CHOCOLATE ORANGE ZUCCHINI CAKE

Chocolate Orange Zucchini Cake image

Provided by Win Spicer

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c unsalted butter, softened
2 c sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp orange extract
2 tsp fresh grated orange rind
2 c grated zucchini, drained
1/2 c buttermilk
1/2 c chopped walnuts, optional
COCOA ORANGE FROSTING
4 Tbsp softened unsalted butter
2 c powered sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp fresh grated orange rind
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, with mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat after each one. Add vanilla and orange extracts, orange rind, and drained zucchini. Beat on medium to blend together.
3. Mix in dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk. Stir until well blended. If using nuts, stir them in now. Pour batter into prepared bundt or tube pan.
4. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven 55-60 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Cool on wire rack 8-10 minutes then turn out on cake plate to finish cooling.
5. Cocoa Orange Frosting: In a medium bowl, cream butter and powered sugar. Add cocoa and mix until well blended. Beat in milk, orange rind, and both extracts. Spread on plated cool cake.