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.
I read this with a tear in my eye, such lovely words. He sounds like an amazing man. I’m sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. X x
I’m so sorry for your loss; he sounds like an incredible soul who will be sorely missed my many. And I think sharing your life’s up and downs in this blog is appropriate……we’ve come to know you through your talent and enthusiasm for good food……hearing what influences you, and what is happening in your life is all part of that. Thank you for sharing such an intimate time, and know that we all share in your loss of such a wonderful man.
What a beautiful tribute to your father-in-law. I can tell that he was an amazing man and that he is dearly missed already. This is an amazing cake to share too. I’m praying for you, friend! xo
So sorry for your loss. Unfortunately life is too short. May you and your family find comfort. Take care.
So very sorry for your loss. I am hoping time brings your peace. And I am sending virtual hugs!
So sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s passing. Wishing you and your extended family a time of reflection, remembering the wonderful times and sharing stories and memories. Thank you for your sharing your gift of delicious creations with us all. You’re a very generous person.
WOW that was one beautiful cake!! It looked like a semifreddo or something! I loved seeing the sliced piece–surprise! Chocolate zucchini 🙂
Condolences to you and your family at this time of grief, which is also bittersweet in that it allows us to truly celebrate a person’s life and reflect on how fortunate and blessed we are to have had them in our lives while we did.
My deepest condolences Amanda. It is great to see how you have chosen to commemorate his life! Sending some love from afar. ♡
What a wonderful way to remember your father in-law and both grieve and help out your family in this hard time.