Deliciously Organic

Healthy recipes and information about nutrition and thyroid disease

  • Start Here
  • The Blog
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
    • The Grain-Free Family Table
    • Deliciously Organic
  • Supplements
  • The Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My Account
  • Members Only:
  • Weekly Meal Plan Subscription
  • Thyroid Support and Health Course
  • Adrenal Balance Program

September 11, 2017

Chocolate Zucchini Cake (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

852 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Jump to Recipe

Whenever I celebrate with a dessert, I always go for chocolate. I love a good chocolate zucchini cake, so my daughters and I got in the kitchen last week to create grain-free recipe for you.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

When you make this cake, I want to warn you that the batter will be very thick, but the water from the zucchini will leach into the batter while baking to create a lovely, moist cake. The cake can be eaten alone or with the chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

Here are some tips for making the chocolate zucchini cake:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
There’s no need to peel the zucchini before grating.
You’ll need 2 cups of shredded zucchini which is about 1 large zucchini or 2 medium.
Cool the cake completely before serving. And, the flavors are even more intense on the second day!

If you like this zucchini cake, here are some cake recipes you might also enjoy:
Paleo Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Grain-Free Pound Cake
Triple Lemon Sheet Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Cherry Crumb Cake
Vanilla Bundt Cake

Print

Chocolate Zucchini Cake (Grain-Free)

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
  • Author: Carrie Vitt
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Units

For the cake:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup maple sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole plain yogurt (or a plain dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini

For the frosting:

  • 2/3 cup evaporated coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or palm shortening for a dairy-free alternative)
  • 4 ounces Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and adjust the rack to the middle position.
  2. Place the almond flour, coconut flour, gelatin, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in the bowl of a standing mixer. Using the beater attachment, mix on low for about 30 seconds until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, coconut oil, and vanilla. With the mixer on low, slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture. Stir in the zucchini. At this point the batter will be very thick.
  4. Spoon the batter into an oiled 8×8-inch glass baking dish and spread evenly in the pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool completely.
  5. Place the coconut milk and butter in a small saucepan and heat until butter is melted. Place the chocolate chips and vanilla in a blender. Pour the hot milk mixture over the chocolate and let sit for 30 seconds. Blend until smooth. Pour the frosting into a medium bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until thick.
  6. Spoon the frosting over the cake and spread evenly. Serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Serves 9

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo on Instagram and use the tag #carrievitt — I can't wait to see what you've made!

Photo credit: Becky Winkler

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Filed Under: Baking, Dairy and Grain-Free Recipes, Dairy-Free Recipes, Desserts, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Paleo Recipes, Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Did you enjoy this post?

Sign up for FREE updates!

Receive my "Top 50 Tips to Help Heal Your Thyroid" when you subscribe!

You may also enjoy these posts

Homemade Cherry Pie Filling11 Most Popular Slow Cooker RecipesHomemade Sausage Recipe

28 Comments

  1. Anne

    September 12, 2017 at 11:18 am

    You are the best! Thank you for your blog and all the effort you put into it!
    to Anne" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Anne'>Reply to this comment
  2. Mish

    September 13, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Can you sub almond flour with anything else? We have a nut allergy that prohibits its use.
    to Mish" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Mish'>Reply to this comment
    • Freya

      April 22, 2020 at 12:48 pm

      Sunflower flour
      to Freya" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Freya'>Reply to this comment
  3. Lisa

    September 13, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Do you think flax would work to replace eggs?? Would love to try this...it's difficult to work with gluten, dairy & egg allergies?
    to Lisa" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Lisa'>Reply to this comment
  4. Elizabeth Ranstrom

    September 13, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    I am so glad I found you a few years ago!!! Another gorgeous recipe!!! Thanks for all your efforts and successes ?
    to Elizabeth Ranstrom" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Elizabeth Ranstrom'>Reply to this comment
  5. Valery Behan

    September 13, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Is there a dairy free substitute for the yogurt? I love dairy but it seems to be affecting my skin when I eat it.
    to Valery Behan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Valery Behan'>Reply to this comment
    • Mell

      October 14, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      I used unsweetened apple sauce. It also makes a great substitute for butter.
      to Mell" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Mell'>Reply to this comment
    • Yasmine

      June 30, 2021 at 7:06 am

      What can we use to replace the gelatin? Thanks
      to Yasmine" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yasmine'>Reply to this comment
      • Deliciously Organic

        June 30, 2021 at 7:57 am

        I haven’t tested this recipe with substitutions, so I don’t know which ingredients would lend the exact same flavor and texture.
        to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  6. Lisa

    September 14, 2017 at 6:10 am

    Thank you for all your great recipes. I love your site! I know this is grain free, but my daughter is allergic to almonds. Can you use all coconut flour in place of the almond flour? She is also allergic to cows milk - is there a replacement for the yogurt?
    to Lisa" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Lisa'>Reply to this comment
  7. Geiberuam

    September 14, 2017 at 9:31 am

    How i can substitute evaporated coconut milk. Can i take normal coconut milk? Thank You! Geiberuam
    to Geiberuam" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Geiberuam'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 19, 2017 at 10:28 am

