Flourless Lemon Zucchini Cake
Yield: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups (200 g) almond flour
- 1 cup (100 g) grated zucchini, lightly squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini.
- Place it in a clean towel and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Do not over-dry it.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in:
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Fold in the grated zucchini until evenly combined.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 10 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 37 mg |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains:
- Tree nuts: Almond flour
- Eggs
Optional glaze contains no additional common allergens unless the powdered sugar brand includes additives.
Gluten-Free
Yes, if all ingredients (especially baking powder) are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free
Yes, as written.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-squeeze the zucchini—some moisture helps keep the cake tender.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
No. Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid and cannot be substituted 1:1. A different recipe formulation is needed.
Q: Do I have to peel the zucchini?
No. The peel is tender, nutritious, and blends into the cake.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled juice can be used if needed, but the taste won’t be as bright.
Q: Why is my cake too wet?
Too much moisture in the zucchini or underbaking are the most common causes. Squeeze out excess water and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Yes. The cake is flavorful on its own, or you can dust it with powdered sugar instead.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
Yes. Blueberries, poppy seeds, shredded coconut, or chopped pistachios pair well with the lemon flavor.
Q: Is this recipe keto?
Not as written because it contains sugar. To make it lower in carbohydrates, replace the sugar and powdered sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners designed for baking and glazing.
