Hidden-Frosting Carrot Zucchini Cake
Submitted by Mo
Moist carrot zucchini cake with a hidden cream cheese filling baked right inside. Pumpkin pie spice and shredded veggies make this easy one-pan dessert irresistibly tender.
YIELD
1 cakePREP
20 minCOOK
40 minREADY
60 minHere’s the trick: the frosting is already inside the cake.
A tangy cream cheese filling gets sandwiched between two layers of spiced carrot-zucchini batter, so every single slice has that creamy surprise running through the middle. No spreading, no piping, no mess.
The batter itself is quick-mix simple: biscuit mix, shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla. It bakes up tender and moist with just enough vegetable sweetness to keep things interesting.
Dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares. That’s it.
Pro Tips
- Squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini before adding it. Too much liquid makes the cake soggy.
- Soften the cream cheese fully before beating. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps in the filling.
- Don’t overbake. Pull it at 35 minutes and check with a toothpick. The cream cheese layer can make the center look undone when it’s actually set.
Variations
- Nutty version: Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch.
- Spice swap: Replace pumpkin pie spice with equal parts cinnamon and cardamom for a warmer, more exotic flavor.
Ingredients
Directions
Grease and lightly flour a 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking pan; set aside.
For filling, in a small mixer bowl, combine cream cheese and ⅓ cup of the sugar.
Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
Add 1 egg and beat mixture until smooth; set aside.
In a large mixer bowl, stir together biscuit mix, ⅓ cup sugar and spice.
Add carrot, zucchini, oil, 2 eggs and vanilla.
Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Pour half the batter into prepared pan.
Spoon filling atop. Spoon remaining batter over filling.
Bake in a 350℉ (180℃) oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until done.
Cool on wire rack. To serve, sift powdered sugar over cake, if desired.
Cut into squares.
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