Delicious Zucchini Cream Cheese Delight
Indulge in this exquisite Zucchini Cream Cheese Delight, a moist and flavorful cake that brings a touch of sweetness and healthiness to your dessert table. Featuring freshly shredded zucchini, smooth cream cheese, and a hint of warm cinnamon, this cake is not only a delightful treat but also a clever way to incorporate vegetables into your desserts. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a weekday dessert, this cake offers a beautiful balance of flavors with a lovely creamy texture. Serve it warm, cool or chilled – no one will ever guess there's zucchini hidden inside!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 3/4 cups (granulated)
butter
1/2 cup (or margarine, softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
eggs
2 large
flour
1 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
2-2 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
zucchini
3-4 cups (unpeeled and shredded)
additional sugar
1/3 cup (or less)
additional cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (170°C). Prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter (or margarine), vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture using a mixer on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until it’s light and creamy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue to mix until smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, then gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined and well-blended.
5
Prepare the zucchini by shredding it (or chopping into very small pieces) and then fold it gently into the cake batter, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
7
In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or cooled, and enjoy your delightful Zucchini Cream Cheese Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a moist and flavorful cake that combines shredded zucchini, smooth cream cheese, and warm cinnamon for a sweet and healthy dessert.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 170 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is needed for this cake?
You should use a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
How long does the Zucchini Cream Cheese Delight take to bake?
The cake takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to bake.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No, the recipe specifies using 3 to 4 cups of unpeeled and shredded zucchini.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine.
What ingredients are creamed together first?
Granulated sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese are beaten together first.
How long should I beat the cream cheese and butter mixture?
Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 4 minutes until it is light and creamy.
How should the eggs be added to the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
What dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
How much cinnamon is used in the cake batter?
The batter requires 2 to 2.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How is the zucchini incorporated into the batter?
The shredded zucchini is gently folded into the cake batter to ensure even distribution.
Is there a topping for this zucchini cake?
Yes, a mixture of 1/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is sprinkled over the batter before baking.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should the cake be served?
You can serve it warm, cooled, or chilled, depending on your preference.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dessert recipe.
Can I use chopped zucchini instead of shredded?
Yes, you can either shred the zucchini or chop it into very small pieces.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the total amount of sugar needed for the entire recipe?
You need 1 3/4 cups for the batter plus up to 1/3 cup for the topping.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, grease the pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.
Can I reduce the sugar in the topping?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/3 cup or less for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
It has a moist and creamy texture with a lovely balance of flavors.
Is the zucchini flavor prominent in the cake?
No, the zucchini is hidden inside and provides moisture, while the cinnamon and cream cheese dominate the flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a Dessert and a Baked Good.
Can this cake be served at potlucks?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for sharing at gatherings and potlucks.
Should the cake cool before slicing?
Yes, allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing it into squares.