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Zucchini is a master illusionist. This modest summer squash can transform itself into decadent treats that fool even the most determined zucchini haters. But don’t just take my word for it—see what reviewers have to say about these sneaky zucchini desserts, plus get tips for prepping zucchini so you get the results you’re after. You are, after all, the Houdini of your zucchini.
Tips for Making Desserts With Zucchini
- Use small to medium zucchini. Large, zeppelin-sized zucchini to be dry and not as sweet as their more petite counterparts.
- No need to seed your veggies unless you use an especially large zucchini with big, tough seeds.
- Shred zucchini with a grater instead of chopping it, so you get ultra-thin pieces that will blend into your recipe seamlessly.
- Don’t squeeze the squash. The liquid in zucchini adds moisture to your recipes. So in most cases, don’t worry about wringing out your shredded veggies.
Zucchini Bars with Spice Frosting
This spiced sheet cake is extra moist, thanks to the addition of zucchini. “Never, ever would you know there’s zucchini in these bars (fooled my hubby) unless somebody told you. This is just a delicious and super moist spice cake.” —lutzflcat
Zucchini Crisp
A sweet, crumbly topping works wonders on top of zucchini to create a dessert that tastes just like an apple crisp! “I find awesome recipes here all the time! I am a frequent Allrecipes user, however, this [is] the first time I have ever posted a review… [This] recipe was amazing and deserves to have 1000 5-star reviews!” —Linda Marie
Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes
Kids will love these mini chocolate cupcakes. “Seriously amazing. My daughter and I love these and you can’t tell there’s zucchini in them at all!” —Arielle
Zucchini Brownies
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
The secret to fudgy brownies? Who knew it was zucchini?! “Fabulous!!! By the end of the zucchini season in our garden my husband can’t even stand the word zucchini! These are so moist and wonderful, and you never even guess there are zucchinis included!” —COWELLS4
Zucchini Cookies
Soft cookies with just the right amount of chew, these zucchini-packed cookies beg to be paired with a glass of milk. “I know…that was my first thought, too: ‘Zucchini cookies? You have got to be kidding me!’ However, a cookie is a cookie so I gave these a go. Hello, delicious! They were light, soft, chewy, flavorful, and gone!” —TMoore
Zucchini Pie I
Lots of glowing reviews mention that this dessert is reminiscent of pumpkin pie. It’s the perfect late summer dessert. “My Dad and sister were like, ‘hmmmm…zucchini pie, really?’ Of course, after the first bite they both LOVED it.” —huntannaka
Zucchini Apple Pie
Zucchini melds with apples in a delicious pie that combines fruit and veg in every bite. “Amazing…best disguise for zucchini yet. When I served it at dinner my husband asked, ‘What kind of apples are these?’ I said, ‘The long, skinny, green kind from the garden!'” —OHIOMOMX2
Zucchini Cobbler
Tammy Lynn
If you’re a fan of apple cobbler, give this squash variation a go. Peeling the zucchini, while optional, will fool even the most discerning picky eaters. “This recipe is DEEE-licious! I served it at a scrapbooking party that my mom had and all the ladies LOVED it! Almost all of them asked for the recipe and they were shocked that it was zucchini and not apple cobbler. 5 stars!” —Carrie
Zucchini-Lemon Sorbet
Is there anything zucchini can’t do? This refreshing sorbet has a secret ingredient that no one will ever guess. “Had a few other friends try it before I told them what was in it and the consensus came back with an astounding ‘NOM! followed by, ‘Really? Zucchini?'” —mmm
Lemon Zucchini Bars
Little flecks of green make these bright and lemony cake bars as pretty to look at as they are to eat. “Light and luscious. Didn’t peel the zucchini which left the bars with ‘green things’ but didn’t affect the taste. I freeze the correct amount of grated zucchini with the lemon rind and during the winter I’ve got a head start on these bars!” —Diane Nelson
Orange Poppy Seed Zucchini Cake
This zucchini cake combines orange zest and poppy seeds for a unique flavor combination. Allrecipes Allstar Qhhunters gives it five-stars: “This is more like a quick bread vs a cake. That said, this bread has a lot going on, but it is delicious.”
Don’t Knock it Until You Try it Zucchini Chocolate Banana Nut Milkshake
This decadent milkshake is a summertime treat that is healthier than anyone would ever guess. “Everyone in my family loved it and nobody could believe the secret ingredient was zucchini—you can’t taste it at all!” —Jennifer DeFosse
Zucchini Raspberry Cupcakes
“Sturdy but moist, not too sweet, brownie-like cupcake studded with a delicious combination of fresh raspberries and gooey chocolate chips in every bite. I completely forgot there was zucchini in them! I tasted one ‘for rating and review purposes’ and then I had to get me out of the kitchen.” —naples34102
Chocolate Swirl Zucchini Sheet Cake
If you want to impress at your next potluck or picnic, this zucchini sheet cake is your answer. “This recipe is a keeper in my stash of cake recipes. My family and I really enjoyed the moist, chocolate taste of this dessert. Most of my family didn’t believe there was zucchini in it. This is a great cake for family get togethers and church pot luck dinners.” —Barbara Ray
Zucchini Walnut Carrot Cake
Fans of zucchini bread and carrot cake will love this mashup of the two. “We really enjoyed this cake! It is SO moist and not too sweet. Watch your cooking time. I made mine in a glass casserole dish and 38 minutes was perfect.” —Staci
Zucchini Cinnamon Cobbler
Another zucchini cobbler recipe to choose from, this time with a healthy dose of cinnamon. This five-star review from Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat tells you this is a summer must-make: “Every now and then you find a recipe that just catches you totally by surprise, and this is one of them.”
Zucchini Bundt Cake
Upgrade your zucchini dessert game with this beautiful cake baked in a Bundt pan. “This was delicious! I substituted 1/2c applesauce + 1/2c oil and added a cup of raisins. I also baked this in a bundt pan (for 55 min) rather than a tube pan. Glazed this with a cream cheese glaze.” —Sarah Wilkerson
Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Vegans and non-vegans alike will love these delicious zucchini brownies. “Super gooey and decadent, approved even by non-zucchini fans,” says reviewer Rita.
Chocolate Zucchini Bars
John Mitzewich
“These chocolate zucchini bars are moist, tender, and packed with zucchini, almost like fudgy brownies,” says Chef John. “Made with almond flour rather than wheat flour, and sweetened lightly with maple syrup, you might want them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.”
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
If you haven’t paired chocolate with zucchini yet, this top-rated chocolate zucchini cake recipe is where you should start. “This is one of those cakes where you close your eyes with each bite, it’s so good. My French boyfriend couldn’t believe it was made with zucchini. Perfect!” —RAKK
