Desserts for Dudes
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{Don't worry...I'll torture him with the tomatoes.}
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesplatteroutside.jpg)
Zucchini Spice Cupcakes
{modified from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes}
1 and 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 egg, room temp.
1 and 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 and 1/2 c. grated zucchini
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
Preheat oven to 350.
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakeslinerskik.jpg)
Whisk together the flour through cloves. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, vanilla and zest. Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth.
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesgratingcamerakik.jpg)
Divide the batter evenly between the cups. Bake, rotating halfway through, about 20-24 minutes. Cupcakes will spring back when lightly toughed in the center and a toothpick should come out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcake to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
{Aren't they pretty? I'm thinking we could stop here and call them muffins. But, we won't.}
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesfrostingkik.jpg)
6 oz. cream cheese, room temp.
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and1/2 c. sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth and combined. Add the remaining sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition until smooth.
Now it's time to frost the cupcakes...
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakespipingcollage1.jpg)
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakespipinghands.jpg)
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![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesredplate.jpg)
These cupcakes are wonderful...moist and full of flavor. And, you can never go wrong with cream cheese frosting! We think you'll like them!
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesjeatingcollage.jpg)
The verdict?
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakesrating.jpg)
Here...we saved one for you....
![](http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/bridget350/zucchinicupcakeswhiteplateside.jpg)