Pineapple Zucchini Cake (without) Cream Cheese Frosting

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Who knew that Zucchini and dessert even went together? This Pineapple Zucchini Cake is so easy to make, that you don't even need to use a mixer! It's very moist, with just the right balance of spices. There's a cream cheese frosting that makes this cake even decadent and richer-- and you can make this is a sheet pan. For me, I made this in a bundt-style pan, and sprinkled it with powdered sugar. Know what? I didn't even miss the frosting! It's a great snack cake that just might sneak in a little fruit and veggies for your kids. Super delicious and a keeper.

To see how I made this, visit my food blog at: http://foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/eatin-my-daily-fruits-veggies-pineapple.html

  • 10
  • 25 mins
  • 50 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour (can use all white flour if you don't have this)
  • 1-1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut (optional, I didn't use)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon), (you can use pre-ground, too)
  • 1 pinch ground dried ginger (about 1/16 teaspoon)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 whole large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups grated (unpeeled) zucchini (*see Note)
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained (reserve in case you need it for the cake batter or the frosting)
  • NOTE: I think that half the pineapple would have been better, and I will do that next time.
  • NOTE: Because I'm trying to cut back on my sweet tooth, and fat, I didn't frost this cake. Undoubtedly, the frosting below is phenomenally good with this cake!
  • FROSTING
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened (can use full-fat cream cheese)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Splash of milk or pineapple juice, if necessary
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

To prepare cake, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, coconut, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Combine oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well. Stir egg mixture, grated zucchini, and pineapple** into flour mixture. Batter might be stiff and dry but keep folding it and it will all come together. If it still seems too dry, just add a little splash of the pineapple juice.

NOTE: I found that the batter was easy to work with, and I didn't need the addition of pineapple juice.

**I felt that one 20-ounce can of pineapple was a little too much for this cake. However, adjust this or not, according to your preferences.

TASTING NOTES: Loved this cake! It was super delicious and I did use whole wheat pastry flour. I did not miss the icing one little bit-- it's a great snacking cake, and maybe a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Spoon batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for about 33-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs and cake is pulling away from sides of pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare frosting, combine butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla just until smooth. Add a splash of milk or pineapple juice if necessary. Spread frosting over top of cake. You can garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.

NOTES : If your zucchini are huge, scrape the seeds out of the center before you shred it so it’s not too watery. Also, I spread it all out on layers of paper towel to drain it and dry it off a bit. Then I measure out 2 cups. Not sure if this is critical though. Nuts can also be added to the cake batter if desired. This recipe makes a very generous amount of frosting.

And this recipe can be turned into a Carrot Cake just by substituting shredded carrots for the zucchini.

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