Zucchini and Olive Oil Cake (Torta di Zucchine e Olio d’Oliva)

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
1 cup (75 grams) walnut pieces, toasted
2 cups (240 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
1 and 3/4 cups (306 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (237 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 and 1/2 cups (438 grams) grated zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
Confectioners sugar, for dusting (optional)

For the Lemon Glaze:
1/4 cup (59 ml) fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup (58 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (130 grams) confectioners sugar

Directions:

Prepare the Cake:
Position a wire rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C).

In the medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (with paddle attachment), beat the eggs, sugar, and olive oil together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and beat in the vanilla extract.

Add the dry ingredients all at once and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined, then increase speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds.

Stir in the zucchini and walnut pieces until completely incorporated.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Pour the batter into a 10-cup Bundt pan, coated with cooking spray and lightly dusted with flour, and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Rotate the cake halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Tester should come out clean and the cake edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Prepare the Glaze:
Make the glaze while the cake is baking.

In a medium bowl, whisk the lemon juice and granulated sugar, then whisk in the confectioners sugar until the glaze is smooth.

Strain any lumps as necessary.

Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Place the wire rack over a piece of wax paper and invert the cake onto the rack.

Use a pastry brush to brush the glaze all over the hot cake. It will stick to the cake and set as the cake cools, leaving a nice crunchy surface.

Allow the cake to cool completely and the glaze to dry completely. Serves 6-8.

Note: You may dust the cake with confections sugar before serving. Wrap cake in plastic to store and use within 2 days.