Best Vegan Zucchini Cake Recipes for Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Discover the delightful world of vegan baking with the best vegan zucchini cake recipes that will instantly become your go-to treat! Zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to cakes, making them irresistibly soft and flavorful without the use of any animal products.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, these recipes offer the perfect balance of tender crumb, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients.

Gone are the days of dry or bland vegan cakes—these zucchini cake recipes are packed with warm spices, fresh zucchini, and plant-based magic that will please everyone at your table. Plus, zucchini helps sneak in some veggies, making these cakes a bit more nutritious.

Get ready to impress with easy-to-follow recipes that yield moist, fluffy, and utterly delicious vegan zucchini cakes every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan zucchini cake recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your dietary choices. They are:

  • Moist and tender: The zucchini naturally infuses moisture, so no need for eggs or dairy.
  • Rich in flavor: Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the zucchini perfectly.
  • Healthy twist: Incorporates vegetables and uses plant-based ingredients.
  • Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or dairy-free chocolate chips to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (such as sunflower or avocado oil)
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins or dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl for dry ingredients
  • Grater or food processor for zucchini
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan or 8-inch square cake pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate the zucchini using a fine grater or food processor. Squeeze out excess moisture gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: sugar, oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender.
  6. Fold in the grated zucchini, nuts, and raisins or chocolate chips if using. Make sure the additions are evenly distributed.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra moist cake, do not over-squeeze the zucchini; a little moisture is good for texture.

Use gluten-free flour blends if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.

Add a vegan cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.

Try adding shredded coconut or pumpkin seeds for more texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 slice)
Calories 220
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 18g
Protein 3g

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan zucchini cake as a delightful afternoon snack or a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a creamy plant-based latte.

For gatherings or special occasions, top the cake with vegan cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

For a refreshing twist, serve slices with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for more vegan dessert inspirations or the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for your next savory meal.

More Delicious Vegan Zucchini Cake Recipes to Try

Vegan Zucchini Spice Cake with Maple Glaze

This cake combines warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice with grated zucchini to create an aromatic treat. The maple glaze adds a natural sweetness and a glossy finish.

  • Ingredients Highlight: Ground cloves, maple syrup glaze, walnuts
  • Why try it: Perfect for fall, with a rich spice profile

Gluten-Free Vegan Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cake

Made with a blend of gluten-free flours and packed with dairy-free chocolate chips, this version is ideal for those with gluten sensitivities but still craving a moist cake.

  • Ingredients Highlight: Almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, vegan chocolate chips
  • Why try it: Gluten-free and kid-friendly

Vegan Zucchini Carrot Cake with Cashew Frosting

A beautiful fusion of zucchini and carrots creates a denser, nutrient-rich cake topped with a creamy cashew-based frosting that’s both vegan and delicious.

  • Ingredients Highlight: Carrots, cashew cream frosting, cinnamon
  • Why try it: Adds a rich, creamy frosting without dairy

For more creative vegan recipes, explore our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or treat yourself with the vibrant flavors of our Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Conclusion

Vegan zucchini cakes are an excellent way to enjoy a moist, flavorful dessert that aligns with plant-based eating. These recipes celebrate the humble zucchini by turning it into a delicious, tender cake that’s packed with spices and options for customization.

Whether you prefer a simple loaf or a frosted cake, these recipes are versatile and easy to make, perfect for everyday indulgences or special occasions.

By incorporating wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste, vegan zucchini cakes prove that plant-based baking can be both nourishing and delightful. So, grab your zucchinis and start baking your next favorite cake today—you’ll be amazed at how delicious vegan desserts can be!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Zucchini Cake

Description: A moist and flavorful vegan zucchini cake perfect for any occasion. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a healthy treat.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, mix oil, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in grated zucchini and walnuts.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 28 g

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Marta K

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