      I haven't tested it with anything other than evaporated coconut milk, so I can't say how it would turn out with something different. If you try something else and it works well, please let me know! :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
    • Valery Behan

      October 1, 2017 at 5:47 pm

      I used the solids from a can of organic coconut milk at it tasted great. It was a softer consistency but worked.
      to Valery Behan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Valery Behan'>Reply to this comment
    • Valery Behan

      October 1, 2017 at 5:48 pm

      I used the solids from a can of organic coconut milk at it tasted great. It was a softer consistency but worked. (Also substituted real maple syrup for maple sugar).
      to Valery Behan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Valery Behan'>Reply to this comment
  8. Megan

    September 18, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    I have the same question about what to substitute for the evaporated coconut milk?!!!!???!! I recently made your chocolate chip coconut pecan cookies, and they were out of this world! My entire family loved them!! Half of them usually turn up their noses at a gf cookie.
    to Megan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Megan'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 19, 2017 at 10:28 am

      So glad you all enjoyed the cookies! :) I haven't tested it with anything other than evaporated coconut milk, so I can't say how it would turn out with something different. If you try something else and it works well, please let me know!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
    • Valery Behan

      October 9, 2017 at 9:33 am

      Although I suggested using solids from coconut milk above, dependin on the brand of coconut milk some have more liquid than others (wild harvest organic has a lot solids- arroyo has less). Next time I will try using Coconut cream (with no added sugar ;)
      to Valery Behan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Valery Behan'>Reply to this comment
  9. DD

    September 26, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Two quick zucchini questions: 1) How thin should I shred on the box grater? I typically use the large holes. 2) Just to clarify, you don't squeeze out the moisture from the shredded zukes? They go in all plump and juicy? Thanks!
    to DD" aria-label='Reply to this comment to DD'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 7, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      I just used a regular box grater, so I'm not really sure the exact measure meant of the shreds. As, I mentioned in the post, the batter will be very thick, but the water from the zucchini will leach into the batter while baking to create a lovely, moist cake. Enjoy!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  10. Rebecca

    January 1, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Do you taste the coconut in the frosting? My son and husband aren't a fan of strong coconut flavors.
    to Rebecca" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Rebecca'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      January 2, 2018 at 4:26 pm

      You can't taste it at all!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  11. Wanda

    December 27, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    I'm curious as to if anyone has tried to substitute the egg? as I have a pretty bad egg allergy but I love chocolate and I love zucchini. Also, has anyone tried to substitute out the almond flour? as several family members have a big sensitivity to almonds.
    to Wanda" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Wanda'>Reply to this comment
  12. Roseann Reynolds

    April 22, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    I am allergic to coconut so I cannot use that flour in any recipe. Can you recommend a substitution for this? Also, I have been using Einkorn flour and having good results. Doesn't contain the high gluten quality that regualr wheat contains. thanks for your wonderful recipes!
    to Roseann Reynolds" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Roseann Reynolds'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      April 30, 2020 at 12:07 pm

      I don't test my recipes with substitutions, so I don't know which other flours would lend the exact same result. Sorry I can't be of more help!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  13. Erika

    April 30, 2020 at 10:43 am

    I couldn’t find maple sugar. What can I use instead?
    to Erika" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Erika'>Reply to this comment
  14. susan

    May 1, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Hey Carrie, I followed the directions with no substitutions and my cake came out mushy. I kept putting it back in the oven hoping it would help but it just burnt the top and was still mushy inside. I guess maybe less of the wet ingredients? what do you recommend if the cake comes out too mushy. And don't know if I could fix it after the fact.
    to susan" aria-label='Reply to this comment to susan'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      May 5, 2020 at 1:56 pm

      I just made this cake last week and it turned out perfectly, so I'm not sure what happened. I'm wondering if it wasn't baked enough? That's the only reason I'd think that it would still be uncooked after baking.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  15. r.a.

    May 18, 2020 at 9:11 am

    I made a half recipe of this in a loaf pan without the frosting as I didn't have all those ingredients. I topped it with ganache and it was delicious. We try to keep any sweets for special occasions but had so much zucchini because one of our grown children had bought a large bag for us while doing our shopping during this quarantine. Very delicious as has been every recipe I have tried from this site. Thank you!
    to r.a." aria-label='Reply to this comment to r.a.'>Reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, FNTP
Welcome to Deliciously Organic

Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms

Subscribe Now & Receive My

Top 50 Tips and Resources to
Support Your Thyroid

Download the List

How I Reversed Hashimoto’s Disease with Diet, Detox and Lifestyle

Grain-Free Family Table Widget

Favorites

Hypothyroidism: the Symptoms, Cause, and First Steps to Take

How to Curb Sugar Cravings with Buttermints

Angel Food Cake (Grain-Free, Paleo)

How to Detox After an Amalgam Filling Removal

Creamy Lemon Chicken with Spinach and Artichokes (Grain-Free)

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

All content copyright © 2023 Deliciously Organic  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs