Spiced Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Submitted by Debra Flinner, of Canton, Ohio.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups unsifted flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups grated, unpeeled zucchini
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Optional Decorations – Chocolate syrup, berries, cherries, chocolate ganache, etc.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; set aside.
3. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream margarine, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time; mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in zucchini and vanilla; mix well alternately adding dry ingredients with milk beginning and ending with flow mixture using 1/3 of milk at a time.
7. Beat until well blended after each addition.
8. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
9. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
10. Let stand 5 minutes.
11. Turn out on a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Frost with a Cream Cheese Frosting and decorate with toppings of your choosing.