Easy Zucchini Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Base

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
04 - 3 large fresh eggs
05 - 1 cup neutral vegetable oil
06 - 2 cups freshly grated zucchini
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
13 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it well and dusting with flour, or use a nonstick baking spray that contains flour.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for now.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then whisk in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined and smooth.
04 - Add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just moistened - don't overmix. Fold in the shredded zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and frosting - this is crucial for the best texture and to prevent the frosting from melting.
07 - Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and beat until perfectly smooth.
08 - Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

# Notes:

01 - If your cake starts browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 325°F after about 20 minutes of baking - this may extend the baking time slightly.
02 - Feel free to add up to 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
03 - The cake naturally gets quite brown due to the brown sugar and spices, so don't worry if it looks darker than expected.