For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying desserts can be a challenge. However, with the right recipes and ingredient substitutions, it's possible to enjoy delicious treats without compromising your dietary goals. Key lime cake, with its tangy and refreshing flavor profile, is a popular choice, and several keto-friendly versions are available. These recipes replace traditional sugar and flour with low-carb alternatives, allowing you to indulge in a guilt-free dessert.
Keto Key Lime Pound Cake
This recipe delivers a moist and flavorful cake with a delightful balance of sweet and sour. It's perfect for summer barbecues or as an after-dinner treat.
Key Ingredients
- Keto Chow: This versatile meal replacement mix comes in a limited edition Key Lime flavor, which is a key ingredient in this recipe. If you can't find the Key Lime flavor, you can substitute it with extra almond flour, coconut flour, or protein powder.
- Almond Flour: This is the keto diet's all-purpose flour, providing a fine and tender crumb to the cake. Blanched, finely ground almond flour is recommended for the best results.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: This is a popular sugar substitute in keto baking, as it looks, tastes, and bakes like real sugar.
- Cream Cheese: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. Make sure it's softened at room temperature before using.
- Key Lime Zest and Juice: These provide the signature tangy flavor of key lime cake.
Preparation Tips
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs, cream cheese, and butter, are at room temperature for even mixing. A quick tip to speed up the process is to place these ingredients in a plastic baggie and submerge it in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the cream cheese until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Let the batter sit for at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 325 degrees F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Frosting
A simple key lime frosting can be made by combining softened cream cheese, butter, key lime extract, confectioners sugar substitute, and heavy cream. Beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, then spread over the cooled cake. Garnish with key lime zest and slices for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Keto Key Lime Cheesecake
For cheesecake lovers, a keto key lime cheesecake is a must-try. This recipe combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tangy flavor of key limes, all while keeping the carb count low.
Crust
- Combine almond flour, monk fruit, and salt. Add butter and stir to combine. Press mixture firmly in bottom of springform pan and about 1” up the sides.
- Bake crust until set and just starting to brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
Filling
- Beat cream cheese, monk fruit, cornstarch, and lime zest until smooth. Beat in lime juice until combined, then beat in eggs, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Scrape cheesecake mixture into springform pan and place pan in oven on upper rack. Place a 13×9” baking dish on lower rack and pour 2 cups boiling water into it.
- Bake until cheesecake is set and center jiggles slightly, 50-60 minutes. Turn off oven and crack the door. Let cheesecake sit in oven for 30 minutes. Place cheesecake on a rack and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
Topping
- Combine cream, monk fruit, and vanilla. Beat until stiffly whipped.
- Serve each slice topped with a swirl of whipped cream.
Keto Key Lime Cupcakes
These cupcakes offer a delightful combination of tartness and sweetness, with a delicate flavor that is enhanced by coconut milk or dairy. They are perfect for parties or as a special treat.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Swerve (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Gelatin
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Coconut milk or dairy
Instructions
- Whisk together the almond flour, Swerve, baking powder, baking soda, and gelatin.
- Pour batter into muffin liners just a touch over 1/2 of the way full, no more.
- Place your pan into a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 14 minutes, then gently rotate the pan 180 degrees and place your piece of foil very lightly over the cupcakes. We create a little dome with the foil. Then bake for an additional 12 minutes. (Make sure to use a timer).
- After baking, take the pan out of the oven and let your cupcakes COOL COMPLETELY before removing from the pan.
- While you’re waiting for the cupcakes to cool, go ahead and mix together your frosting: With a hand mixer, blend together your softened cream cheese and butter.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes, serve and enjoy!! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and place in refrigerator.
Keto Key Lime Poke Cake
This recipe puts a keto-friendly twist on the classic poke cake, with a dairy-free option available. The cake is infused with key lime flavor and topped with a creamy frosting.
Cake Base
- Combine almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, Erythritol, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Pour in coconut oil or butter, melted, coconut milk or heavy whipping cream, room temperature, and lime zest and mix until well combined.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is light golden and the cake base is set. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool down on a cooling rack.
Lime Curd Filling
- Mix the egg yolks with the lime juice and add a tablespoon of lime zest.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan filled with simmering water and stir constantly; make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes or until the custard starts to thicken. Then take off the heat.
- Add the butter and mix until dissolved.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke several holes all over the cake base.
- Pour the curd all over the cake base until covered and the holes are filled.
Cream Topping
- When the cake is ready, whip up the cream (or coconut milk) with Erythritol (optional) until you get firm peaks.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated lime zest.
- Refrigerate for another hour before serving.
General Tips for Keto Baking
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the taste and texture of your keto baked goods.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Keto baking can be more sensitive than traditional baking, so it's important to measure ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale is recommended for the best results.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough or dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens can vary, so it's important to check the cake for doneness using a toothpick. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
- Let cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or glazing.
Can I Eat Key Limes on the Keto Diet?
Yes, key limes can be used in keto recipes. The juice has only about 3g of carbs per ounce (two tablespoons).
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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