Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Keto Italian Cream Cake proves that you do not need sugar or flour to enjoy a rich, celebratory dessert. This low-carb version delivers everything you expect from the classic cake: moist layers, subtle sweetness, hints of coconut, crunchy pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. I developed this recipe for those moments when you want a traditional cake experience without breaking ketosis, and it has quickly become a standout. The texture is soft yet sturdy, the flavor is balanced rather than overly sweet, and the frosting is smooth and decadent. Even those who do not follow a keto lifestyle often cannot tell the difference. This cake works beautifully for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something special, all while keeping carbs in check and flavor front and center.
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Keto Italian Cream Cake – A Low-Carb Classic Made Indulgent
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A moist and decadent Keto Italian Cream Cake made with almond flour, coconut, and pecans, layered with a rich sugar-free cream cheese frosting while staying low carb and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup granulated keto sweetener (erythritol or monk fruit)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered keto sweetener
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, melted butter, almond milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth, then fold in coconut and pecans.
- Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into batter.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool cakes completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sweetener, and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Frost cake layers and sides, then chill before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.
- Chill cake before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store refrigerated up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Almond flour forms the base of the cake, providing a tender crumb while keeping the recipe low in carbohydrates.
Coconut flour adds structure and helps absorb moisture, ensuring the cake holds together well.
Granulated keto sweetener replaces traditional sugar, delivering sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.
Eggs give the cake structure and richness while contributing to a light texture.
Unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor, helping create a classic cake mouthfeel.
Heavy cream enhances richness and keeps the cake layers soft and moist.
Shredded unsweetened coconut provides texture and authentic Italian cream cake flavor.
Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty depth throughout the cake.
Baking powder ensures proper rise and a fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting, delivering tangy richness.
Powdered keto sweetener creates a smooth, spreadable frosting without grit.
Directions
Preheat the oven and prepare two round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and granulated keto sweetener until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered keto sweetener and vanilla. Mix until light and creamy.
Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with additional coconut and pecans if desired.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is 30 minutes, and cooling and assembly take about 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
Keto Italian Cream Cake is easy to adapt while staying low carb. For added richness, substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut cream. This enhances the coconut flavor without increasing carbs significantly.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly and fold in whipped heavy cream for a mousse-like texture. I tested this variation, and it created an airy, elegant finish that paired beautifully with the nutty cake layers.
You can also add lemon zest to the batter for brightness or a touch of almond extract for deeper nut flavor. For a layered presentation, bake the batter into three thinner layers and adjust baking time accordingly. These customizations allow flexibility while preserving the classic character of the cake.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein (g) | 9 |
| Carbs (g) | 7 |
| Fat (g) | 38 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 16 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 2 |
| Sodium (mg) | 210 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Room-temperature ingredients
Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Do not overmix
Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Cool completely
Frosting warm cake layers can cause sliding and melting.
Sweetener choice
Use a powdered keto sweetener for the smoothest frosting texture.
FAQs
Is this cake truly keto-friendly?
Yes, it is made with low-carb flours and sugar-free sweeteners suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use only almond flour?
Coconut flour helps with structure, but adjustments can be made with careful moisture control.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Dairy-free substitutions are possible but will affect flavor and texture.
Does it taste like traditional Italian cream cake?
Yes, the coconut and pecan flavors closely mimic the classic version.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers for up to two months and frost after thawing.
What sweetener works best?
Powdered erythritol or monk fruit blends work best for smooth texture.
Conclusion
Keto Italian Cream Cake is a luxurious dessert that delivers classic flavor without the carbs. Moist layers, rich frosting, and satisfying texture make it perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a low-carb treat that feels truly indulgent.
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