Keto Coconut Flour Waffles

Many low-carb waffle recipes rely on almond flour or cheese. My recipe does not have either.

This one needs only four main ingredients: eggs, plain Greek yogurt, whey protein powder and coconut flour, plus salt.

The result is a versatile batch of gluten-free coconut waffles for breakfast, lunch or a quick sandwich.

I used my Mini Dash waffle maker, which cooks four small waffles at a time. This recipe made eight waffles total, and one serving is two waffles.

Top the sweet version with butter and fresh berries, or turn the savory waffles into a hearty meal with eggs, avocado or bacon.

Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Waffles

• Quick and easy: Prep time is only 5 minutes, and cooking takes about 5 minutes.
• High in protein: Each two-waffle serving provides 17 grams of protein.
• Low in net carbs: One serving has 4 grams of net carbs.
• Sweet or savory: Add vanilla stevia for sweet waffles or Italian seasoning for a savory flavor.
• Great for meal prep: Store the cooked waffles in the fridge, then reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven.
• Gluten-free: Coconut flour replaces wheat flour, and the recipe uses no almond flour.

From Cloud Bread Waffles to Coconut Flour Protein Waffles

I adapted this recipe from my cloud bread waffles, but I needed to make some important changes to get the right texture.

The original savory recipe used sour cream and a full cup of cheddar cheese and I wanted to reduce the fat. Once I removed the cheddar and replaced the sour cream with plain nonfat Greek yogurt, the balance of protein, fat, moisture and dry ingredients changed.

The whey protein powder helps replace some of the structure the cheddar provided, but too much can make waffles dry or rubbery.

Coconut flour is also extremely absorbent and cannot be added cup for cup like regular flour. I adjusted both until the batter spread easily in the waffle iron and cooked into waffles that held together.

The final balance-⅓ cup whey protein powder and 3 tablespoons coconut flour-gave me the best result. I do not recommend casually adding more of either ingredient because even a small change can affect the texture.

Is Coconut Flour Good for a Keto Diet?

Coconut flour can fit into a keto or low-carb eating plan when the serving size and total carbs work for your needs.

In this recipe, each serving has 6 grams of total carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, for 4 grams of net carbs.

Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid than wheat flour and works especially well with eggs.

That is why this recipe uses only 3 tablespoons with six eggs and Greek yogurt. Do not substitute it in equal amounts for another flour; the batter would likely become too thick and dry.

Can I Just Add Protein Powder to Waffle Batter?

Protein powder is not a direct substitute for flour. Too much whey in a standard waffle mix can create dry, dense or rubbery waffles. It needs enough moisture and the right balance of dry ingredients.

Different protein powders absorb liquids differently, so a plant-based powder or whey/casein blend may alter the batter and final texture. Plain whey works best for the sweet or savory options.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Eggs: Six eggs provide structure, moisture and protein.

Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: This adds moisture without the cheddar used in my cloud bread waffles. Full-fat Greek yogurt may also work but will change the nutrition.

Whey protein powder: Use plain powder for maximum flexibility. Vanilla whey could work for sweet waffles, but not the savory version.

Coconut flour: Measure and level each tablespoon. Almond flour is not an equal substitute.

Salt: A small amount balances the flavor in both versions.

Optional flavoring: Use vanilla stevia or another sweetener for sweet waffles. A little vanilla extract adds flavor but not much sweetness. Add Italian seasoning for savory waffles.

This recipe is not dairy-free or paleo as written. Dairy-free alternatives may change the consistency and have not been tested.

How to Make Protein Waffles With Coconut Flour

Whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined, or add them to a blender and blend until smooth. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your waffle maker is not nonstick, lightly grease it with cooking spray, coconut oil, butter or ghee.

Add enough batter to cover each section without overfilling it. The batter spreads easily. Close the iron and cook until the waffles are set and golden brown. Opening it too early can cause them to split.

Waffle makers vary in size and temperature, so your exact cooking time and yield may be different. I made eight small waffles in a Mini Dash waffle maker that cooks four at a time.

Sweet and Savory Waffle Ideas

For a sweet breakfast, add vanilla stevia and serve with butter, sugar-free maple syrup, strawberries, blueberries or whipped heavy cream.

For savory waffles, add Italian seasoning and serve with eggs, avocado, bacon or cream cheese. They can also replace bread for a low-carb breakfast sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

Cool the waffles completely, then refrigerate them in a gallon-size zip-top bag or airtight container. For the best texture, reheat in a toaster or toaster oven. A microwave will warm them but will not make them as crisp.

For longer storage, place cooled waffles in the freezer with parchment between the layers, then reheat from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein waffles actually healthy?

“Healthy” depends on your needs and overall eating pattern. These waffles provide 17 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of net carbs per serving. They are also Midlife Macro Approved.

What is the secret to making good coconut flour waffles?

Use the exact amount of coconut flour, keep enough moisture in the batter and allow the waffle iron to finish cooking before opening it.

Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so small measurement changes can have a big effect on taste and texture.

How do you keep low carb waffles crisp?

Preheat the waffle maker completely and grease it lightly if required by the manufacturer. Cook until golden brown and the steam has mostly slowed before lifting the lid.

Transfer finished waffles to a wire rack instead of stacking them, since trapped steam softens the edges. If necessary, crisp them in a toaster oven before serving.

