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Zucchini Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This gluten-free cake combines the moistness of zucchini and carrots with the nutty crunch of pistachios. Topped with a rich pistachio cream cheese frosting, it's a unique twist on traditional carrot cake.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:35:24 GMT
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A slice of moist carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped pistachios served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of moist carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped pistachios served on a white plate. | quickierecipe.com

My Favorite Zucchini Carrot Cake

I created this cake one summer when my garden was overflowing with zucchini. The combination of tender carrots garden fresh zucchini and warm spices creates pure magic in every slice. That pistachio cream cheese frosting takes it over the top making something truly special. Now it's become our most requested celebration cake bringing cozy comfort with an elegant twist.

What Makes This Cake Special

The magic of this cake lies in how those vegetables keep everything incredibly moist while adding natural sweetness. That creamy pistachio frosting and hint of orange zest make it feel extra special. I love how simple it is to make yet it looks like something from a fancy bakery.

What You'll Need

  • Carrots: Freshly grated gives the best texture.
  • Zucchini: Make sure to drain it really well.
  • Eggs: These give our cake perfect structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes everything better.
  • Canola Oil: Keeps our cake wonderfully moist.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds lovely caramel notes.
  • Sugar: Balances all our flavors.
  • Orange Zest: Fresh citrus brightens everything up.
  • Pistachios: Optional but adds such nice crunch.
  • Baking Flour: The foundation of our cake.
  • Baking Powder & Soda: For perfect rise.
  • Spices: Our warm cozy blend.
  • Kosher Salt: Makes flavors pop.
  • Cream Cheese: The base of our dreamy frosting.
  • Butter: Makes frosting extra creamy.
  • Pistachio Extract: Optional but wonderful.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens our frosting perfectly.

Let's Start Baking

Preheat the Oven
Get your oven nice and warm and prep those pans.
Prepare Zucchini
Squeeze out all that extra moisture it's so important.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat everything until light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk those dry ingredients until well mixed.
Incorporate and Fold
Gently bring everything together with our veggies.
Bake
Let it turn golden and perfect in the oven.

Making That Dreamy Frosting

Prepare the Frosting
Beat until silky smooth then add sugar and flavorings.
Frost the Cake
Spread that creamy frosting generously adding pistachios if you like.

My Best Baking Tips

Really drain that zucchini well it makes such a difference. Try different nuts if you like walnuts are wonderful too. Watch your oven temperature carefully and don't overmix the batter it keeps everything tender.

Keeping It Fresh

This cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for about 3 days or pop it in the fridge for a week. A quick warm up makes leftovers taste fresh baked. You can make that frosting ahead too it stays perfect in the fridge.

A rectangular cake topped with cream frosting and garnished with chopped pistachios and crumbs. Pin it
A rectangular cake topped with cream frosting and garnished with chopped pistachios and crumbs. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why drain the zucchini?

Removing excess moisture from zucchini is crucial for proper cake texture. Too much moisture can make the cake dense and soggy.

→ Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in equal amounts. The texture might be slightly different but will still work well.

→ Is pistachio extract necessary?

While optional, pistachio extract enhances the nutty flavor. The cake will still be delicious without it, just less pronounced pistachio taste.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store well-wrapped. Frost just before serving for best results.

→ Why use both brown and white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, while white sugar helps create proper texture. The combination gives the best results.

Zucchini Carrot Cake

A tender, gluten-free cake loaded with fresh carrots and zucchini, topped with pistachio cream cheese frosting. Perfect blend of vegetables and nuts.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups carrots, shredded.
02 2 cups zucchini, shredded and drained.
03 4 eggs.
04 2 tablespoons vanilla extract.
05 1 cup canola oil.
06 1 cup brown sugar.
07 3/4 cup sugar.
08 1 orange, zested.
09 1 cup pistachios, chopped.
10 2 cups Gluten Free 1.1 baking flour.
11 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder.
12 1 teaspoon baking soda.
13 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
14 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
15 1/2 teaspoon allspice.
16 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
17 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature.
18 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature.
19 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
20 1/2 teaspoon pistachio extract (optional).
21 4 cups powdered sugar.
22 Chopped pistachios for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare pans with spray.

Step 02

Drain zucchini well using strainer or cheesecloth.

Step 03

Beat eggs, oil, sugars, vanilla, orange zest. Mix on high 3 minutes.

Step 04

Combine dry ingredients separately.

Step 05

Add dry to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Fold in carrots and zucchini.

Step 06

Bake 35-45 minutes until done.

Step 07

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Frost cooled cake. Garnish with pistachios.

Notes

  1. Use high-quality extracts for best flavor.
  2. Can use regular flour instead.
  3. Drain zucchini very well.
  4. Can make cake layers ahead.
  5. Makes two 8" rounds or one 9x13.
  6. Great way to use garden vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • 8" round pans or 9x13 pan.
  • Fine mesh strainer.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Cheesecloth.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Tree nuts (pistachios).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 966
  • Total Fat: 55 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 113 g
  • Protein: 11 g