chocolate zucchini cake

9:35 PM

it's that time of the year where either you have zucchini coming out of your ears or someone you know does. we fall under that someone you know category. now, we are likewise brimming with the green veggie.

though my youngest and i love it sauteed, h and will do not, and because i totally needed an entire 13x9 inch chocolate cake sitting around (eye roll) what better way to use up some of that zucchini? and also, coffee and cake. i know what i'm having for breakfast.

ingredients:
yield: 1 9x13 cake

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 eggs
4 medium zucchini, shredded
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sea salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa nibs, for garnish (optional)

method:
preheat oven to 350 degrees. line 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper. set aside.

in a large bowl, combine applesauce, butter, eggs, zucchini, vanilla extract and sugar. whisk. add cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. mix until combined. fold in flour. pour into parchment lined baking pan. garnish with cocoa nibs.

bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted. cool 10-15 minutes before transfering out of pan. slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

store covered or in tupperware 2-3 days
.