Low Carb Gluten Free Keto Coconut Flour Waffles

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Low Carb Keto Coconut Flour Protein Waffles

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings at 2 waffles

Calories 170kcal

Author Brenda Bennett | Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup whey protein powder
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Sweet Waffles

• 1 tsp vanilla stevia or sweetener of choice

Optional Savory Waffles

• 1 tsp Italian seasonings

Instructions

• Whisk together or use blender to blend all ingredients together until well combined.
• Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cooking waffles.
• Remove once browned and enjoy!
• I used my mini dash waffle iron maker that makes 4 at a time. I used enough batter in each to cover as the batter spreads easily. We made 8 waffles.

Video

Notes

4 g net carbs per serving. One serving is 2 waffles.

Midlife Macro Approved.

Pin it Here.

Make Ahead Storage: Once cooked and cooled completely store in a  ziploc gallon bag in the fridge or an airtight container. Reheat in toaster oven for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving is 2 waffles | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Low Carb Keto Coconut Flour Protein Waffles appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Keto No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecake Bites

Because they require no baking, these mini cheesecakes are especially convenient when you need a make-ahead dessert. Prepare them in advance, refrigerate until firm, and serve them straight from the fridge whenever you’re ready for something sweet.

These bite-sized cheesecakes have everything you want in a decadent dessert: a chocolate cookie base, a smooth and creamy filling, and my mock crushed sugar-free sandwich cookies flavor in every bite. Their individual size also makes them easy to serve at parties, holidays, and family gatherings.

Using my no bake, sugar-free Oreo-style cookie crumble helps create the familiar cookies-and-cream flavor while keeping the dessert lower in carbohydrates than traditional Oreo cheesecake. Be sure to check the nutrition label on your keto Oreo cookies to top the cheesecakes, as carb counts can vary considerably between brands.

The Appeal Of Keto Friendly Desserts

Following a low-carb or keto lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up dessert. The secret is choosing ingredients that provide the sweetness and texture you love without relying on traditional sugar.

These mini Oreo cheesecakes are a wonderful example. Cream cheese creates a naturally rich filling, while a keto-friendly sweetener adds sweetness without the usual sugar. My cookie crumble is just like sugar-free chocolate sandwich cookies to bring that recognizable cookies-and-cream flavor to the crust and filling.

Another advantage is portion control. Since each cheesecake is made individually, you can enjoy a satisfying dessert without having to cut or measure a slice from a larger cheesecake.

Ingredients Needed For Sugar Free Keto No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

You only need a handful of ingredients to prepare these easy no-bake treats. Refer to the recipe card below for the exact quantities used in this recipe.

• Sugar-free Oreo-style chocolate sandwich cookies
• Melted butter for the cookie crust
• Full-fat cream cheese, softened
• Powdered low-carb sweetener
• Heavy whipping cream
• Vanilla extract
• Additional cookies for the topping

For the smoothest filling, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. Powdered sweetener is preferable to granulated sweetener because it dissolves more easily and is less likely to give the filling a gritty texture.

When choosing sandwich cookies, always check the package information. A product labeled “sugar free” is not automatically keto-friendly, and some varieties may contain ingredients or sugar alcohols that do not work for everyone.

Step By Step Preparation Guide

Begin by lining a mini muffin pan with paper or silicone liners. This makes the chilled cheesecakes much easier to remove and serve.

Combine the cookie ingredients to make the crumbs in a food processor with the melted butter, then divide in half and use one half of the mixture evenly among the prepared cups. Press each portion firmly into the bottom to create a compact crust.

Next, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sweetener and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth.

(This is an additional step not on the recipe card). In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms firm peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling light and airy. You could skip this step like I did, if you prefer and just add the heavy cream to the mixer to blend together.

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over each prepared crust and smooth the tops as best you can. If using, add an Oreo cookie right into the middle of the cheesecake cups.

Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for the amount of time specified in the recipe card, or until the filling is firm enough to hold its shape. Garnish them with more cookie crumbs or another favorite keto-friendly topping, like my sugar free whipped cream, before serving.

Tips For Making Perfect Mini Cheesecakes

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese is more difficult to blend and may leave small lumps behind.

Whip the heavy cream in a cold bowl for the best volume. Once it has been folded into the cream cheese, avoid overmixing so the filling stays fluffy.

Press the crust down firmly with the back of a small spoon or the end of a flat measuring cup or a paper cupcake liner. A tightly packed crust is less likely to crumble when the cheesecakes are removed from their liners.

Most importantly, allow enough time for the cheesecakes to chill completely. Although it may be tempting to serve them immediately, chilling gives the filling time to firm up and helps all the flavors come together.

Nutritional Benefits Of This Sugar Free, Keto Dessert

Traditional Oreo cheesecake can contain a substantial amount of added sugar. This version uses sugar-free cookies and a low-carb sweetener, making it a more suitable choice for many people limiting their sugar or carbohydrate intake.

The cream cheese and heavy cream also contribute fat and richness, helping a small serving feel satisfying. However, “sugar free” does not necessarily mean carb free or calorie free. Use the nutrition information calculated from your specific ingredients and serving size for the most accurate values.

Readers with dietary restrictions should also review every product label carefully. Ingredients and nutritional values can differ significantly between brands.

Serving Suggestions And Storage Tips

Serve these mini cheesecakes cold, straight from the refrigerator. For a simple presentation, top each one with a sprinkle of chocolate cookie crumbs. You could also add a small swirl of sugar-free whipped cream just before serving.

Keep leftover cheesecakes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separating the layers with parchment paper can help protect the toppings and prevent the cheesecakes from sticking together.

If you plan to freeze them, first test how your chosen sweetener and dairy ingredients respond to freezing and thawing. Freeze the cheesecakes without delicate toppings, then thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations And Add Ons To Customize Your Cheesecakes

There are plenty of simple ways to customize these mini no-bake cheesecakes:

• Add a little unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate filling.
• Mix in sugar-free chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Add peppermint extract for a chocolate-mint variation.
• Swirl in a small amount of natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter.
• Top each cheesecake with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries.
• Use a different flavor of keto-friendly sandwich cookie for the crust.
• Add sugar-free chocolate sauce immediately before serving.

Whenever you add or substitute an ingredient, remember to recalculate the nutritional information if keeping track of net carbohydrates is important to you.

Enjoying Guilt Free Indulgence

These Sugar Free Low Carb Keto No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecakes make it easy to enjoy a creamy cookies-and-cream dessert without turning on the oven. Their individual size is perfect for sharing, while the simple no-bake preparation makes them convenient for parties, holidays, or an everyday treat.

Prepare a batch ahead of time and keep them chilled until dessert is served. With a crunchy chocolate crust and a luscious cream cheese filling, these mini cheesecakes prove that a lower-sugar dessert can still feel wonderfully indulgent.

Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Mini No Bake Oreo Cheesecakes

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Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

These Sugar Free Low Carb Keto No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecakes make it easy to enjoy a creamy cookies-and-cream dessert without turning on the oven. Their individual size is perfect for sharing, while the simple no-bake preparation makes them convenient for parties, holidays, or an everyday treat.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 cheesecakes

Calories 273kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

Cookie Crumbs

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds raw, unsalted
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/3 cup Monk Fruit Allulose Confectioners
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• pinch salt

No Bake Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 tsp Chocolate Liquid Stevia or Vanilla or to taste

Optional Toppings

• 12 mini highkey keto oreo cookies
• 1 cup sugar free whipped cream

Instructions

• Place paper liners or silicone cupcake liners into a 12 capacity muffin pan. Set aside.
• Place the first six ingredients into a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Separate in half.
• Using half the cookie crumb mixture, place about 2 teaspoons of cookie crumbs into each cupcake liner and press down to flatten evenly. Set aside.
• Place the cream cheese into a stand mixer and blend on high until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and sweetener and blend until smooth and whipped in texture. Alternatively, you could whip the heavy cream separately and fold it into the cream cheese.

  Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
• Stir the cookie crumbs into the cream cheese mixture and fill the 12 capacity muffin pan.

  If using mini oreos, push half way into the center of each cheesecake cupcake or top with sugar free whipped cream and serve.

  Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Video

Notes

5 g net carbs for one mini oreo cheesecake and does not include optional toppings

Pin the video here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 683IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.04mg

The post Sugar Free Low Carb Keto No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecakes appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Sugar Free Keto Marshmallows

​After I recently posted my new keto marshmallow recipe that has been on my foodie bucket list for years, I knew I wanted to make a keto rice krispie treat!

I polled my facebook followers on my page and many suggested great options but ultimately I decided on the Magic Spoon cereal variety pack, which included peanut butter, cocoa, chocolate chip, and fruity flavors. 

Surprisingly, the fruity flavor was the only one all of us really liked, so that is the crispy cereal I used to make these keto Rice Krispie treats.

You can absolutely use any flavor or brand you prefer. The most important thing is choosing a crunchy, low-carb cereal with no added sugar.

Are Rice Krispie Treats Keto?

Traditional Rice Krispie treats are not keto-friendly or even gluten free. A classic rice krispie treat recipe is made with crisp rice cereal and a bag of marshmallows containing plenty of sugar and corn syrup. 

Regular Rice Krispies cereal is also high in grams of carbs and can quickly raise blood sugar. Even though the bars are light and airy, they are not a low-carb food.

This recipe makes a delicious low-carb version by replacing traditional marshmallows and rice cereal with sugar-free ingredients and keto cereal. The result is a pan of chewy marshmallow treats that gives you the flavor and texture of the real thing without all the sugar.

These are not technically “rice” treats because they do not contain traditional rice krispies or puffed rice. However, they have the same satisfying combination of crispy cereal and a soft, sticky marshmallow mixture.

No Store-Bought Keto Marshmallows Required

You may have already seen my recipe for homemade keto marshmallows. They are fantastic on their own and can be used in many different sweet treats.

I did not make this recipe using a batch of my already-prepared keto marshmallows because we did not have any left! Instead, this recipe uses the same basic ingredients to create the marshmallow mixture directly in the pan.

That means you do not need to make your own sugar-free marshmallows first, wait for them to set, cut them, and then melt them again.

It also saves you from purchasing an expensive bag of keto marshmallows, such as Max Mallow or another specialty brand. Making the marshmallow base as part of the cereal mixture keeps the process simple and may be more cost effective.

Of course, the final cost depends on the cereal you choose. Keto protein cereal can be expensive. If you want to reduce the cost, try a less expensive keto cereal, a nut-free low-carb cereal, or crushed pork rinds.

Choosing the Best Keto Cereal

Magic Spoon cereal worked well in this recipe because it stayed crispy after being combined with the warm marshmallow mixture. I used the fruity flavor, which also gave the cereal bars some cheerful, festive colors.

Here are several options you can try:

• Magic Spoon cereal in fruity, cocoa, peanut butter, or another favorite flavor
• HighKey protein cereal
• Another brand of zero-sugar or low-carb crispy cereal
• A keto granola that fits your nutritional goals
• Crushed plain pork rinds for a less expensive, very low-carb option
• A mixture of keto cereal and unsweetened coconut flakes

Always check the nutrition label, even when a product is advertised as keto. The total grams of carbs, fiber, sugar alcohols, and net carbs can vary greatly among brands.

Also confirm that the cereal is safe for your family’s dietary needs. Many keto cereals and granolas contain almonds, pecans, cashews, or other tree nuts.

A Nut-Free Option for Our Family

I chose not to use keto granola because my youngest son has a tree nut allergy, and I wanted him to be able to enjoy these treats with the rest of us.

Nut allergies can make finding keto packaged foods difficult because almonds and other tree nuts are used in so many low-carb products. Even a product that does not include nuts as a main ingredient may have been processed in a facility that handles them.

If you are preparing these keto crispy treats for someone with an allergy, carefully read every package and check for possible cross-contact warnings. Choose a certified safe cereal based on that person’s specific needs.

You should also avoid adding peanut butter unless you know it is safe for everyone eating the treats. Peanut butter is not a tree nut, but some people, like my son,  must avoid both peanuts and tree nuts.

Why You’ll Love These Keto Marshmallow Treats

These easy keto Rice Krispie treats are:

• Sugar-free and made without corn syrup
• Low in net carbs compared with traditional cereal bars
• Gooey, crispy, and satisfying
• Made without a store-bought bag of marshmallows
• Easy to customize with different cereal flavors
• A fun no-bake treat for children and adults
• Simple enough for holidays, parties, or an everyday dessert
• Easy to store in an airtight container

They are a great choice whenever the family wants something familiar and fun, but you do not want the grams of sugar found in traditional marshmallow treats.

Tips for Making Sugar-Free Cereal Bars

Sugar-free marshmallow mixtures can behave differently from melted traditional marshmallows, so a few simple tips will help you get the best results.

Prepare the Pan First

Line your baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper before beginning. Once the marshmallow base is ready, you will need to work fairly quickly.

A prepared pan makes it easy to transfer and shape the cereal mixture before it starts to set.

You can lightly coat the parchment paper with coconut oil. If you do not use coconut oil, another neutral option may work, but I generally avoid vegetable oil when possible.

Use a Large Mixing Bowl

Place your keto cereal in a large mixing bowl so you have enough room to fold everything together quickly.

You want the cereal coated with the marshmallow mixture, but you do not want to stir so aggressively that all those crispy pieces turn into crumbs.

Do Not Pack the Mixture Too Firmly

Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer.

If you compress it too firmly, the finished cereal bars may become dense or hard. Light pressure creates treats with a better balance of crispy and chewy textures.

A lightly greased spatula works well. You can also place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap over the top and press gently with your hands.

Let the Bars Set Before Cutting

Allow the treats to cool and firm up at room temperature before slicing. I let them sit overnight but even 6 hours should be good enough. Cutting them while they are still warm can cause them to fall apart.

For the cleanest pieces, use a large, sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.

Fun Flavor Variations

Once you have the basic recipe, these keto cereal bars are easy to customize.

Chocolate Keto Crispy Treats

Use cocoa protein cereal and add a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture. You could also drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate.

Choose sugar-free chocolate or low-carb chocolate chips to keep the recipe keto-friendly.

Peanut Butter Treats

If peanuts are safe for your household, add a little unsweetened peanut butter to the warm mixture or drizzle it over the finished bars.

Peanut butter works especially well with cocoa or chocolate chip keto cereal.

Fruity Cereal Bars

Use fruity Magic Spoon cereal, as I did, for a colorful version the kids will love.

The fruity flavor makes these bars look festive without needing traditional sugary cereal. If desired, you can add a small amount of natural food coloring to the marshmallow base, but it is not necessary.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle the bars with melted sugar-free white chocolate chips after they have cooled. Let the chocolate set completely before cutting or storing them.

Holiday Marshmallow Treats

Choose festive colors for the occasion or add keto-friendly sprinkles. These make adorable bake-sale-style treats even though they are actually no-bake treats.

Avoid regular sprinkles if you want the recipe to remain completely sugar-free.

Caramel-Inspired Treats

For a flavor similar to caramel Rice Krispie treats, add a keto-friendly caramel extract or a drizzle of my sugar-free caramel sauce.

Make sure any sauce you use fits your personal carb goals.

Can I Use Homemade Marshmallows?

Yes. If you already have a batch of homemade marshmallows ready, you can experiment with melting them for cereal bars.

However, that adds extra preparation because you must first make and set the marshmallows, then melt them down for the treats. The method in this recipe is easier because the sugar-free marshmallow mixture is prepared specifically for the bars.

Store-bought keto marshmallows may also work, but different brands contain different sweeteners and fibers. They may not melt exactly like traditional marshmallows, so the final texture can vary.

Sweetener Options

This recipe uses the Monk Fruit Allulose confectioners sweetener listed in the recipe card, but your choice of sugar-free sweetener can affect both flavor and texture.

Monk fruit is a popular keto option, but products labeled monk fruit are often blended with erythritol or allulose. These blends are not interchangeable in every recipe.

Erythritol can sometimes produce a cooler flavor or a slightly firmer texture. Allulose generally keeps sugar-free treats softer, though it may brown more quickly when heated.

For the most reliable results, use the sweetener specified in the recipe rather than making a direct substitution. If you change sweeteners, you may need to adjust the quantity.

How to Store Keto Rice Krispie Treats

Store the sliced treats in an air-tight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers so they do not stick together.

For individual portions, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place it in a small Ziploc bag.

These bars are usually best when enjoyed within the first few days because the cereal will gradually lose some of its crisp texture. Refrigerating them may make them too firm, depending on the sweetener and fat used.

If your kitchen is very warm, you may need to refrigerate them briefly. Let refrigerated bars return to room temperature before serving for the best chewy texture.

Are These Healthy Rice Krispie Treats?

“Healthy” can mean something different to everyone, but these are certainly a lower-sugar alternative to traditional Rice Krispie treats.

They contain zero added sugar when prepared with appropriate sugar-free ingredients. They also have fewer grams of sugar and fewer net carbs than classic treats made with rice cereal and traditional marshmallows.

They are still a sweet treat, and serving size matters. Always calculate the nutrition using the exact cereal, sweetener, and other products you use, since brands can vary significantly.

For people watching blood sugar, individual responses to sugar alcohols, fibers, and protein cereal can differ. Check with your healthcare provider if you need advice for your personal medical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Rice Krispies?

You can, but the finished recipe will not be keto or very low in carbs. Regular rice cereal is made from rice and contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates.

For keto Rice Krispie treats, use a low-carb crispy cereal or one of the alternatives suggested above.

Can I use keto granola?

Yes, as long as the granola fits your nutritional needs. The texture will be different from crispy cereal, and many keto granolas contain tree nuts.

Can I use pork rinds?

Plain pork rinds could be used as an inexpensive, extremely low-carb substitute. Crush them into cereal-size pieces and make sure they are fresh and very crispy.

The flavor will not be exactly the same as cereal, but the sweet marshmallow mixture can help balance their saltiness.

Do I need keto marshmallows?

No. One of the best things about this recipe is that you do not need to buy or prepare keto marshmallows first. The homemade marshmallow base is created directly as part of the recipe.

Why are my cereal bars hard?

The mixture may have been cooked too long, pressed too firmly into the baking pan, or prepared with a sweetener that crystallizes as it cools.

Cook only as directed and press the mixture gently into the pan.

How do I keep the mixture from sticking?

Use a parchment-lined prepared pan, lightly grease your spatula with coconut oil, and work while the mixture is still warm.

Easy Keto Treats the Whole Family Can Enjoy

I love being able to recreate nostalgic recipes in a way that works for my low-carb lifestyle and my family’s needs.

These easy sugar-free keto marshmallow Rice Krispie treats give you that classic combination of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal without traditional marshmallows, corn syrup, or added sugar.

The fruity Magic Spoon cereal was the winner in our house, but feel free to use whichever keto cereal you and your family enjoy. You can also try chocolate, peanut butter, or chocolate chip cereal—or use crushed pork rinds when you want a lower-cost option.

Just remember to check every ingredient carefully if you are cooking for someone with food allergies.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact ingredients, complete directions, nutritional information, total grams of carbs, and net carbs. If you make these keto marshmallow treats, leave a comment and let me know which crispy cereal and flavor you used!

Easy Sugar Free Keto Rice Krispie Treats

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Easy Sugar Free Keto Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

These easy sugar-free keto marshmallow Rice Krispie treats give you that classic combination of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal without traditional marshmallows, corn syrup, or added sugar.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 18 servings

Calories 38kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 3 tbsp gelatin
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 cup monk fruit allulose blend confectioners
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla stevia
• pinch sea salt
• 4 cups Magic Spoon Fruity Cereal

Instructions

• Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease. Set aside. If using a stand mixer, fit it with the whisk attachment. Have all your ingredients ready to go.

  Set aside a large bowl with the keto cereal. I used a metal masher to roughly chop the cereal but you could also leave it whole.
• Pour the cold water (1/2 cup) into your stand mixer's bowl or a large glass bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin in and allow to bloom.
• Pour the remaining water (2/3 cup) into a saucepan, and pour in the monk fruit allulose sweetener. Bring to a boil over medium heat, allowing the sweetener to completely dissolve.

  If you have a kitchen thermometer, heat the mixture until it reaches about 210°F (100°C). Don’t worry if you don’t have one—simply bring it to a rolling boil and let it cook for about 2 minutes.

  Unlike regular sugar, sugar alcohols don’t caramelize or reach the same high temperatures used in traditional candy making, so boiling for 2 minutes ensures the mixture is hot enough for the recipe to work properly.
• At this point, you’ll want to work fairly quickly so the mixture stays hot. Turn your stand mixer to low speed just long enough to break up the bloomed gelatin, then carefully pour the hot syrup into the bowl, aiming for the gelatin rather than the sides of the bowl to minimize cooling.

  Increase the mixer to high speed and whip continuously for about 15 minutes. Add the salt around the 8-minute mark, then the vanilla extract (and liquid stevia, if using) around 12 minutes. By the end of mixing, the marshmallow mixture should be thick, glossy, and fluffy, holding stiff peaks. If you’re using a glass mixing bowl, it should feel only slightly warm to the touch.
• Turn off the mixer and immediately pour the marshmallow mixture into your prepared bowl with the cereal. Work quickly, as the mixture begins to set fast. Use a buttered silicone spatula to gently fold everything together. Transfer to your parchment-lined 9×9 pan. Lightly butter your hands or another piece of parchment and gently press it into an even layer.
• Allow the marshmallows to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are firm and easy to handle. Gently lift them out of the pan and cut into squares using a lightly greased knife for clean edges.

  Store the marshmallows in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Video

Notes

Here is my Marshmallow Recipe that I based this recipe from. The good news is you don’t need to make the marshmallows and wait for them to set before making this recipe.

Midlife Macro Approved!

