Ruthie’s Zucchini Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1-1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup fat-free milk
3 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tbsp grated orange peel

Directions

~Preheat oven at 350°.

~Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour.

~In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and vanilla.

~Combine the flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Fold in the zucchini, walnuts and orange peel.

~Transfer to prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

~Add your favorite icing or glaze.

~Enjoy!

Recipe submitted by Ruthie Niederriter.

Venango County Recipe of the Day is Sponsored by Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union.