Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (2024)

Published: by Carolyn

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Looking for a truly light and fluffy almond flour cake? Then this is the recipe for you! With a mild sweetness and a fine crumb texture, no one will believe it’s sugar-free and keto-friendly.

I am delighted to re-introduce you to the cake recipe that started it all. This, right here, is the recipe that made me realize that I could create keto cakes that rival anything made with flour and sugar. In both taste AND texture!

This almond flour cake was a watershed moment in my keto baking career. Back in 2012, I came across a cookbook on coffee cakes and one called Almond Crusted Butter Cake caught my eye.

When I set about modifying the recipe to suit my low carb lifestyle, I had no idea it would turn out so spectacularly well. And that it would become the base recipe for so many of my other creations, like Keto Victoria Sponge Cake or my classic Keto Birthday Cake.

Then I let the poor thing languish in obscurity for more than a decade as I went on to create other keto treats. But it’s such a fabulous recipe that I figured the time was right to bring it back to your attention!

What’s so special about this recipe?

So what makes this almond flour cake recipe so incredible? To put it boldly, it has the perfect cake texture, with a fine crumb and a light, fluffy consistency. In my experimenting, I somehow hit upon the ideal ratio of almond flour to the other ingredients. It just works!

And it doesn’t require separating the eggs or beating the egg whites. It’s a straightforward process of beating softened butter with granulated sweetener, then adding eggs and dry ingredients.

The simplicity of the cake itself belies its utter deliciousness. It may not be as eye-catching something more decadent, like a keto chocolate cake with tons of creamy frosting. But it’s sweet and lovely, and really needs no other embellishment or garnish.

It’s also easy to make and looks so elegant with the sliced almonds baked right in. Have it as coffee cake with your morning coffee, or serve it with some whipped cream and berries for dessert. It’s always superb.

Readers love this almond flour cake!

“So yummy!!! I made this in a couple small loaf pans and cut it in small slices, I topped it with whipped cream and strawberry syrup…the cutest and most delicious strawberry shortcake ever! This was also amazing as is????” — Megan

“This is soooooo good! it’s definitely one of my two favorite keto desserts! I’m picky too. I’ve always loved almond cake so I was so happy to find a recipe that tasted like the real thing! Amazing!” — Laurie

“Thank you so much for this recipe, it is the first truly successful almond flour cake recipe I’ve followed! Really pleased with the results, such a tasty cake and the flaked almond crust really works well.” — Colin

Ingredients you need

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  • Almond flour: Using good quality almond flour is extremely important for almond flour cake. Many brands say that they are finely ground but you can see the grainy texture when you bake with it. I always recommend Bob’s Red Mill for the finest almond flour.
  • Protein powder: Please don’t skip this ingredient. Protein powder helps simulate the protein in gluten, helping baked goods rise properly and hold their shape. And it’s part of what makes this almond flour cake so spectacular!
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter and make sure you let it soften properly so that the sweetener combines well. You could use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but make sure it’s softened but not melted.
  • Swerve sweetener: You need a granulated sweetener for this recipe to help whip air bubbles into the softened butter. It helps give the cake a lighter, airier consistency. You can try other sweeteners but I don’t recommend allulose as it makes cakes brown too quickly and look (and taste!) a little burnt.
  • Almond extract: I think almond extract is perfect in this cake, but you could use vanilla. You could also do lemon, orange, or something really fun like caramel!
  • Eggs: Make sure the eggs are room temperature before you add them, and beat them in one at a time. This creates a lighter, fluffier batter, which translates into a better texture for the cake.
  • Liquid: I often use almond milk but you can also do water. For a richer flavor, use half heavy cream and half water.
  • Pantry staples: Salt, baking powder.

Step by Step Directions

1. Prepare the pan: Butter a 9×5 inch metal loaf pan very well. Sprinkle the sides and bottom of the pan with sliced almonds, pressing into the butter to help it adhere.

2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the sweetener and beat until lightened and well-combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at time, scraping down the beaters and sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the almond extract.

4. Add the dry ingredients: Beat in half of the almond flour mixture, then beat in the almond milk. Beat in the remaining almond flour mixture until well combined.

5. Transfer to the pan: Spread the batter in the prepared pan, being careful not to dislodge the sliced almonds on the sides. Smooth the top.

6. Bake: Bake at 325ºF for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and just firm to the touch. Let cool 30 minutes in the pan before flipping out onto a wire rack.

Expert Tips

While this almond flour cake is easy to make, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. I specify a metal loaf pan, because glass and ceramic bake very differently and don’t conduct heat nearly as well. So your cake will get brown on the outside but won’t cook through properly in the middle.