Pin the video to Pinterest here!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.03g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg

The post Easy Sugar Free Keto Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches

There is nothing better on a hot summer day than biting into a thick, creamy ice cream sandwich. Traditional ice cream sandwiches are loaded with added sugars, refined flour, and enough sugar to send blood sugar soaring.

Thankfully, making a homemade keto ice cream sandwich is much easier than you might think.

This easy no bake keto ice cream sandwich recipe combines a rich chocolate cookie dough with my creamy homemade Ninja protein ice cream for the ultimate sugar-free dessert.

There is no baking, no ice cream maker, and no complicated steps. Just press the chocolate dough into a pan, layer with your favorite keto ice cream, freeze, and slice.

Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carbs, living gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier frozen dessert, this recipe tastes remarkably close to the real thing while containing just 7 grams of net carbs per sandwich. Nutritional Information is at the bottom of this page on the printable recipe card. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No bake recipe
• Perfect for summer
• Rich chocolate cookie dough
• Creamy homemade keto ice cream
• Gluten free
• Grain free
• Sugar free
• No added sugars
• Only 7 grams net carbs
• Easy to customize with different flavors
• Great make-ahead dessert
• Stores well in the freezer for months

Ingredients you’ll need

The best part about these keto ice cream sandwiches is that every ingredient is simple and easy to find.

No Bake Chocolate Cookie Dough

• sunflower seed meal or almond meal
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• coconut flour
• chocolate liquid monk fruit
• pinch of salt
• room temperature butter (or melted coconut oil)

The combination creates a soft cookie dough that freezes beautifully while staying tender enough to bite into straight from the freezer.

Homemade Keto Ice Cream Recipes

I highly recommend using my Ninja Protein Ice Cream recipe as the ice cream base. It stays creamy, packs in extra protein, and has a fraction of the calories found in traditional vanilla ice cream.

You can also use:

• my no churn vanilla ice cream
• keto chocolate ice cream (dairy free)
• strawberry protein ice cream
• cottage cheese peanut butter ice cream
• keto coffee ice cream

The Best Sweetener for Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches

One reason these sugar-free ice cream sandwiches taste so much like the real thing is using monk fruit instead of traditional sugar.

Unlike regular sugar, our sugar-free version tastes amazing using monk fruit sweetener which adds sweetness without added sugars or extra carbs, making it one of the best sweeteners for anyone following a keto lifestyle or low carb eating plan.

If you prefer, you could also use:

• powdered allulose
• powdered monk fruit blend
• powdered erythritol (although I personally no longer recommend it)

How to Make No Bake Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches

These come together surprisingly quickly.

1. Add all cookie dough ingredients to a food processor.
2. Process until a soft dough forms.
3. Press dough between parchment paper into prepared pans.
4. Freeze briefly if needed.
5. Spread softened homemade keto ice cream evenly over one cookie layer.
6. Top with the second cookie layer.
7. Freeze for about one hour until firm.
8. Slice into sandwiches.
9. Individually wrap with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature butter for the smoothest cookie dough.
• A food processor makes mixing incredibly easy.
• If the ice cream becomes too soft, return it to the freezer for 10-15 minutes before assembling.
• Press the cookie dough firmly so it doesn’t crumble.
• Run a sharp knife under hot water before slicing.
• Freeze the finished sandwiches before wrapping individually.
• Store in an airtight container for up to two months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! My Ninja Protein Ice Cream recipe works wonderfully, but you can use any homemade ice cream or your favorite store-bought low carb ice cream.

Can I use almond flour?

Yes. Almond flour or almond meal both work well if you don’t have a nut allergy. Sunflower seed meal is an excellent nut-free option.

Why use coconut flour?

Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and gives the cookie dough structure without needing to bake it.

Can I use heavy cream?

If you’re making your own homemade ice cream from scratch, heavy cream creates an incredibly creamy texture. For this recipe, simply use your favorite prepared keto ice cream.

How long do they last?

When wrapped individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap and stored in an airtight freezer container, these homemade keto ice cream sandwiches stay fresh for up to 2 months.

More Frozen Keto Desserts You’ll Love

If you love this keto ice cream sandwich recipe, be sure to try these other reader favorites:

• Ninja Protein Vanilla Ice Cream
• Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
• Frozen Sugar-Free Strawberry Ice Cream Pie
• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Frozen Peanut Butter Cups

Storage Tips

Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper before placing them into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever you’re craving a delicious treat.

Easy No Bake Low Carb Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches

Print

Easy No Bake Low Carb Keto Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 339kcal

Author Brenda Bennett | Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

No Bake Chocolate Cookie Dough

• 1 cup sunflower seed meal or almonds or almond meal if no nut allergy
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 2 tsp chocolate liquid monk fruit
• 1 tsp salt
• 16 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature or melted coconut oil

Sugar Free Keto Ice Cream

• 2 batches recipe of my ninja protein ice cream

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth or a large bowl and mix until combined.
• Press into two parchment lined 8 by 8 pans or one 9 by 13 pan.
• If using two-8 by 8 pans: Divide the dough in half and press each half into each pan. Use another piece of parchment on top of the dough and press with hands or a flat measuring cup to make it even. Spread softened ice cream over one half. Top with the other dough.
• If using the 9 by 13, remove cookie dough by lifting the parchment paper out of the pan and place onto a cutting board. Cut dough in half and reserve one half for top layer. Spread softened ice cream onto one half as evenly as you can, then top with the other layer.
• Freeze for 1 hour, then slice into 12 sandwiches. Individually wrap with foil or parchment. Store in freezer for up to two months.

Video

Notes

7 g net carbs

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 466IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.003mg

The post Easy No Bake Low Carb Keto Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Brownie

Unlike many protein mug cake recipes that rely on chocolate protein powder or almond flour, this protein mug cake recipe has a rich chocolate flavor without any whey protein powder, flour, cottage cheese or added sugar.

The result is a soft, gooey center with plenty of chocolate flavor to satisfy a chocolate craving for a sweet tooth while keeping carbs low and with 8 grams of protein.

• Ready in about 1 minute using the microwave brownie instructions.
• Just a handful of simple ingredients.
• Flourless, gluten free, sugar free, and low carb.
• Naturally high in protein thanks to Greek yogurt and an egg yolk.
• Rich chocolate flavor with a fudgy brownie batter texture.
• No almond flour, coconut flour, or protein powder needed.
• Perfect when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want leftovers tempting you.
• Also includes oven and air fryer instructions.

What Makes This Mug Brownie Different?

Years ago I shared my Best Sugar Free Gluten Free Low Carb Keto Mug Brownie in my cookbook, The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet. That recipe makes two servings and uses sunflower seed flour along with a few more pantry ingredients.

After hearing from so many readers who wanted something even easier with less dry ingredients, I started experimenting with a single-serve brownie recipe using fewer ingredients. After several rounds of testing, I discovered that using just an egg yolk instead of a whole egg created the rich, fudgy brownie texture I was looking for.

The result is this Sugar Free Flourless High Protein Brownie Mug Cake. It’s made with minimal ingredients, has an incredibly gooey center, and it’s a quick fix to satisfy a chocolate craving in minutes.

Ingredient Notes

You only need a few pantry staples:

• Egg yolk creates an incredibly rich, fudgy brownie instead of a rubbery texture.
• Plain Greek yogurt adds moisture, protein, and keeps the brownie soft.
• Unsweetened cacao powder provides deep chocolate flavor or unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate.
• Vanilla liquid stevia sweetens without sugar 
• Sea salt balances the sweetness.
• 85% dark chocolate creates delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownie.

Recipe Tips for 1 Minute Protein Brownie

• Microwave strengths vary, so begin checking around 45 seconds.
• The top should look set while the center stays slightly soft.
• Allow the brownie to rest for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking. It continues cooking as it cools, giving you the perfect gooey brownie texture.
• Overcooking is the biggest reason mug cakes become dry or rubbery.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Need to customize this recipe? Here are a few simple substitutions.

Dairy-Free

Replace the Greek yogurt with your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt. Unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt both work well. Keep in mind the protein content will be lower.

Sweetener

Any liquid sugar-free sweetener can be used, including liquid monk fruit or liquid allulose. Adjust to your preferred sweetness.

Cocoa Powder

Natural cocoa powder can be substituted for cacao powder if that’s what you have on hand. Cacao powder simply provides a slightly richer chocolate flavor.

Chocolate

The chopped 85% dark chocolate or higher is optional, but highly recommended if you love pockets of melted chocolate. You can also use your favorite sugar-free chocolate bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed warm immediately after cooking while the center is still soft and fudgy.

Why only use the egg yolk?

The yolk adds richness and helps create a moist, fudgy brownie. Using a whole egg can make small mug cakes slightly more cake-like and less dense.

Can I use protein powder?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Protein powder absorbs a lot of moisture and changes the texture. This recipe gets its protein naturally from the Greek yogurt and egg yolk.

Can I bake this instead of microwaving?

Yes! I’ve included microwave, oven, and air fryer instructions so you can choose whichever cooking method you prefer.

More Single-Serve Desserts You’ll Love

If you love easy desserts and chocolate-y treats made with wholesome ingredients that are single-serve recipes, be sure to check out these favorites:

• Lemon Mug Cake
• Chocolate Soufflé Cake
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Mousse
• Strawberry Cheesecake Jars
• Angel Food Cake Parfaits

Sugar Free Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

Print

Sugar Free Flourless High Protein Brownie Mug Cake

This easy High Protein Brownie Mug Cake is flourless, gluten free, sugar free, and low carb. Made with Greek yogurt, rich cacao, and dark chocolate, it’s a single-serving dessert that’s ready in about one minute.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Servings 1 serving

Calories 106kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsp 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla liquid stevia
• pinch sea salt

Optional

• 1 tbsp 85% dark chocolate or 1 square, chopped

Instructions

Microwave Instructions

• Lightly grease an 8-ounce microwave-safe ramekin or mug.
• Whisk the egg yolk and Greek yogurt until smooth.
• Stir in the cacao powder, vanilla, vanilla stevia, and sea salt until well combined.
• Fold in the chopped dark chocolate, if using.
• Microwave for 45–60 seconds. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.
• Let the brownie rest for 2–3 minutes before enjoying. It will continue to set as it cools.

Oven Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F .
• Prepare the batter as directed above.
• Pour into a lightly greased 8-ounce oven-safe ramekin.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 325°F.
• Grease an 8-ounce oven-safe ramekin.
• Prepare the batter and pour it into the ramekin.
• Air fry for 7–9 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. It will continue to set and become fudgy as it cools.

Video

Notes

4 g net carbs, not including the optional dark chocolate

• The egg yolk creates a richer, more brownie-like texture than a whole egg.
• Don’t overbake. This dessert is best when the center is still fudgy.
• Midlife Macro Approved
• Watch me make this on Pinterest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Sugar Free Flourless High Protein Brownie Mug Cake appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Fresh Watermelon Cake Recipe

​If you’re looking for a unique birthday dessert that’s made with real food ingredients, this Easy Flourless Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake Recipe is the perfect solution.

