Healthy Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

Chocolate courgette cake is a rich, moist cake that blends dark chocolate with grated courgette for a tender texture.

I wanted to bake this chocolate courgette cake recipe after seeing how beautifully it was made, and I was inspired by the way the chocolate and courgette create a fudgy, soft crumb.

The main specialty of this chocolate courgette cake recipe is its natural moisture from the courgette, giving a dense yet soft cake without a strong vegetable taste.

I will now show a step-by-step guide for making chocolate courgette cake recipe, sharing techniques that bring out deep chocolate flavor and gentle sweetness from honey and yogurt.

Healthy Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

Chocolate courgette cake recipe delivers a rich, deep chocolate flavor that is smooth and indulgent, balanced by the natural sweetness of honey and the gentle tang of yogurt.

Grated courgette adds natural moisture, creating a tender, soft texture that feels light despite the dense chocolate. Dark chocolate chips provide bursts of intense flavor, while the cake retains a wholesome quality.

The use of courgette, yogurt, and honey increases fiber, protein, and nutrients, making this dessert healthier than traditional chocolate cake.

The chocolate icing adds creamy richness, enhancing taste while maintaining a nourishing quality.

How To Prepare Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

To ensure this chocolate courgette cake recipe turns out perfectly, let’s go through the process carefully! I’ve detailed every step and included tips to help you achieve a moist, tender cake.

A list of useful kitchen tools is provided to make baking smoother, though not all are required. Use what you have, and you’ll still enjoy a rich, chocolatey, and naturally moist cake.

Recipe Overview

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time: 60 minutes

Course: Dessert / Cake

Cuisine: British / European-inspired

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 20 cm (8-inch) cake tin
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3 medium eggs
• 125 g dark chocolate chips
• 75 ml vegetable oil
• 75 g natural yogurt (or Greek yogurt / buttermilk)
• 75 ml honey
• 150 g courgette, grated
• 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 150 g plain flour
• 35 g cocoa powder

For the icing:

• 100 ml double cream
• 200 g dark chocolate, chopped

How To Make Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a 20 cm cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.

2. Place the chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl and melt them gently over a pan of simmering water, or microwave in short bursts until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Fold in the grated courgette. Add the melted chocolate and mix gently until incorporated.

4. Sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over mix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate icing. Heat the double cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and leave for 2–3 minutes, and then stir until smooth and glossy.

7. Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the chocolate icing over the top and spread evenly with a spatula. Let the icing set slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes: You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. The courgette adds moisture but is not overpowering in flavor. Make sure to squeeze out excess water if the courgettes are very wet.

Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

Calories	320 kcal
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Sugars	25 g
Protein	5 g
Fiber	3 g

Why Should You Make This Recipe

Making this chocolate courgette cake recipe allows you to enjoy a rich, indulgent chocolate dessert that is naturally moist and tender thanks to the grated courgette.

It transforms a simple vegetable into a key ingredient that enhances texture and keeps the cake soft for days. The recipe balances sweetness and chocolate intensity without relying on heavy fats, making it slightly healthier than traditional chocolate cakes.

Baking this chocolate courgette cake recipe offers a rewarding experience, producing a visually appealing, flavorful dessert that delights both the palate and the senses while showcasing creative home baking.

Why My Recipe Works

This chocolate courgette cake recipe works because the grated courgette keeps the cake moist and tender while blending seamlessly into the chocolate flavor.

The combination of eggs, yoghurt, and honey creates a smooth, rich batter that bakes evenly, giving a soft yet structured texture.

Cocoa powder and chocolate chips deepen the chocolate taste, while baking powder and bicarbonate of soda ensure the cake rises properly.

Gently folding the dry ingredients prevents the batter from becoming dense, and topping the cake with chocolate icing adds a creamy, indulgent finish that enhances flavor and texture.

Why We Love This Recipe

This chocolate courgette cake recipe is loved for its rich, indulgent chocolate flavor paired with a tender, moist texture from the grated courgette.

The subtle sweetness from honey and the gentle tang of yogurt create a balanced, flavorful cake that is both comforting and satisfying.

Dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder deepen the chocolate taste, while the glossy icing adds a creamy, luxurious finish.

The chocolate courgette cake recipe feels indulgent without being heavy, offering a dessert that delights the palate while including natural moisture and nutrients from the courgette and yogurt.

Decorate And Serving Ideas

Chocolate courgette cake recipe can be decorated to look elegant and inviting. Smooth chocolate icing can be spread evenly across the top and finished with dark chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for contrast.

Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries add vibrant color and a subtle tartness that complements the chocolate.

Toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds provide a crunchy texture and enhance the flavor, creating a visually appealing and flavorful presentation that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.

Health Benefits

Chocolate courgette cake recipe offers surprising health benefits while still being indulgent. The grated courgette adds natural moisture and is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting digestion and overall wellness.

Using honey as a sweetener provides a gentler alternative to refined sugar and contains trace minerals. Incorporating yoghurt adds protein, calcium, and probiotics, which benefit gut health.

Cocoa and dark chocolate contribute antioxidants known as flavonoids, which support heart health and improve mood. This cake delivers a balance of nutrients while remaining a satisfying chocolate treat.

Expert Baking Tips

1. Grate courgettes finely and gently squeeze out excess water to maintain moisture without making the batter too wet.

2. Melt chocolate slowly over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts to avoid burning or seizing.

3. Use room-temperature eggs, yogurt, and oil for a smoother batter and even mixing.

4. Sift flour and cocoa powder to prevent lumps and ensure a light, tender crumb.

5. Fold ingredients gently to avoid deflating the batter, keeping the cake soft.

6. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing to prevent it from melting or sliding.

Best Variations

➤ Nutty Chocolate Courgette Cake – Add 50–75 g of chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.

➤ Orange Chocolate Courgette Cake – Stir in 1 tsp of orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the rich chocolate.

➤ Spiced Chocolate Courgette Cake – Mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic flavor.

➤ Chocolate Courgette and Raspberry Cake – Fold in 100 g fresh or frozen raspberries to add a tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

➤ Vegan Chocolate Courgette Cake – Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), use plant-based yoghurt, and a vegan chocolate alternative to make a fully plant-based version.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftover chocolate courgette cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture and freshness.

For longer storage, wrap the chocolate courgette cake recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

The chocolate courgette cake recipe can also be frozen by wrapping it securely and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving, and gently reheat slices if desired to restore a soft, tender texture.

Frequently Asked Question

Conclusion

This chocolate courgette cake recipe is a truly delicious and healthy dessert that brings enjoyment every time it is baked. I have made this recipe for many gatherings, and the rich, moist texture always receives compliments.

Sharing my method allows others to experience the balance of deep chocolate flavor, natural sweetness, and tender crumb from the courgette and yogurt.

Baking this chocolate courgette cake recipe has been a joyful experience, and I hope it inspires you to try it, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and nourishing, enjoyed by everyone who tastes it.

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