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Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

September 24, 2021 By Patricia 65 Comments

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a lovely, moist, and delicious cake that’s perfect for the season! What a great way to use up what’s left of your garden zucchini! This cake is a delight everyone will love.

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a lovely, seasonal dessert. This cake is moist, delicious, and perfect for a special event!

The summer is almost officially over and I just realized that I haven’t posted any new zucchini recipes this season. I’ve eaten a ton of it this summer — almost all of it was grilled — but no new recipes. I decided to make this Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting before the sun sets on the season.

This cake reminds me of a cross between zucchini bread and carrot cake. It’s ultra moist, and ultra tasty if I say so myself. And I should know — I ate so much more than my fair share. Thank goodness my neighbor likes cake, too!

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and delicious cake. Serve this dessert for a special occasion this summer!

The banana adds fabulous flavor and helps to keep the cake extra moist, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to this treat. It’s also super easy to make.

Keep in mind, though, that the recipe makes *just enough* frosting for the cake, so take note if you’re prone to sampling!

I wanted a little extra texture in the cake, so I shredded a bit of the zucchini on the larger holes of a box grater. Most of the zucchini, however, I grated on the smallest holes.

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a cake you'll love! This dessert is quite a treat!

I couldn’t leave chocolate chips out of this cake (my mom always adds chocolate chips to her zucchini bread), so I added those, too — but mini chips because I didn’t want them to overtake the cake.

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Really, you could experiment and add all sorts of different things to this cake. I thought blueberries might be good for this cake — I think I’d use dried blueberries instead of fresh. I’m not sure what else I’d like, but I’m willing to experiment a little to make this cake again!

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a fun cake for the summer fun! Use up that zucchini on a wonderful dessert like this!

If you’re trying to fit in a few zucchini dishes before the season ends, I’ve got a few suggestions. One is my Farmers Market Find: Sauteed Peppers, Tomatoes & Zucchini. I love this as a side dish, or even as an appetizer.

For the brunchers among us, Zucchini-Thyme Frittata for Two is a great dish to serve. If you have more people to feed, just double the recipe and use a larger skillet. 

And if you want another lovely layer cake to try, check out this Chocolate Salad Dressing Cake with Cherries and Chocolate Buttercream — mmmm! 

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a fun dessert for the season! You'll love this pretty cake!

I’m telling you, don’t let the summer officially end without making a few more zucchini dishes, especially this cake! Everyone needs dessert, and this would be perfect for a party or get together. It makes a big cake, so why not spread the love, deliciously?

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a great cake, and fun to serve during the summer season!

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a lovely cake for a special treat. This dessert is one you'll want to serve at any get together or for a special occasion.

Nutrition

Calories

501 cal

Fat

24 g

Carbs

71 g

Protein

8 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Serves 10

Zucchini-Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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5 based on 8 review(s)

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Ingredients

    For the Cake:
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 cups mashed banana (about 4 small bananas)
  • 2 cups grated zucchini (use the smallest holes on a grater), plus extra, shredded, for garnish
  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus an extra 3 ounces for garnish
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

    For the Cake:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Line the bottom of 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. Spray the sides and bottom lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Try to squeeze as much liquid from the shredded zucchini as possible. Set aside.
  4. Combine the applesauce, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a mixer and blend until combined.
  5. In a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
  6. A little at a time, add to the applesauce mixture until combined.
  7. Add the banana, zucchini, chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup of pecans to the mixture. Stir until combined.
  8. Divide the mixture between the two pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the pans and place on a baking rack to cool completely.
  10. For the Frosting:
  11. Combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and add the confectioner's sugar, a little at a time, until combined and smooth.
  12. If you would like a thicker frosting, add a bit more confectioners' sugar. If it seems too thick, you can use milk, about a teaspoon or more at a time, to thin it.
  13. When the cakes are completely cool, add frosting to the top of one. Place the second cake on top of the frosted cake. Transfer to a cake stand or plate.
  14. Continue to frost the top and sides of the cake.
  15. Garnish with the remaining pecans, on the sides and the top of the cake, as well as a little shredded zucchini and chocolate chips over the top.
  16. Refrigerate for a short time before serving.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/zucchini-banana-cake-cream-cheese-frosting/

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged With: cream cheese frosting, dessert, Zucchini, zucchini cake

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Comments

  1. Denay DeGuzman says

    August 25, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    What a gorgeous-looking zucchini-banana cake! I can tell it tastes absolutely scrumptious. Everything about this recipe is calling my name, from the applesauce to zucchini and bananas and chocolate chips. So incredibly yummy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 25, 2017 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Denay! All those goodies make this a super-moist (and delicious) cake!
      Reply
  2. lauren says

    August 25, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Yum!! I love banana bread and cream cheese frosting separately, so together I'm sure it's perfect! Plus, anytime you can sneak in a few extra veggies is always good!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      It's super delicious! Yay for extra veggies!
      Reply
  3. Liz says

    August 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

    Oh wow! I've only had zucchini bread once, but it was really tasty and I bet zucchini and banana cake with that frosting would be a great treat! I'll have to try this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Hi Liz! If you like zucchini bread, you'll for sure like this cake! Thank you!
      Reply
  4. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:25 am

    Oh, that looks so yummy! I want soooo much to sink my teeth into a slice right now!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks, Kimberly! It's super tasty!
      Reply
  5. Joy says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:33 am

    I love zucchini but haven't had it in a cake before. This cake looks so moist and delicious that I may just have to give it a whirl! I pinned this so I can try to make this yummy treat! Joy www.basicallyjoy.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks, Joy! It's a really great ingredient for this cake! Enjoy!
      Reply
  6. Joy says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:41 am

    Oh my gosh how yummy! I pinned this for later and can't wait to give it a try! The zucchini is such an interesting twist but the cake looks so moist! Joy www.basicallyjoy.com/
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Definitely a moist cake! Thanks so much, Joy!
      Reply
  7. carrie @ frugal foodie mama says

    August 26, 2017 at 11:55 am

    I love baking with zucchini! :) This is one beautiful cake,
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Thanks very much, Carrie!
      Reply
  8. Cait Weingartner says

    August 26, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    This cake looks incredibly good! And, this is such a great idea. Like an updated carrot cake! I'm definitely going to be baking this before the end of zucchini season.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Thanks, Cait! Yes, exactly!
      Reply
  9. Michael @ Super Millennial says

    August 26, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    This looks delicious I will show to my GF and tell her this is how I will eat veggies finally lol!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Haha! I never thought of it that way, Michael! ;) Thanks so much!
      Reply
  10. Krista says

    August 27, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    I could go for a slice or two of this right now!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks, Krista :)
      Reply
  11. Kate says

    August 28, 2017 at 12:41 am

    ohmigosh this looks DELISH! Can't wait to try this - hope our little guy loves it just as much!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks, Kate! We love this at my house!
      Reply
  12. Nutmeg Nanny says

    August 28, 2017 at 5:12 am

    Please pass the fork for this! It looks AMAZING!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks very much!
      Reply
  13. Erica @ Coming Up Roses says

    August 28, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Um yeah, this looks phenomenal. I'm drooling over here! Coming Up Roses
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks so much, Eria! :)
      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    August 28, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    This looks delicious, everything is better with cream cheese frosting :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      You've got that right, Sarah! Ha! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  15. Jennifer L says

    August 28, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    Omg wow I've never thought of making zucchini banana in cake form but that's genius. I love a good zucchini bread and carrot cake so I know this is right up my alley. I lov how customizable this cake can be. yum!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 29, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Thanks so much, Jennifer! This is a fun one, for sure!
      Reply
  16. adriana says

    August 29, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    I cannot even believe how good this looks!! I love zucchini recipes but I've never tried one in dessert form like this. YUM!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 2:00 am

      Thanks so much, Adriana! It's something a little different...and totally delicious!
      Reply
  17. Amanda says

    September 7, 2018 at 9:43 am

    That cake looks absolutely delicious! I must try this ASAP! Thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  18. kristen says

    September 7, 2018 at 9:49 am

    this cake is so pretty! I just made my first dessert with zucchini and I couldn't believe how incredible it was. I cannot wait to try and make this cake!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  19. Natalie says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:11 am

