- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a Bundt pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
- Stir in the grated zucchini, ensuring even distribution.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes (or 50–55 minutes for a Bundt pan), 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.
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake for extra citrusy goodness.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy as-is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Variations & Customizations
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a citrus-chocolate combo.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in the glaze.
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace ½ cup sugar with applesauce for a naturally sweetened cake.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No! The skin is soft and blends into the cake, adding moisture without affecting the texture.
2. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
3. Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
4. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Stir gently and only until combined.
5. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra citrusy sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Orange Zucchini Cake is a perfect balance of moist, citrusy, and lightly spiced flavors. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables while enjoying a delicious dessert. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, this cake will leave everyone wanting another slice!
Try it today and enjoy every bite of this fresh, fruity, and fluffy cake! 🍊🎂 Would you like a gluten-free version? Let me know!
