Chocolate Zucchini Snack Cake

Most people love Fridays simply because it’s the end of a work week and the beginning of some down time. I agree, but I also love Fridays because that’s when I get to share an amazing dessert recipe. Fantabulous Fridays are great because it pushes me to find new dessert ideas for my family. Plus it gives me a little something different to focus on in the kitchen 🙂 

There are a few ways you can make this dense snack cake. In place of carob powder you can use unsweetened cocoa powder, and for a richer chocolate flavor without extra calories you could add 1 tsp. of espresso powder. THe following is how I made it.

1 1/2 cups flour (1/2 unbleached white & 1/2 whole wheat)

3/4 cup carob powder

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

3 eggs (or 2 eggs + 2 egg whites)

1/3 cup EVOO

2 cups shredded zucchini

two 6-0z. containers low-fat vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350*. Grease a 9-inch square metal baking pan and line bottom with parchment paper; grease parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In a larger bowl, combine sugar and eggs; beat at medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Whisk in the olive oil. 

3. Stir in zucchini. Batter will begin to get a little foamy. Awesome. Stir in the flour mixture, combine. Add yogurt and chocolate pieces; mix in well.

4. Transfer to baking pan. Bake until springy to the touch, about 35 minutes; let cool slightly. Serve with whipped cream or additional yogurt.

This cake is awesome because it is a healthy and tasty alternative to boxed mixes. If you decide to use the espresso powder in place of the chocolate chips, you’ve just increased the chocolate flavor without adding any more calories. You can also eat it while it’s still warm, which is great for those of you who just can’t wait to dig in!

2 cups of zucchini have only 64 calories, vitamins A & C, and 20% of your daily fiber.  Vitamins and fiber in a chocolate cake? Not bad.

Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and it helps lower blood pressure. You may get a few extra calories out of it, but when eaten in moderation, those calories are outweighed by the benefits and added flavor.