Protein powder is a critical ingredient in this recipe, as it helps create the ideal texture. I recommend whey or egg white protein powders, and some plant based versions may work as well. But I do not recommend collagen protein, as it will make the cake gummy and hard to cook through.

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes but don’t leave it too much longer. I’ve noticed that loaf cakes are nice and loose at 30 to 60 minutes, but then start to re-stick to the pan after that. If you have any doubts about your pan, consider lining it with parchment paper.

Do NOT over-bake this cake. Please watch my YouTube video on Keto Cake Baking Tips for my best tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is almond flour good for baking cakes?

Used properly, almond flour can be used for baking wonderfully moist and fluffy cakes. But you do need to understand that it behaves very differently from wheat flour. It contains no gluten and far more moisture than wheat flour. I recommend reading Baking with Almond Flour for a better understanding of how it works.

Is almond flour good for diabetics?

Almond flour contains very few carbohydrates and has plenty of fiber, so it’s an excellent choice for people with diabetes. I find that baked goods made with almond flour do not spike my blood sugar.

How many carbs are in almond flour cake?

This keto almond flour cake recipe has 7.3 grams of carbs and 3.4g of fiber per slice. Thus it has 3.9g net carbs per serving.

More keto almond flour cake recipes

  • Keto Angel Food Cake
  • Praline Sheet Cake
  • Bakery Style Keto Coffee Cake
  • Keto Lemon Cream Cake
  • Keto Devil’s Food Cake
  • Gingerbread Pound Cake

Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (8)

Almond Flour Cake Recipe

Looking for a truly light and fluffy almond flour cake? Then this is the recipe for you! With a mild sweetness and a fine crumb texture, no one will believe it's sugar-free and keto-friendly.

5 from 24 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: almond flour cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 275kcal

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325ºF and butter a 9×5 inch metal loaf pan very well. Sprinkle the sides and bottom of the pan with sliced almonds, pressing into the butter to help it adhere.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the sweetener and beat until lightened and well-combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at time, scraping down the beaters and sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the almond extract.

  • Beat in half of the almond flour mixture, then beat in the almond milk. Beat in the remaining almond flour mixture until well combined. Spread the batter in the prepared pan, being careful not to dislodge the sliced almonds on the sides. Smooth the top.

  • Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and just firm to the touch. Let cool 30 minutes in the pan before flipping out onto a wire rack.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Store the cake on the counter, tightly wrapped, for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 8. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Almond Flour Cake Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving = 1/12th of cake)

Calories 275Calories from Fat 214

% Daily Value*

Fat 23.8g37%

Carbohydrates 7.3g2%

Fiber 3.4g14%

Protein 10.2g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them.I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Andra says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (9)
    Great receipt!
    Had just half the amount of almond flour. So I replaced it with white flour instead 000, a bit less butter, half the sugar amount replaced by sweetner. Great results!

    Reply

  2. Maureen says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (10)
    Best almond cake recipe I have found. It taste like a normal cake, very moist.

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Wonderful!

      Reply

  3. Ranjna says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (11)
    Well explained easy to follow. Ranjna

    Reply

  4. Catherine says

    I made this almond cake for a girls’ weekend. The main feedback was it needs more almond flavor. I liked it but agree it did not taste almondy enough.

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Sounds like an issue with your extract. Just add more next time! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Charlotte A Mahin says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (12)
    Made this cake last week and it is really great. One of the best cake desserts I have baked with a keto recipe. I wrapped it well and it stayed moist and tasty for 5 days. I put some keto blueberry “compote” and whipped cream on some of it and what a tasty dessert.

    Reply

  6. Dian Clarke says

    Hi. can I use the orgain keto plant protein powder, instead of whey protein powder

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      I think so but without trying it myself, I can’t guarantee it.

      Reply

  7. Susan says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (13)
    This is the best keto dessert I’ve ever had. Actually one of the best scratch cakes ever! Very light, delicious flavor. I’m going to try lemon flavoring next. And who knows what after that!

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Wow, thanks!

      Reply

  8. Stephanie says

    would I need to make any adjustments if I bake it in a cast iron bread pan?

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      To be frank, I am not sure. I don’t own such a thing. For one, I would line it with parchment and probably reduce the heat so that the middle cooks properly but the outside doesn’t burn.

      Reply

  9. Genia says

    I made this cake and this is the first Keto dessert that I have made that I truly enjoyed.
    I added a lite glaze using a powder substitute.
    Will be my go to recipe for a loaf cake.

    Reply

  10. Joe says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (14)
    I. absolutely love this recipe. I change it up sometimes by adding some homemade dried cranberries (thank you Carolyn) and some chopped up walnuts. Yummy!

    Reply

  11. Leigh Rollins says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (15)
    This cake went with me to a Christmas party today—no leftovers. I think you have a few more fans now.

    I’ll try orange extract and orange peel with the cake when I make it next.

    Thanks for a terrific recipe!

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Lovely!

      Reply

  12. Laura says

    Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (16)
    I just made this and it is delicious! Definitely a keeper.

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Thank you!

      Reply

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Almond Flour Cake - Gluten-Free Keto Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is almond flour good for baking cakes? ›

It is also a good source of protein and fiber and gives a moist texture to baked goods. Almond flour is versatile — its nutty flavor and delicate texture work beautifully in all kinds of cookies, cakes, and breads. It can also be used as a gluten-free breading or coating for fried or baked foods.

Is almond flour good for gluten-free baking? ›

Yes, pure, 100% ground almond flour is gluten-free. Almond flour, sometimes called almond meal, is made from finely-ground almonds (with or without their skins), which are naturally gluten-free.

Can you use almond flour with Keto? ›

Almond flour is a 100% keto-approved baking flour. It is also the most widely used keto flour on shelves. However, what it lacks in carbs, it makes up for in calories. Though almond flour is significantly higher in calories than many other flours, it also contains considerable amounts of protein and fiber.

What is a good binding agent for almond flour? ›

In the absence of gluten, almond flour needs a little help to bind ingredients together. Eggs are a traditional and effective binding agent, providing structure and elasticity. However, for those seeking a vegan option or for recipes that don't require eggs, xanthan gum is a popular alternative.

What is a binding agent for almond flour? ›

Almond flour also works best in baked goods with a high egg white content, because the egg white is a binding agent. If your recipe does not have a high egg content, you might need to add a binding agent, like xanthan gum or flax seed.

Does almond flour spike blood sugar? ›

Almond flour is one of the most popular flour alternatives, and for good reason: It has a fine texture similar to wheat flour, but packs in twice as much protein and is unlikely to spike blood sugar. A quarter-cup serving also delivers around 20 percent of the RDI for magnesium.

Do you need more eggs when using almond flour? ›

Almond flour can be substituted for regular flour at a 1:1 ratio. It is important to note that almond flour may require more egg to bind the flour. Check out our almond flour recipe book here for more information on a specific recipe!

Why is my almond flour cake dry? ›

When almond flour is overmixed, its absorbent nature can become a pitfall. The more you mix, the more the fat in the almond flour is released and absorbed, resulting in a dry, crumbly texture in your baked goods.

What to avoid for gluten free baking? ›

Some baking ingredients that contain gluten (and thus are not suitable for a gluten-free diet) include:
  • Wheat.
  • Semolina.
  • Spelt.
  • Durum.
  • Emmer.
  • Einkorn.
  • Rye, sometimes referred to as pumpernickel.
  • Barley.
Mar 29, 2021

Which flour is best for gluten-free cakes? ›

Oat Flour. With its creamy, earthy flavor and delicate texture, gluten-free oat flour is a staple of my gluten-free baking recipes. It bakes up soft and smooth, adding necessary starch to many GF baked goods and keeping them moist and tender due to its high fat content and stable protein structure.

Is there a trick to baking with gluten free flour? ›

2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of gluten-free flour is necessary to ensure proper leavening. Baking soda and buttermilk can be used to leaven instead of baking powder, but 1-1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar should be added for each 1/2 teaspoon baking soda used.

Can too much almond flour kick you out of ketosis? ›

Although almond flour is keto-friendly but can you eat it daily on the keto diet? The answer is yes! If you limit your daily flour intake to less than 20g net carbs, then it's beautiful. To make it above 20g net carb, you must eat a loaf of almond flour bread.

What keto flour is closest to all purpose? ›

Almond flour is often considered the keto “all-purpose” flour. Generally, you can use almond flour at a 1:1 ratio with regular flour.

Can I eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

How much almond flour do I use to replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour? ›

Baking with almond flour
  1. For yeast dough of all kinds (bread, rolls, pizza), add up to 1/3 cup almond flour per cup of wheat flour (all-purpose, bread, whole wheat, etc.)
  2. For non-yeast treats (cookies, scones, cake, biscuits, muffins, etc.), substitute almond flour for 1/4 (25%) of the flour in the recipe.
Mar 20, 2017

Does almond flour bake differently than regular flour? ›

Almond flour is a little more moist than wheat flour, and doesn't have quite the same binding qualities. You'll do best to substitute 1:1 to begin with, as many recipes respond well to this direct replacement. But be prepared to add more almond flour as you go to compensate for the wetter batter.

How do you increase the texture of almond flour? ›

Our chef prefers to add a little xanthan gum or cornstarch to the almond flour to help with the texture, though it is not entirely necessary to do so.

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