Lawson’s Magical Courgette Cake Recipe: Sneaky Veggie Delight

Baking a delightful lawson courgette cake brings unexpected joy to your afternoon treats.

Sweet vegetables might sound peculiar, but this recipe changes everything.

Moist crumbs packed with green goodness create a surprising dessert that defies expectations.

Rich textures and subtle flavors merge in perfect harmony.

Fresh courgettes add incredible moisture without overwhelming the delicate balance of ingredients.

Subtle spices complement the cake’s natural sweetness, making each bite a delightful discovery.

You’ll want to slice into this remarkable creation and savor every delectable moment.

Why Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake Is Surprisingly Sweet

• Boost Veggie Intake: Cleverly hide nutritious courgettes in a delightful cake, making it an awesome way to enjoy vegetables without feeling like you're eating something healthy.
• Minimal Baking Skills Needed: Simple mixing and folding technique means even novice bakers can create a delicious dessert with confidence and zero stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the cake plain for a light treat or add frosting for a more indulgent experience, perfect for casual family gatherings or afternoon tea.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Uses common ingredients most home cooks already have, reducing shopping trips and making last-minute baking a breeze.

What Goes In Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake

• Flour: The key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Binding agent that adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Vanilla: Contributes a warm, classic flavor to the cake.

• Courgettes (Zucchini): Adds moisture, subtle vegetable sweetness, and nutritional value to the cake.
• Sultanas, Walnuts: Provide extra texture, crunch, and natural sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice that complements the cake's flavors.

Easy Guide To Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Vegetable and Flavor Boosters

• Shredded courgettes
• Sultanas
• Chopped walnuts
• Ground cinnamon

Stir these ingredients until well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 4: Whip Wet Ingredient Base

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 5: Merge Cake Components

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Do not overmix. Carefully stir in the courgette mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy as is or add a light frosting if desired.

Baking Tips For Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake

• Drain Courgettes Well: Squeeze excess moisture from grated courgettes to prevent a soggy cake and ensure a perfect texture.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles or omit for nut-free diets.
• Control Sugar Levels: Reduce sugar by 25% or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier version.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed to increase fiber and omega-3 content without changing the cake's taste.
• Frost with Creativity: Top with cream cheese frosting or a light lemon glaze to enhance the cake's natural sweetness and moisture.

Fun Twists On Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake

• Gluten-Free Garden Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's moist texture.
• Vegan Zucchini Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, and choose maple syrup instead of sugar to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Green Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce oil for a diabetic-friendly and weight-conscious option.
• Nut-Free Veggie Cake: Remove walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a safe version for those with nut allergies.

What To Serve With Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Complement the cake's earthy, spiced notes with a chilled glass of moscato wine or a creamy chai latte for a delightful flavor harmony.
• Match with Nutty Companions: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or candied pecans to enhance the cake's walnut undertones and add delightful textural contrast.
• Balance with Creamy Toppings: Crown slices with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or a light cream cheese frosting to elevate the cake's moisture and subtle vegetable sweetness.
• Refresh with Fruity Accents: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a light orange marmalade to brighten the cake's warm cinnamon profile and add a zesty, tangy dimension.

Storing Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake The Right Way

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it moist and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months without frosting.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag for easy single-serving thawing.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or bring frozen slices to room temperature naturally for best texture and flavor preservation.

Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake Q&A

• Are courgettes necessary for this cake?

Yes, they provide moisture, subtle flavor, and nutrition, making the cake unique and healthier.

• Can I replace walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work great as alternatives with similar texture and taste.

• Is this cake suitable for people watching their sugar intake?

While not a low-sugar recipe, you can reduce sugar or use alternative sweeteners like stevia or honey to modify the recipe.

• Why does this recipe use three separate mixing bowls?

Separating ingredients helps ensure even distribution of dry and wet components, preventing lumps and creating a smoother, more consistent cake texture.

Lawson Courgette Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lawson’s courgette cake blends rustic charm with unexpected sweetness, creating a delightful dessert that surprises and delights. Rich green vegetable notes mingle with warm spices, offering you a moist, irresistible treat perfect for afternoon tea or weekend indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) courgettes, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 225 grams (7.9 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt

Add-ins:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) sultanas
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180C (350F) and prepare a 9-inch cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Combine grated courgettes with sultanas, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a textured blend of ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, creating a uniform batter without overmixing.
6. Carefully incorporate the courgette, sultana, and walnut mixture into the batter, stirring until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve the cake as is, or optionally frost with a cream cheese or vanilla glaze for added sweetness.

Notes

• Moisture Magic: Grate courgettes finely and gently squeeze out excess water to prevent a soggy cake texture.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap walnuts with sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely for allergy-friendly version.
• Healthier Twist: Reduce sugar by using half applesauce or replace some oil with Greek yogurt for lighter cake.
• Storage Hack: This cake stays wonderfully moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45-50 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 5.5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg