Old Fashioned August Family Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely chopped fresh zucchini
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut, optional

For the Creamy Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
• Pinch of salt

For the Optional Topping

• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• A light dusting of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan and lightly dust it with flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier serving.
3. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the spices and baking soda evenly throughout the cake.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
2. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick.

4. Add the Fresh Ingredients

1. Fold the finely chopped zucchini and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.
2. Then gradually add the dry ingredients.
3. Stir just until everything is combined. Do not overmix the batter, because overmixing can make the finished cake dense.
4. Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and coconut if you’re using them.

5. Bake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes , or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
3. Because ovens vary, begin checking around the 35-minute mark.

6. Cool Completely

1. Place the cake on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
2. This step is important. If the cake is still warm, the cream-cheese frosting can become soft and slide off.