Signature

Featured

Courgette Cake Recipe

Learn how to make this quick and easy courgette cake recipe! Discover how to cook a moist, spiced cake using fresh courgettes. This simple recipe transforms vegetables into a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Prep

20 mins

Cook

45 mins

Serve

Kcal

285

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g courgettes, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g caster sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150ml vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g walnuts, chopped (or almonds)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g icing sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon juice</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with baking parchment, ensuring the paper comes up the sides slightly for easy removal later. Wash the courgettes thoroughly, then grate them using the coarse side of a box grater - no need to peel them as the skin adds lovely flecks of colour and nutrients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the grated courgettes in a clean tea towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as too much liquid will make your cake soggy. You should extract about 2-3 tablespoons of liquid. Set the squeezed courgettes aside in a bowl.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy - this should take about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking. The mixture should look pale and well emulsified.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps create a lighter texture in your finished cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a large metal spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as you can no longer see any streaks of flour - overmixing will result in a tough, dense cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently fold in the squeezed courgettes and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The courgettes should be well incorporated but still visible as small green specks throughout the mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Give the tin a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles, then bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely - this is essential before frosting as warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy - this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well after each addition, then finish with the lemon juice for a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a palette knife, creating swirls for an attractive finish. Cut into generous slices and serve. This cake actually improves after a day, as the flavours meld beautifully together.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Courgette Cake Recipe

What ingredients are used in Courgette Cake Recipe?

The main ingredients include 300g grated courgettes, 250g plain flour, 200g caster sugar, 150ml vegetable oil, 3 eggs, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus cream cheese frosting made with 200g cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar.

How to cook Courgette Cake Recipe from scratch at home?

Learn how to cook courgette cake recipe by grating fresh courgettes, mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, then combining with squeezed courgettes and nuts. Bake at 180°C for 45-55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean, then top with cream cheese frosting.

Should you squeeze moisture from courgettes before baking?

Yes, always squeeze grated courgettes in a clean tea towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and ensures a proper texture. You should extract about 2-3 tablespoons of liquid before adding to the batter.

What's the best baking temperature for moist courgette cake?

Bake courgette cake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 45-55 minutes. This moderate temperature ensures the cake cooks evenly without drying out, whilst allowing the courgettes to steam gently and keep the sponge beautifully moist throughout.

Can you make courgette cake without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, courgette cake is delicious on its own or with alternatives like buttercream, lemon glaze, or simply dusted with icing sugar. The moist, spiced sponge has enough flavour to stand alone, making frosting optional rather than essential.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe has been independently developed for home cooking.

✨Try GrittyChef

Love This Recipe?
Create Your Own in 10 Seconds

Get unlimited personalized recipes tailored to your exact preferences with GrittyChef.

Create My Recipe→

✓8,400+ users

✓Cancel anytime

✓$7/month

156 creating now

⭐ PREMIUM

Personal Recipe Generator

Create delicious recipes instantly

🔥Popular Recipes

🍔 Cheeseburger

🍕 Pizza

🥓 Burrito

What would you like to make?

Customize Your Recipe

Select your cooking preferences

🔥 Cooking Method

Grilling

Baking

Frying

Steaming

🌶️ Spice Level

Mild

Medium

Hot

🥗 Dietary Preference

Keto

Vegan

Paleo

👥 Servings:

GrittyChef is Cooking...

Creating your perfect recipe ✨

👨‍🍳

Chef's Kiss!

Your recipe is ready

Get ready to cook something delicious

👨‍🍳 GrittyChef AI Chef

🍔 Classic Cheeseburger

⏱️ 20 mins

👥 4 servings

🔥 Hot

🛒Ingredients

✓1.5 lbs ground beef
✓4 burger buns
✓4 cheddar slices
✓Lettuce, tomato

👨‍🍳Instructions

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "@id": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/courgette-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe#recipe",
  "name": "Courgette Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe",
  "image": ["https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/4a58fbf3-54bf-417d-a8aa-9bdd9b72d9ff/generations/e1e26c33-b9c9-4d0c-8ab7-d8eb84b2f99f/Phoenix_10_Image_Description_A_rustic_yet_elegant_courgette_ca_0.jpg"],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Peter Martin",
    "jobTitle": "Chef",
    "url": "https://www.grittychef.com"
  },
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "GrittyChef",
    "url": "https://www.grittychef.com",
    "logo": {
      "@type": "ImageObject",
      "url": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/68179523ed0aeea15c49bade/690376118ebfd7be919eabab_gritty-chef-logo.png"
    }
  },
  "datePublished": "2026-05-23",
  "dateModified": "2026-05-23",
  "description": "Moist spiced courgette cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with creamy tangy frosting and crunchy walnuts throughout.",
  "url": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/courgette-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe",
  "prepTime": "PT20M",
  "cookTime": "PT55M",
  "totalTime": "PT1H15M",
  "keywords": "zucchini cake, spiced cake, vegetable cake, walnut cake",
  "recipeYield": "8 servings",
  "recipeCategory": "Dessert",
  "recipeCuisine": "British",
  "cookingMethod": "Baking",
  "nutrition": {
    "@type": "NutritionInformation",
    "calories": "485 calories",
    "carbohydrateContent": "68 g",
    "proteinContent": "8 g",
    "fatContent": "22 g",
    "saturatedFatContent": "8 g",
    "cholesterolContent": "95 mg",
    "sodiumContent": "320 mg",
    "sugarContent": "58 g",
    "servingSize": "1 serving"
  },
  "recipeIngredient": [
    "300g courgettes, grated",
    "250g plain flour",
    "200g caster sugar",
    "150ml vegetable oil",
    "3 large eggs",
    "1 tsp vanilla extract",
    "1 tsp baking powder",
    "1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda",
    "1 tsp ground cinnamon",
    "1/2 tsp ground nutmeg",
    "1/2 tsp salt",
    "100g walnuts, chopped (or almonds)",
    "200g cream cheese, softened",
    "100g unsalted butter, softened",
    "300g icing sugar",
    "1 tsp lemon juice"
  ],
  "recipeInstructions": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Prepare oven and tin",
      "text": "Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with baking parchment, ensuring the paper comes up the sides slightly for easy removal later. Wash the courgettes thoroughly, then grate them using the coarse side of a box grater - no need to peel them as the skin adds lovely flecks of colour and nutrients."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Squeeze courgettes dry",
      "text": "Place the grated courgettes in a clean tea towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as too much liquid will make your cake soggy. You should extract about 2-3 tablespoons of liquid. Set the squeezed courgettes aside in a bowl."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Mix wet ingredients",
      "text": "In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy - this should take about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking. The mixture should look pale and well emulsified."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Sift dry ingredients",
      "text": "In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps create a lighter texture in your finished cake."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Combine wet and dry",
      "text": "Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a large metal spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as you can no longer see any streaks of flour - overmixing will result in a tough, dense cake."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add courgettes and walnuts",
      "text": "Gently fold in the squeezed courgettes and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The courgettes should be well incorporated but still visible as small green specks throughout the mixture."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Bake the cake",
      "text": "Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Give the tin a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles, then bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cool completely",
      "text": "Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely - this is essential before frosting as warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make cream cheese frosting",
      "text": "For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy - this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well after each addition, then finish with the lemon juice for a subtle tang that balances the sweetness."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Frost and serve",
      "text": "Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a palette knife, creating swirls for an attractive finish. Cut into generous slices and serve. This cake actually improves after a day, as the flavours meld beautifully together."
    }
  ],
  "aggregateRating": {
    "@type": "AggregateRating",
    "ratingValue": 4.9,
    "bestRating": 5,
    "worstRating": 1,
    "ratingCount": 1
  },
  "review": [
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Peter Martin"
      },
      "datePublished": "2026-05-23",
      "reviewBody": "The courgettes create incredible moisture while the warm spices and tangy frosting balance perfectly — surprisingly elegant vegetable cake.",
      "name": "Chef's Rating",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": 4.9,
        "bestRating": 5,
        "worstRating": 1
      }
    }
  ]
}


{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What ingredients are used in Courgette Cake Recipe?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The main ingredients include 300g grated courgettes, 250g plain flour, 200g caster sugar, 150ml vegetable oil, 3 eggs, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus cream cheese frosting made with 200g cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How to cook Courgette Cake Recipe from scratch at home?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Learn how to cook courgette cake recipe by grating fresh courgettes, mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, then combining with squeezed courgettes and nuts. Bake at 180°C for 45-55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean, then top with cream cheese frosting."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Should you squeeze moisture from courgettes before baking?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, always squeeze grated courgettes in a clean tea towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and ensures a proper texture. You should extract about 2-3 tablespoons of liquid before adding to the batter."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What's the best baking temperature for moist courgette cake?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Bake courgette cake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 45-55 minutes. This moderate temperature ensures the cake cooks evenly without drying out, whilst allowing the courgettes to steam gently and keep the sponge beautifully moist throughout."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can you make courgette cake without cream cheese frosting?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, courgette cake is delicious on its own or with alternatives like buttercream, lemon glaze, or simply dusted with icing sugar. The moist, spiced sponge has enough flavour to stand alone, making frosting optional rather than essential."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Courgette Cake Recipe

Learn how to make this quick and easy courgette cake recipe! Discover how to cook a moist, spiced cake using fresh courgettes. This simple recipe transforms vegetables into a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Ingredients

Directions

What ingredients are used in Courgette Cake Recipe?

How to cook Courgette Cake Recipe from scratch at home?

Should you squeeze moisture from courgettes before baking?

What's the best baking temperature for moist courgette cake?

Can you make courgette cake without cream cheese frosting?

Love This Recipe?Create Your Own in 10 Seconds

Personal Recipe Generator

Customize Your Recipe

GrittyChef is Cooking...

Chef's Kiss!

🍔 Classic Cheeseburger

🛒Ingredients

👨‍🍳Instructions

Love This Recipe?
Create Your Own in 10 Seconds