Name: e with cream cheese frosting – best easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487131H58M17S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 2 cups (270 g) finely shredded zucchini (do not squeeze out liquid); 1 ½ cups (320 g) light brown sugar; 1 cup (198 g) vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces (227 g) block-style cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 ½ cups (400 g) confectioner’s sugar

Jump to Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

This zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy treat is something I share with pure joy—because I know you’re going to fall completely in love with it. The warm, aromatic spices wrap around strands of juicy zucchini, producing the most tender crumb, while that thick and dreamy cream cheese frosting takes it right over the top. It’s unbelievably simple to make, yet feels like such a special occasion every time you slice a piece. Whether it’s your first time baking with zucchini or you’re a seasoned pro, this is the perfect cake for that delightful transition between summer and fall.

e with cream cheese frosting – best easy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in making this cake as luscious, aromatic, and moist as it is. The spices and the fresh zucchini are absolutely essential for that beautiful flavor and texture balance.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of your cake, ensuring just the right structure and softness.
Baking powder & baking soda: A power duo for the perfect lift—your cake will rise and stay fluffy!
Salt: Just a pinch makes all those warm spices and sweetness truly pop.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: These four add that classic, cozy spice everyone loves in zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy.
Finely shredded zucchini: Don’t squeeze it! The extra moisture is the secret to that unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Light brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a super-moist texture without overpowering any flavors.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help leaven the cake for a plush crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds incredible depth and enhances the warm spices.
Cream cheese (block-style, room temp): Essential for that dreamy, tangy frosting you’ll want to eat with a spoon.
Unsalted butter (room temp): Makes the frosting rich and creamy, balancing tang and sweetness.
Confectioner’s sugar: Gives your frosting smoothness and structure—you’ll get that picture-perfect swoop on top.

How to Make e with cream cheese frosting – best easy

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by cranking up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it—this step is key for easy release. You can also line it with parchment paper if you love simple cleanup (who doesn’t?).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This fragrant blend is the heart of zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy—making your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery in minutes. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a second big bowl, combine your brown sugar and vegetable oil, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by that splash of vanilla extract. Whisk everything thoroughly until you get a slightly thick, glossy mixture—that’s when you know you’re ready for the next step!

Step 4: Combine Zucchini and Batter

Gently fold in the shredded zucchini (trust me—don’t squeeze out the liquid; it’s pure magic for keeping your cake moist!). Slowly blend the dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low. Stir just until combined; overmixing is a no-no for tenderness.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan—patience here pays off with perfect frosting later.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter together until they’re creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually incorporate the confectioner’s sugar, half a cup at a time. You’re aiming for light, fluffy, and irresistible—it’s the signature finish to your e with cream cheese frosting – best easy.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Make sure your cake is all the way cool before you start frosting (trust me, no one wants melted icing!). Slather the frosting on thick, using an offset spatula or butter knife to create those tempting swirls. Now stand back and admire your masterpiece!

How to Serve e with cream cheese frosting – best easy

Garnishes

This cake is absolutely beautiful on its own, but feel free to upgrade it with simple garnishes. A dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, or some delicate shreds of fresh zucchini over the frosting all add visual flair—and a touch more flavor. For a special effect, try a drizzle of honey or a flourish of edible flowers.

Side Dishes

Pair your zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. If you’d rather balance the sweetness, a cup of hot tea or strong coffee alongside makes every slice taste even cozier. For gatherings, a platter of fresh berries offers a refreshing, colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the cake into small squares for easy grab-and-go bites (hello, picnic perfection!). For birthdays or celebrations, stack slices for a rustic “naked” layer cake look. You can even use cookie cutters for fun shapes, or pipe extra frosting in rosettes for a bakery-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy stays fresh and moist for several days when gently covered and refrigerated. Wrap the pan airtight with plastic wrap or transfer slices to a lidded container—you want to guard that luscious frosting and tender crumb.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake—even with the frosting! Chill the frosted cake until firm, then wrap slices individually or the whole slab in plastic, followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is delicious straight from the fridge, but if you’d like it closer to room temperature, just let your slice sit out for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the frosting—instead, a gentle rest at room temp will bring back that fresh-from-the-bakery softness!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! You can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a slightly nuttier flavor and heartier texture. The cake will still be tender thanks to the zucchini’s moisture.

Do I really need to leave the liquid in the zucchini?

Yes, you do! That moisture is what keeps zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy so irresistibly moist and never dense. Don’t worry—the cake won’t be soggy, just deliciously tender.

Can the cake be made as cupcakes?

Definitely! Just divide the batter among lined muffin cups, filling about three-quarters full. Bake at the same temperature for 20 to 24 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Is there a good substitute for brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar with a tablespoon of molasses mixed in for every cup of sugar. This mimics both the moisture and the subtle caramel notes brown sugar brings.

How do I get super smooth cream cheese frosting?

Be sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. Sifting your confectioner’s sugar can also help avoid lumps, ensuring a rich, silky finish every time.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—this zucchini spice cake with cream cheese frosting – best easy cake is just too delightful to save for later! Each bite brings a cozy blend of spices, tender cake, and tangy-sweet icing that’s bound to earn rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try it. If you’ve been searching for the perfect blend of easy-baking and pure comfort, you’ve just found your new go-to. Get your grater ready and enjoy every delicious moment!