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.
Sorry for your loss!……Visiting your blog for the first time, as I found the link on Pinterest while looking for Matryoska doll cookies for my sister’s upcoming baby shower. I love, LOVE all things Matryoshka (I embrace my Russian ancestry) and am excited to throw a Matryoshka doll themed baby shower, as she is expecting a little “doll” of her own. You interested, by chance, in taking your Matryoshka confections again?? O h, how I love if you would! Your creations are far superior to any mass market matryoshka doll confections that I have come across, and like your previous customer, the two local bakeries in my town don’t want to take it on either. Just thought it’s worth asking, as my sister and new little niece is worth the best! Sarah Jayne (sarahjaynecity@gmail.com) p.s. I enjoyed parousing your beautiful site–what gorgeous cakes, esp. this Chocolate Zucchini, Blueberry Lemon Frosting work of art. Gonna try to bake this one with my daughter! 🙂
I am so very sorry for the loss your family has suffered. I can relate as I lost my Mom 5 months ago, also unexpectedly. Your father in law sounds like an amazing person and man, and I know he will be greatly missed. Interesting how people channel their grief..I have always turned to baking for just about any reason I can imagine…happiness, sadness, stress, grief, tension, delight…this beautiful cake that you created in the name of a wonderful person during your time of grief is so special..for many reasons..very generous of you to share..
Seriously a beautiful and touching post. Your family is blessed to call you Mom.
that’s a sweet homage and a truly special cake. 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss, Amanda. I’m so thankful you are there for your mother in law.
Thinking and praying for you all.
SO sorry for your loss. I know nothing we can say or do can really ease the pain, but it’s plain to see that you have prayers and well wishes all around.
And I want to complement you on your tribute. That cake is GORGEOUS, as well as creative, delicious, and just plain moving. Well done.
Sorry, that’s compliment. Should proof read BEFORE hitting submit 🙂
Stumbled across your blog while I was looking for a zucchini recipe and my oh my, your blog is stunning. Absolutely gorgeous pictures! Glad to be your newest follower 🙂
I’ve been thinking about you, and praying for your family. Lovely cake. Lovely post. xoxo
Amanda,
First time coming to your blog (not really sure how I ended up here, looking through some cake decorating ideas, and wound up coming across your site). I’m so sorry for your loss. The cake is lovely and I’m sure Dennis would have loved it. Zucchini cakes are special in our family too, and I was asked to make one for my niece’s upcoming 3rd birthday, but I wanted to give it a twist. I think this recipe will do the trick. Thanks for sharing, it is a beautiful tribute to an obviously wonderful man.
What a beautiful tribute and connection to food. Really amazing.