This Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Blueberry Lemon Buttercream is a special cake for a special man.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Blueberry
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup soft butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- Nuts if desired
Instructions
- In stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar on medium speed.
- Lower speed and add in eggs, one at a time.
- Add in shredded zucchini.
- Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa.
- Gradually add to zucchini mixture, beating well.
- Add in milk, vanilla, and nuts. Beat.
- Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
This cake is for my Father-in-Law, Dennis Rettke.
He passed away last week. Its was very sudden, very unexpected, and has left a huge gaping whole in our family.
Dennis and my Mother-in-Law Patty are quite beloved in their community and around the world. Since Dennis retired from his job as a Superintendent, they have traveled around the world. (Living life without regret!) Thailand, Australia, Alaska, and England just to name a few.
But no matter where they go, Dennis would be quick to tell you his favorite place to go is one where he is surrounded by his eight grand-kids.
As people have come forward to share, story after story told reveals the great depths of Dennis’ generosity and kindness. To call him beloved is a mighty understatement.
Everywhere they went, people were charmed and impacted by these two amazing people.
Patty has had guests and family in her home since the moment we heard the news. She has been surrounded by love and prayers. Being the exceptional entertainer she is, she has made meals and had desserts and provided nourishment for all. Of course, many people have generously brought over meals and snacks. We are so thankful for their kindness.
But this Thursday and Friday, when the viewing and funeral are going to take place, she will have more people in her home than can reasonably fit. They are coming from far and near… traveling for many hours and even days.
And I wanted to help in any way I could.
Quite honestly, it has been very natural for me to turn to baking in my grief. This past week I have made cakes and breads and much more. But this cake, this cake is special.
It’s all for Dennis.
His favorite cake is, was, his wife’s specialty. Chocolate Zucchini Cake. But Dennis also loved all things blueberry. So I decided to combine the two to make a cake that would encompass what he loved most.
Normally I try to adapt recipes and make them unique, but not this time. I wanted to make the cake exactly as Patty does, exactly as Dennis loved to eat it.
After making this cake I realized how much friends had influenced me. I recalled a beautiful Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Buttercream Cake that the talented Sweetapolita made. I also remembered the fantastic Blueberry Buttercream from My Baking Addiction. For the ganache, I recalled the best and easiest recipe I have ever come across, Ganache Three Ways by Savory Sweet Life.
I am thankful for these talented woman whose talent left such an impact on me that my subconscious mind recalled their creations long before conscious mind did.
I am sorry to have shared here the deep sadness and grief we are in the midst of. I normally love to keep this blog joyful and light. I am just hoping that among all the hundreds of family and friends gathering together to celebrate one phenomenal man, that we can focus on the love and light Dennis brought to this world.
That we can be together and soak up the stories, photos, and memories of someone who truly made the world a better place.
And that over his special cake, we can move towards the future holding his memory, his wisdom, and his unfailing love close to our hearts.
He is lucky to have you as his daughter-in-law. He is sure very happy out there for the love and gratitude and your tribute to him.
Sending blessings to you and your family Amanda.
Lovely post and lovely cake, Amanda. You’ll think of him every time you make a chocolate zucchini cake…and I bet your kids will grow up knowing it was their grandfather’s favorite cake.
Praying for peace and comfort for you all during this time. ♥
I had not thought of that… what a beautiful idea to get me through today. Many blessings sweet Bridget!
Amanda~
I’m so very sorry for the loss of such an amazing man. I’m happy that he meant so much to you and enjoyed your love and friendship. The hurt is so strong because your love for him was so strong. You were so fortunate to be a part of his life and for him to be a part of yours.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
MaryKay
Amanda dearest… I’m not sure why you’re sorry for sharing your grief… Of course we mostly try for sunshine and laughter, but sometimes, the best we can manage for our friends is sadness – and amazingly, they STILL love us and are grateful for even a tiny chance to give back to us (you)!!!!
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss – your FIL sounds like a terrific man! What a legacy he left behind! Hugs and love to all of you…
I’m very sorry for your family’s loss Amanda, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
lovely post. So sorry for your loss.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. 🙁 I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
I am very sorry about your loss, your father inlaw sounds like a wonderful man, husband, dad and grandfather.
When ever he is I am sure he his looking upon all of you…and that delicious cake.
My condolences for you and your family during this difficult time.
On a lighter note, the cake look gorgeous, the color of the icing is just beautiful. Blueberries and chocolate is an unusual combination, I would have never paired them together.