Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, all while incorporating the moistness of zucchini. This unique combination not only makes for a delicious dessert but also adds a nutritious twist that many of us appreciate. Originating from the tradition of using garden-fresh zucchini in baked goods, this cake has become a beloved staple in many households, especially during the summer months when zucchinis are in abundance.
People adore Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake for its incredible flavor and texture. The zesty lemon brightens the cake, while the blueberries burst with sweetness in every bite, creating a symphony of tastes that is hard to resist. Plus, the zucchini keeps the cake wonderfully moist, making it a perfect option for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack. Whether youre looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting slice, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup, packed)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if out of season)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Preparing the Batter
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly. 2. **Prepare the Zucchini**: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. 3. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. 4. **Add Eggs and Flavorings**: Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The combination of lemon and blueberries will give your cake a refreshing flavor. 5. **Incorporate the Zucchini**: Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture. Make sure its evenly distributed throughout the batter. 6. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. 7. **Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. 8. **Fold in Blueberries and Nuts**: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and, if youre using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the cake.Cooking Process
9. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. 10. **Pour the Batter**: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. 11. **Bake the Cake**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. 12. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure the cake doesnt become soggy.Assembling and Serving
13. **Prepare for Serving**: Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. This is optional but adds a nice touch. 14. **Slice and Serve**: Cut the cake into squares or rectangles, and serve it on a platter. This cake is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! 15. **Storage**: If you have leftovers (which is rare because its so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. 16. **Enjoy**: Now, its time to enjoy your homemade Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake! Pair it with a cup of tea or coffeeConclusion:
In summary, this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert thats both moist and bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, sweet blueberries, and the subtle earthiness of zucchini creates a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, its a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your sweet tooth! For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation. If youre feeling adventurous, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch or swapping out the blueberries for raspberries or strawberries to create your own unique twist on this recipe. I truly encourage you to give this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake a try. I promise you wont be disappointed! Once youve baked it, Id love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your creation. Lets spread the joy of baking together! Happy baking! PrintLemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake: A Deliciously Moist Recipe Youll Love
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake is a delightful blend of moist zucchini, fresh blueberries, and a zesty lemon flavor. Ideal for any time of day, it offers a refreshing twist that will satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup, packed)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if out of season)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in blueberries and optional nuts.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Serve with tea or coffee and enjoy your delicious cake!
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent a soggy cake.
- You can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are not available.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes