Low-Sugar Courgette Walnut Cake with Maple Icing

Courgette Walnut Cake with Maple Vanilla Icing

I wanted to try something a bit different, and after four trials, I finally created a Courgette Walnut Cake with a great texture! Don’t worry—this cake doesn’t taste of courgettes, but the courgette adds a nice, moist texture similar to grated carrot. It’s indulgent yet nutty, without being overly sweet, and best of all, it’s made in one bowl! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Serves: 8 | Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 80ml extra virgin olive oil

• 2 medium eggs

• 180ml maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 120g walnuts (blended into a flour)

• 140g gluten-free flour

• 2/3 tsp baking powder (level)

• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (level)

• 160g grated courgette

• Pinch of sea salt

For the Icing:

• 250g cream cheese

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon + 20ml lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan) and line a 9-inch cake tin with baking parchment.

2. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, add the olive oil, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Beat together until well combined. Stir in the ground walnuts, gluten-free flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, grated courgette, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until smooth, about 2 minutes.

3. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and springy to touch. Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.

4. Prepare the Icing:
   While the cake bakes, add the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a bowl. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.

5. Ice the Cake:
   Once the cake has cooled, spread the icing on top and sprinkle with a handful of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

6. Serve:
   Enjoy this Courgette Walnut Cake with a slice of freshness from the lemony icing. The cake will keep for up to 3 days in a cool, dry place.

Enjoy This Nutty Low Sugar Cake!

This Courgette Walnut Cake with Maple Vanilla Icing is nutty, moist, and perfect for those looking for a lower-sugar treat. It’s gluten-free, easy to make in one bowl, and a delicious choice for any occasion. Enjoy!