bowl whisk the oil, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Stir in the squeezed zucchini.
4. 4Sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold until just combined; do not overmix.
5. 5Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a small handful for the top. Scrape the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface; scatter the reserved chips over the top.
6. 6Bake 28 to 33 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. 7Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until fluffy and spreadable. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake in an even layer.
8. 8Chill 20 minutes to set the frosting, then cut into six generous squares. Store covered in the fridge; the zucchini keeps the crumb incredibly moist for days.