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Lemon Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Moist & Tangy

Looking for a dessert that is light, moist, and full of refreshing flavors? The lemon zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting is exactly what you need! This cake perfectly combines the fresh, zesty notes of lemon with the subtle sweetness of zucchini, delivering a moist texture that’s hard to resist. It’s an ideal dessert for summer or any time you crave a bright and flavorful cake.

  • Total Time: 14 minute
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups shredded zucchini (drained of excess water)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Prep the Zucchini:
    Shred the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well blended. Stir in the vegetable oil, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Mix Batter:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the shredded zucchini.
  • Bake the Cake:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan (or two 9-inch round pans). Pour the batter into the pan(s) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
  • Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
    Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
  • Frost the Cake:
    Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices, if desired.

Notes

The lemon zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of lemon and zucchini offers both flavor and moisture, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy tang. It’s an easy and versatile recipe that you can make again and again. So why not give it a try today and discover your new favorite cake recipe?

If you’re in the mood to explore more unique flavor combinations, check out some of the other delicious recipes like these Earl Grey cookies and more over at Recipes Alyssa!

  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: lemon zucchini cake, cream cheese frosting, lemon dessert, zucchini cake, summer cake, moist lemon cake, tangy dessert, lemon zucchini recipe, healthy dessert, baking with zucchini