Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) finely shredded zucchini, patted dry
- 1.5 cups (190g) whole wheat pastry flour
- 0.5 cup (100g) coconut sugar
- 0.5 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 0.33 cup (75ml) melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 0.5 tsp (2.5g) baking powder
- 1 tbsp (8g) ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp (1g) ground cloves
- 0.5 tsp (3g) salt
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch (0.5g) salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Grate the zucchini using the fine holes of a box grater, then place shreds in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and applesauce until the mixture is smooth and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then stir in the shredded zucchini.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and slice into 15 portions.