    Oh this looks so yummy! That cream cheese frosting is to die for!
    Reply
  20. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:22 am

    This is very interesting combo of zucchini with banana and chocolate... i'd love to taste it... your pics make it look really good!
    Reply
  21. Brittney says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:25 am

    This looks and sounds incredible!! I love the topping. Once my dang zucchini finally come into my garden I am definitely going to be making this. My boys will go crazy for it.
    Reply
  22. Chelsea says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:31 am

    YUM! Everything about this cake looks and sounds so mouth watering!
    Reply
  23. jena leigh says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:45 am

    oh wow, the flavors on this cake looks delish. love how you decorated the frosting with zucchinis on top. im sure mixing veg with fruit is quite alright! lol
    Reply
  24. susan says

    September 7, 2018 at 11:03 am

    I will take one cake to go please! I wish...I never thought of combining banana and zucchini, but it looks fantastic. pinned
    Reply
  25. Maryanne says

    September 7, 2018 at 11:14 am

    I recently made zucchini banana bread. Now, I'm inspired to make it into a cake! Love the added moisture zucchini brings to baked goods!
    Reply
  26. Mary says

    September 7, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    WOW! What an interesting combo, and it looks totally delicious! I wish I were your neighbor! HA!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  27. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

    September 7, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Yes to all of this! It sounds so yummy! I'll have to give it a try soon!
    Reply
  28. Evelyn Hernandez says

    September 7, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Isn't zucchini amazing? Can be used for cakes, pastas, breads, and salads.
    Reply
  29. Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says

    September 7, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    I think that cream cheese icing is magic! It cures so many things. ;) Can't wait to use up the rest of my zucchini!
    Reply
  30. Eimear says

    September 7, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    Wow! Just wow! This cake looks amazing. So much color and texture I can almost taste it just looking at the photographs. I need to get baking!
    Reply
  31. sri vidya says

    September 7, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    Looks like I can eat while cake right now ! The idea of cheese on cake is mouthwatering :P :P
    Reply
  32. Dan Zehr says

    September 8, 2018 at 12:10 am

    That looks mighty tasty! I can not wait to try it. Yum!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  33. Karen says

    September 8, 2018 at 1:11 am

    I like zucchini, but I haven't tried it on a cake. This cake looks healthy! I want a banana cake too!
    Reply
  34. Katerina @ diethood .com says

    September 8, 2018 at 1:39 am

    WOW!! This is absolutely gorgeous!! I have to try it asap!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  35. Amanda says

    September 8, 2018 at 9:09 am

    This looks so good! It's the perfect snack for fall!
    Reply
  36. kara says

    September 8, 2018 at 7:23 pm

    omg this looks delicious and easy enough for me to make! lol
    Reply
  37. Catalina says

    September 9, 2018 at 1:21 am

    I love the texture of this cake! It looks totally irresistible!
    Reply
  38. Krista says

    September 10, 2018 at 6:54 am

    What a pretty and tasty looking cake! great way to use up zucchini and bananas!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  39. Cathy says

    September 10, 2018 at 11:48 am

    This cake looks fantastic! I love the flavor combo!
    Reply
  40. Fatima T says

    September 24, 2021 at 9:44 am

    This zucchini banana cake recipe is the perfect addition to our fall baking list. The kids have been loving zucchini in baked goods.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks very much, Fatima! It's quite a treat!
      Reply
  41. Lindsey Harrison says

    September 24, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    This looks delicious. Can't wait to save this and try later!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks, Lindsey. I hope you love it!
      Reply
  42. Mimi says

    September 25, 2021 at 1:16 am

    It sounds very interesting, I love zucchini so I definitely want to try it
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks, Mimi!
      Reply
  43. Heather @ US Japan Fam says

    September 25, 2021 at 7:30 am

    oh my goodness this sounds amazing!!! and dare i ask, healthy? i mean... zucchini and banana...
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Haha! Riiight?? I like the way you think :) Thank you, Heather!
      Reply
  44. Tisha says

    September 26, 2021 at 10:10 am

    I just so happen to have some zucchini and bananas that need to be used up! This sounds amazing
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      Excellent! I hope you love this cake!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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