Go Back

Moist Carrot Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional
  • Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup grated zucchini well-drained
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup raisins or shredded coconut
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple well-drained
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Zucchini and Carrots
  • Grate zucchini and carrots using medium holes of a box grater.
  • Place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
  • Lightly press carrots if very juicy.
  • Mix the Cake Batter
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  • Stir in vanilla, grated zucchini, and carrots.
  • Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  • Fold in optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or pineapple.
  • Bake the Cake
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans or a 9×13-inch pan; line with parchment paper if desired.
  • Divide batter evenly into pans.
  • Bake for 35–45 minutes (less for cupcakes), until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or a teaspoon of milk for softer spread.
  • Assemble the Cake
  • Spread a layer of frosting on the bottom cake layer (if using two layers).
  • Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
  • Decorate with chopped nuts, carrot curls, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Drain zucchini thoroughly to prevent a soggy cake.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Use fresh spices for optimal flavor.
Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.