If you’re searching for a delightful and refreshing dessert that fits perfectly into your ketogenic lifestyle, look no further than this scrumptious Keto Lemon Cake! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a creamy, sugar-free frosting, this cake is not only low in carbs but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of making this luscious keto dessert!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe

- Deliciously Zesty: The bright lemon flavor shines through every bite.
- Low Carb: Perfect for keto dieters, keeping carbs to a minimum.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find ingredients that you may already have at home.
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip this cake up in no time.
- Customizable: A versatile recipe that you can tweak to fit your taste preferences.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups blanched almond flour (superfine almond flour for the best texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sweetener of choice (like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1-2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar-free powdered sugar
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing batter and a smaller one for the frosting.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- 9-inch Cake Pan: Preferably lined with parchment paper for easy release.
- Spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool properly before frosting.
Build Keto Lemon Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetener, eggs, melted coconut oil, and lemon extract. Beat until the mixture is frothy and well-blended.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. If you’re using yellow food coloring, add it now and mix until you reach your desired color.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the lemon juice and sugar-free powdered sugar, mixing until combined and creamy.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. You can use a spatula to create swirls or keep it smooth, depending on your preference.
Seasonal Spins
- Summer: Add fresh berries on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Fall: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm twist.
- Winter: Serve with a sprinkle of powdered erythritol to mimic snow.
- Spring: Use fresh lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor.
What Could Go Wrong
While this Keto Lemon Cake is straightforward, a few things might go awry:
- If the cake is too dense, ensure you used superfine almond flour and measured correctly.
- Overbaking can lead to a dry cake; keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of the baking time.
- For the frosting, if it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of lemon juice or a splash of almond milk to smooth it out.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Keto Lemon Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a week. If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer!
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why is my Keto Lemon Cake dense?
If your cake turned out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using coarse almond flour instead of superfine. Be gentle when mixing!
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any granulated sweetener that fits your dietary needs, just be sure to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level of the alternative.
How can I make this cake more lemony?
For an extra zing, add more lemon extract or incorporate fresh lemon zest into the batter.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and flavor in your frosting.
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The Last Word
Keto Lemon Cake is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without the carbs. Its bright flavor and creamy frosting make it a perfect dessert for any occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. By following this simple recipe, you’ll create a cake that everyone will love, regardless of their dietary preferences. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a cake that’s not just keto-friendly but also utterly delicious! Enjoy every bite of this Keto Lemon Cake and share the joy with those around you!

Keto Lemon Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour (superfine for best texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sweetener of choice (like monk fruit or erythritol)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1-2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar-free powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetener, eggs, melted coconut oil, and lemon extract. Beat until frothy and well-blended.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. If using yellow food coloring, add it now and mix until desired color is reached.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Step 5: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the lemon juice and sugar-free powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Step 6: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top, using a spatula to create swirls or keep it smooth.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or Hand Mixer
- 9-inch Cake Pan
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Try adding fresh berries on top for a colorful summer twist!
