Sugar-Free Coconut Cake – Low-Carb, Moist, and Tropical AF

Sugar-Free Coconut Cake – Low-Carb, Moist, and Tropical AF

I’ve tried too many “keto coconut cakes” that were basically sand in disguise—dry, crumbly, and weirdly eggy. This version? Dense-but-moist, coconutty through and through, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that makes it a legit contender for birthday cake status.

Bonus: It’s 100% sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-optional—but no one will ever know.

💡 The Secret Behind This Low-Carb Win

What makes this coconut cake actually worth baking:

  • Coconut cream + desiccated coconut + coconut extract = full flavor, not just scent
  • Coconut flour used precisely (¾ cup) = tender crumb, not sponge brick
  • Sweetener balanced with real vanilla so it doesn’t taste “keto”
  • Cream cheese frosting that’s tangy-sweet and spreadable—no weird chalky texture

Honestly, it feels like something you’d eat at a beach wedding in Hawaii.

🧾 What Packs Flavor Without the Carbs

Cake:

  • 4 large eggs – Structure and lift
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut cream – Rich and moist without dairy (or use heavy cream)
  • ½ cup erythritol or allulose – Granulated, not powdered
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp coconut extract – Adds depth and real coconut flavor
  • ¾ cup coconut flour – Needs to be fresh and sifted—no clumps!
  • ½ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut – Texture and chew
  • 2 tsp baking powder – Essential for lift

Frosting:

  • 4.4 oz cream cheese (room temp) – Softens easily
  • ¼ cup powdered erythritol – Smoothest texture
  • ¼ cup coconut cream – Thins and blends beautifully
  • 1 tsp coconut extract – Rounds it all out

🔁 What You Can (and Can’t) Change

SwapResult
Heavy cream instead of coconut creamWorks great—more dairy flavor, less coconut
Dairy-free cream cheeseTotally fine—use Kite Hill or similar
Allulose instead of erythritolSofter crumb, smoother frosting
Add lemon zest to batterBrightens flavor—totally recommend it!

⚠️ How I Ruined It (And Recovered)

What Went WrongWhy It HappensHow to Fix It
Cake was dryOverbaked or didn’t measure flour rightSpoon-and-level flour, check at 20 mins
Frosting seizedUsed cold cream cheeseAlways bring to room temp first
Cake collapsedDidn’t beat eggs long enoughMix until slightly frothy before adding flours

👩‍🍳 How I Make It

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9″ round pan and line with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, beat eggs with coconut cream, sweetener, vanilla, and coconut extract until pale.
  3. Add coconut flour and baking powder. Beat again until smooth.
  4. Stir in desiccated coconut by hand.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
  8. For frosting, beat all ingredients until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake. Garnish with toasted coconut if you’re feeling fancy.
Sugar-Free Coconut Cake – Low-Carb, Moist, and Tropical AF
Sugar-Free Coconut Cake – Low-Carb, Moist, and Tropical AF

🧠 Tricks That Made This Work Better

  • Don’t chill the frosting before spreading—it stiffens too much
  • Sift coconut flour—even one lump makes a dry pocket
  • Toast extra coconut flakes for a pro-level finish and texture contrast

🧊 Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week

  • Fridge: Lasts up to 4 days covered
  • Freezer: Slice and freeze individually; thaw overnight in fridge
  • Macros per slice (1 of 12):
    • Calories: 199
    • Net Carbs: 3g
    • Fat: 17g
    • Protein: 5g

❓ Can I Eat This on Keto? (Yes, Here’s Why)

Is coconut flour keto?
Yes, but it’s absorbent. A little goes a long way—this cake uses just enough to bind without drying out.

Is the frosting optional?
Sure—but why skip joy? It’s still under 3g net carbs per slice with it.

Does it taste eggy?
Nope. The coconut cream and flavorings totally balance it out.

📊 FULL NUTRITION PER SLICE

NutrientAmount
Calories199 kcal
Fat17g
– Saturated Fat13g
Protein5g
Total Carbs7g
Fiber4g
Net Carbs3g
Sugar5g (natural from coconut + cream)
Cholesterol73mg
Sodium149mg
Potassium122mg

Check out More Recipes:

Sugar-Free Coconut Cake – Low-Carb, Moist, and Tropical AF

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 30 minutesRest time:1 hour Total time:1 hour 45 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:12 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:199 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

This sugar-free coconut cake is soft, moist, and packed with coconut flavor—topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting for the ultimate low-carb dessert that tastes like a tropical escape.

Ingredients

    Cake:

    Frosting:

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9” cake pan.
    2. Beat eggs with cream, sweetener, and extracts until pale.
    3. Mix in coconut flour and baking powder. Stir in coconut.
    4. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 mins.
    5. Cool 1 hour before frosting.
    6. Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake. Garnish if desired.

    Notes

    • Store frosted cake in the fridge up to 4 days.
    • Freeze slices individually for longer storage.
    • Always use full-fat coconut cream—not the low-fat canned stuff.
    • Optional: top with toasted coconut for texture and visual pop.

    Other Recipes

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *