Looking for a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your dessert? The Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe is a brilliant bake that surprises with its moist texture, nutty flavor, and light sweetness. This easy-to-follow recipe is a hit among those who enjoy wholesome treats with a twist. Even better—it’s an ideal cake for tea time, picnics, or family gatherings.
Why the Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe Is a Must-Try
The inclusion of courgette (zucchini) might sound unusual, but it adds unbeatable moisture without altering the taste. In fact, the Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe cleverly uses the natural water content of courgettes to create a soft sponge, while nuts and citrus zest offer an aromatic, nutty contrast. It’s a bake that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients for Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe
Dry Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 100g caster sugar
- 50g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs
- 125ml sunflower oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Vegetables and Extras
- 250g courgettes (grated, moisture squeezed out)
- 75g walnuts (roughly chopped)
- Optional: 50g raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 150g cream cheese
- 50g butter (softened)
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cake Tin
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round or square baking tin.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in both sugars.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, and lemon zest until light and smooth.
Step 4: Add Courgette and Nuts
Stir the grated courgettes into the wet mixture. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and optional raisins.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared tin and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat together cream cheese, softened butter, icing sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Table (Per Slice Estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
Tips for the Best Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe
Drain Courgettes Well
Too much moisture will make the cake soggy. After grating, squeeze out excess water using a clean towel.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth and spice.
Switch the Nuts
Don’t have walnuts? Use pecans, almonds, or skip them entirely for a nut-free version.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Courgette Cake
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 100g chocolate chips to the batter.
Gluten-Free Courgette Cake
Use gluten-free self-raising flour and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
Eggless Option
Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or flax egg.
How to Store the Cake
Room Temperature
Keep the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days.
Refrigerated
Frosted cakes should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 4 days.
Freezing
Wrap slices or whole unfrosted cake in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Ways to Serve
Serve this Mary Berry Courgette Cake Recipe with a hot cup of tea or drizzle with lemon glaze for extra zing. Perfect for brunch tables or as an afternoon delight.
External Link for Inspiration
Explore more vegetable-based bakes in BBC Good Food’s Vegetable Cake Recipes—a creative collection of healthy, unique bakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without frosting?
Absolutely. The cake is moist and flavorful enough to be served plain.
Is courgette the same as zucchini?
Yes, courgette is the British term for zucchini. They are the same vegetable.
Can I use olive oil instead of sunflower oil?
You can use light olive oil for a richer taste, but avoid extra virgin as it may be too strong.
What’s the best way to grate courgettes?
Use a box grater or food processor with a shredding blade for quick results.
Will my kids notice the courgette?
Highly unlikely. It blends in so well that even picky eaters won’t detect it.
