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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 22-28 minutes
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Total Time: 40-43 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
We’ve broken this down into three simple components: the cake, the swirl, and the glaze.
For the Keto Cake Base:
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2 cups super-fine almond flour (not almond meal)
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1/2 cup granular sweetener of choice (such as erythritol, monk fruit, or Allulose)
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 large eggs, at room temperature
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Keto Cinnamon Swirl:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft (almost melted)
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1/3 cup granular sweetener of choice
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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*(Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture)*
For the Keto Cream Cheese Glaze:
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2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sweetener of choice (like powdered erythritol or Allulose)
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1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for the perfect keto cake.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the cake out later.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the very soft butter, 1/3 cup sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. If you’re using nuts, stir them in now. Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, 1/2 cup sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk the eggs until they are lightly beaten. Add the melted butter, sour cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Create the Cake Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stir only until you no longer see streaks of flour. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Transfer the thick batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer using your spatula.
Now for the fun part—adding the swirl! Take the cinnamon paste you made earlier and drop spoonfuls of it all over the surface of the batter.
Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the paste into the batter. Insert the knife all the way to the bottom and make figure-eight motions. You want beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout, but be careful not to over-swirl and mix it completely into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding a big pocket of cinnamon swirl) comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is crucial to let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing. If you add the glaze while the cake is warm, it will melt and soak right in, disappearing. Cooling takes about 1-2 hours.
Step 9: Make the Glaze & Serve
While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sweetener, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat again until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency.
Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and spread it gently to the edges. Slice into 9 squares and serve!
Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
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Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often meld together beautifully overnight.
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Freezer: This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh glaze before serving.
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
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Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key for keto baking! Using room-temperature eggs and sour cream ensures they emulsify properly with the melted butter, resulting in a smoother, more evenly textured cake.
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Sweetener Choice: The recipe works well with most granulated keto sweeteners. Keep in mind that erythritol can recrystallize and create a slightly cooling effect, while Allulose browns more easily and tends to stay softer. For the glaze, a powdered sweetener is non-negotiable for a smooth, non-gritty texture.
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Don’t Over-Swirl: The goal is beautiful ribbons of cinnamon, not a uniformly brown cake. Too much mixing will incorporate the cinnamon paste into the batter, and you’ll lose that classic cinnamon roll effect.
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Check for Doneness: Because almond flour browns quickly, keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. If the top is browning too fast but the center isn’t set, tent the pan loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
Nutrition Information
The following is an estimate per serving (based on 9 servings, using common brands of erythritol/monk fruit blend and full-fat dairy).
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
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| Calories | 345 |
| Fat | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar Alcohols | 12g |
| Net Carbs | 6g |
| Protein | 8g |
(Please note that nutritional information can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and is provided as a courtesy.)