• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

September 1, 2011

Have your cake…and your veggies too…Chocolate Zucchini Espresso Cake

DSC_0715_edited-1
As you may remember, I ended up with an abundant of shredded zucchini this summer. My first use of the zucchini was in these fabulous Zucchini Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.
These were such a hit I knew that another dessert was in order! I had seen several chocolate zucchini cakes around blogland and I knew I needed to try one. This one with espresso stood out. I mean, who can pass up the combination of chocolate, coffee and zucchini…cricket. cricket. cricket. No really…it was delicious! I promise! Another great way to sneak some zucchini into your family. I hope you’ll give it a try.
DSC_0716_edited-1

Chocolate & Zucchini Espresso Cake ~adapted from Edible Vineyard

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1 T. instant espresso, dissolved in 1 T. hot water
2 t. vanilla
2 c. grated zucchini
1/2 c. sour cream
3/4 c. cocoa powder
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting


Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
Gently whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Using your stand mixer or a mixing bowl with a handheld mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly combined.
Add espresso, vanilla, sour cream and zucchini and mix on low until completely combined.
With mixer on low, slowly add in dry ingredients until everything is completely combined, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl with spatula.
Toss chocolate chips with a teaspoon of sugar and stir into the batter with a wooden spoon.
Pour batter in prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Once cake is room temperature dust it with confectioner sugar and serve.

DSC_0729_edited-1
So would you like to come over and have a piece with me?
Thanks for joining me at the picket fence!
signature
P.S. Updated to add…this morning I woke up to a linking master toilet which came through to my kitchen ceiling. Fun stuff!   I’m a stress eater…think anyone would notice if I ate this whole chocolate cake by myself? 😉


This post is partying at:

House of Hepworths: Hookin Up With HOH
Tidy Mom: I’m Lovin’ It


14 Comments Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « DIY Faux Wainscoting in the Dining Room
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 30! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginger Zuck says

    August 31, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Yum! I am heading your way right now. Looks delish!

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    August 31, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    That looks very yummy. Great photos…really makes me want a piece…like right now. lol

    Reply
  3. Vicki says

    August 31, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    ok, that looks delicious! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 1, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    My goodness that looks good and pretty, too.

    Reply
  5. Honey at 2805 says

    September 1, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    I love veggies, even better when the are in chocolate.

    Sorry about the leak!

    Reply
  6. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    September 1, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    No one would notice 😉

    I think I am being a poor encourager…I hope you got your toilet fixed.

    And the cake…mmmm. My MIL makes one similar to this and I love it!

    Reply
  7. Wanda says

    September 1, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    I’d say you could probably live on that cake. It covers three of the very important food groups, veggies,chocolate and coffee. 🙂 Go ahead eat it all. Sorry for your stresses.

    Reply
  8. Fabiana ~ Ciao Newport Beach says

    September 1, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    I have to try this! It will be perfect for this holiday weekend…thanks for the recipe!

    ciao

    Reply
  9. Sherry says

    September 1, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    Sounds so good! I love that it has some veggies in it!
    Sherry

    Reply
  10. Honey at 2805 says

    September 1, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Veggies would probably be more popular if they were always hidden in chocolate!

    Thanks for linking up to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  11. Erin @ EKat's Kitchen says

    September 3, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    YUM! This looks simply stunning! I haven’t been to your place in a while, and I’m so proud of you both – everything that you’ve put together! 🙂 YAY!

    Hope all is well with my favorite sister bloggers!

    Reply
  12. Ricki Jill Treleaven says

    September 3, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Well….it must be good for you since it has zucchini in it!

    Reply
  13. Ellen says

    September 5, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    I say go for it, after the work of creating such a master piece and then having a leak….equals one giant cake for you. Looks delish. Now this is what I call eating my veggies.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

    Reply
  14. Not Your Ordinary Agent says

    September 19, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    The mold you used for the cake is awesome! Where did you find that? This cake looks beautiful!! Please link it to Sunday Supper Stumble! I love your Inspiration Parties!!! I’m here every week… wouldn’t miss it. 🙂 https://notyourordinaryrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunday-supper-stumble-2.html

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence