For those embracing a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, the idea of indulging in a delicious cake might seem like a distant dream. However, with the versatility of almond flour, creating delectable and guilt-free keto cakes is not only possible but surprisingly easy. This article explores various almond flour-based keto cake recipes, from fudgy chocolate cakes to refreshing olive oil cakes and even a keto-friendly carrot cake, providing options for every palate.
The Magic of Almond Flour in Keto Baking
Almond flour, made from ground almonds, is a staple in keto and low-carb baking. It's naturally gluten-free and adds a rich flavor and texture to baked goods. Unlike coconut flour, which can sometimes result in a dry texture, almond flour helps create moist and tender cakes. It's also packed with healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium, contributing to a feeling of fullness without spiking blood sugar levels.
Almond Flour Basics
It is important to note that almond flour is different from almond meal, though both are derived from ground almonds. Almond flour is typically made from blanched almonds with the skins removed, resulting in a finer texture and lighter color.
Ultra Fudgy Keto Chocolate Cake
This exceptionally bold chocolate cake recipe-without any flour to get in the way of the soft texture and intense chocolatey flavor-will change everything you thought you knew about chocolate cake. For those who crave a rich, chocolatey dessert, a flourless chocolate cake made with almond flour is a dream come true. This cake is super dense and fudgy, and can be naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and vegan. Even those accustomed to traditional sugar-and-flour desserts will fall in love with this moist chocolate cake.
Recipe Highlights:
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Almond flour ensures this cake is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Customizable: The recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs, including dairy-free, oil-free, and vegan options.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a single serving or dress it up with cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, whipped cream, ice cream, sliced strawberries, or coconut frosting.
- Sweetener Options: While the recipe works with erythritol for a keto-friendly version, regular granulated sugar can also be used for those not counting carbs. For a paleo cake, sweeten with either the erythritol option or use 1/2 cup date or coconut sugar instead.
Tips for Success:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Stir all ingredients together very well, then spread into the pan.
- Bake for 14 minutes on the center rack (some ovens require more baking time, so continue cooking until firm if needed).
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- For a double layer cake, simply double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch pans.
Easy Almond Flour Cake
This cake, sweetened with erythritol, is a simple yet satisfying treat that's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Recipe Highlights
- Low carb
- Keto
- Grain-free
- Gluten-free
- Has just 7 ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup butter , needs to be room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup erythritol
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a high-speed blender, add almond milk, butter, eggs, erythritol and almond extract. Blend until smooth.
- Add almond flour and baking soda to blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, using a spatula to scrape sides to get excess batter.
- Bake for 26 - 28 minutes or until top begins to turn golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Sweetener Options
- Erythritol: A keto-friendly sugar alcohol that doesn't spike blood sugar or insulin.
- Stevia: A naturally sourced sweetener that can be blended with erythritol to minimize aftertaste.
- Pyure: An organic stevia blend that combines erythritol with stevia.
Important Considerations
- Eggs: Eggs are essential as a binder when baking with almond flour.
- Sweetener Substitutions: While erythritol can be swapped for stevia, other sweeteners may not yield the same low-carb results.
Keto Carrot Cake with Almond Flour
A keto carrot cake made with almond flour and sugar-free sweetener offers a guilt-free way to enjoy this classic dessert. The use of real carrots helps maintain a spongy texture and prevents the almond flour cake from drying out.
Key Features:
- Real Carrots: Provide moisture and authentic flavor.
- No Coconut Flour: Avoids the dense texture sometimes associated with coconut flour.
- Keto Cream Cheese Frosting: A sugar-free frosting option made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sour cream.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom and sides of one large circle cake pan or two 6-inch pans.
- Scoop batter into prepared baking pans (fill halfway).
- Bake for 22-30 minutes (22-25 minutes for 6-inch pans and 25-30 minutes for 8-inch pans).
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake once removed from oven.
- Flip onto a wire rack once cake is cool to the touch.
Frosting Instructions:
- Whip together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Slowly add in the powdered sweetener and continue to whip for another 2-3 minutes or until fluffy.
Storage Tips:
- Store the carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature to extend its shelf life.
- Freeze the cake unfrosted for best results.
FAQs:
- Can I use pre-shredded carrots? Yes, but chop them into smaller pieces if they are cut into matchsticks.
- Can I make cupcakes? Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- What can I substitute for almond flour? Sunflower seed flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can be used.
Keto Olive Oil Cake with Almond Flour
This light and flavorful cake is a keto-friendly take on the Mediterranean classic. Extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon thyme create a delightful flavor profile.
Recipe Highlights:
- Gluten-Free: Almond flour and coconut flour make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Moist and Flavorful: Olive oil adds moisture and a subtle, fragrant hint of flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or dress it up as a dessert with yogurt, whipped cream, or berries.
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Lemon thyme, lemon juice, and lemon zest
- Granulated sweetener (erythritol monk fruit blend, allulose, or xylitol)
- Baking powder and salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with olive oil.
- Blend the eggs with an electric mixer until doubled in size, pale, and frothy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the sweetener, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, and zest and continue mixing until well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon thyme leaves with a spatula.
- Pour into the prepared springform tin and bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Check the cake after 40 minutes; if it has browned sufficiently, loosely place aluminum foil over the top to prevent burning.
- Let the cake cool completely before releasing the springform.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with Greek yogurt and lemon thyme leaves.
- Add whipped cream or whipped coconut cream and fresh berries.
- Top with a simple cream cheese frosting.
Variations:
- Different cake pan: Use a larger springform pan or a rectangular cake pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Muffins: Bake as muffins for about 25 minutes.
- Flavor tweak: Replace lemon with orange juice and zest.
Keto Pound Cake with Almond Flour
This incredibly rich and buttery keto pound cake, flavored with vanilla and lemon zest, is a low-carb take on a classic treat.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Sweetener (stevia glycerite or granulated sweetener)
- Lemon zest
- Almond flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a small loaf pan (8 x 4 inches) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Lightly spray the parchment paper with oil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the lemon zest, almond flour, kosher salt, and baking powder.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan on the kitchen counter a few times to help spread the batter evenly.
- Bake the cake until puffed, golden, and fragrant, and a toothpick inserted in its center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven to a cooling rack.
- Let it cool slightly until easier to handle, then use the parchment overhang to remove the cake from the pan.
- Carefully peel the parchment away and place the cake directly on the cooling rack.
- Cool for 30 more minutes.
- Slice and serve.
Tips for Success:
- Use a small loaf pan.
- Don't skip the lemon or orange zest.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Slice and freeze in freezer bags, separating layers with wax paper.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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