Unlike a traditional white cake or chocolate cake, there’s no cake batter, cake flour, purpose flour, granulated sugar, icing sugar, unsalted butter, sour cream, heavy cream, or cream frosting required. Instead, this beautiful watermelon birthday cake is made entirely from fresh fruit and takes far less time to prepare than a traditional layer cake.

I originally made this fresh fruit cake recipe for my sister-in-law’s birthday. Since she prefers eating whole foods and seasonal fruit, I knew a regular birthday cake, even one of my sugar free low carb cake recipes, wouldn’t be nearly as exciting as a giant watermelon cake decorated with fresh berries and fruit skewers.

The reaction was priceless.

As soon as she saw it, she was over the moon excited. Instead of feeling pressured to eat a keto flour-filled dessert, she had a birthday cake she genuinely wanted to enjoy.

After we sang Happy Birthday and she blew out the candle, everyone immediately started grabbing the fruit skewers around the cake base. Then I sliced the whole cake into wedges and served it alongside a bowl of sugar-free whipped cream for anyone who wanted it.

It turned out to be one of the easiest birthday desserts I’ve ever made.

The Best Way to Make a Watermelon Birthday Cake

Many watermelon cake recipes online use multiple cake layers stacked on top of one another to create a layer cake effect. While those are beautiful, I wanted the easiest way possible.

Instead of creating multiple cake layers, I simply transformed a seedless watermelon into a single cake shape.

The result was a gorgeous cake with a simple naked look that was easy enough for anyone to recreate at home.

Since watermelon is one of summer’s most refreshing juicy fruits, it naturally becomes the star of the show.

The combination of:

• Fresh strawberries
• Green grapes
• Blueberries
• Fresh mint leaves

Creates a stunning presentation without needing complicated decorating skills.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Cake

Ingredients Found at Any Local Grocery Store.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how accessible it is. You don’t need specialty ingredients, expensive equipment, or a trip to multiple stores. Everything can be found at your local grocery store.

• No baking required
• Naturally sweet from fresh fruit
• Perfect for summer parties
• Gluten-free and flourless
• Easy to customize with seasonal fruit
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Can be made ahead of time
• Great for guests who prefer whole foods

Ingredients You’ll Need

This fresh fruit cake uses simple ingredients you can find at any local grocery store:

• Seedless watermelon
• Fresh strawberries
• Green grapes
• Blueberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• Happy Birthday topper (optional)

For serving:

• Sugar-free whipped cream, optional

Why This Fresh Fruit Cake Recipe Works for So Many Different Diets

One reason I think this fresh fruit cake recipe is becoming so popular is because it works well for guests following different eating styles.

Many people today are trying to eat more whole foods and fewer processed ingredients.

Others may be avoiding flour, limiting desserts, reducing added sugars, or simply trying to include more fresh berries and seasonal fruit in their diet.

Unlike traditional fruit cake recipes made with dried fruit, sugar syrup, cake batter, and loaf cake ingredients, this version celebrates real fruit in its most natural form.

It’s naturally:

• Flourless
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Vegetarian
• Whole food based

For guests who want something extra, serving sugar-free whipped cream on the side is a wonderful option.

How to Create a Beautiful Cake Shape

The most important step is creating the cake base.

Start by cutting both ends off your watermelon so it sits securely on a flat surface.

Using a large sharp knife, carefully remove the rind.

Continue trimming around the sides of the cake until you create a smooth cylinder shape.

Don’t worry about making it perfect.

In fact, I love the slightly rustic naked look because it highlights that this is made from real fruit rather than cake sponge and frosting.

Once shaped, use paper towels to pat the outside dry.

This helps the fruit decorations stay in place and prevents excess moisture from collecting on the serving platter.

Decorating the Top of the Cake

The top of the cake is where you can really have fun.

I kept mine simple by using a combination of:

• Whole strawberries
• Halved strawberries
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Fresh mint leaves

Instead of carving elaborate fruit pieces, I simply arranged the fruit naturally.

The fresh berries added beautiful color while the mint created contrast against the bright red watermelon.

For added height, I threaded fruit pieces onto decorative skewers and inserted them into the center of the cake.

Finally, I added a Happy Birthday topper to complete the design.

Why Fruit Skewers Take This Cake to the Next Level

One unexpected feature that everyone loved was the fruit skewers around the base.

Not only did they make the cake look festive, but they also gave guests something to snack on immediately.

Before the watermelon was even sliced, people were reaching for strawberries, grapes, and blueberries from the skewers.

If you’re serving this at a birthday party, baby shower, graduation party, or summer gathering, I highly recommend adding this simple touch.

It takes the presentation to the next level while making the dessert more interactive and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes.

You can assemble the entire watermelon birthday cake several hours ahead of time and refrigerate until serving.

For best results, keep it loosely covered with plastic wrap.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover watermelon and fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.

How many people does a watermelon cake serve?

This recipe serves about 12 people, depending on the size of your watermelon and whether additional desserts are served.

What should I serve with watermelon cake?

I love serving sugar-free whipped cream on the side so guests can choose whether to add it.

Tips for Success

Dry the Watermelon Well

Watermelon is one of the juiciest fruits, so take a few extra minutes to pat the outside dry before decorating.

Decorate Shortly Before Serving

For the freshest presentation, decorate the cake a few hours before your party.

Use Seasonal Fruit

This fresh fruit cake recipe works beautifully with:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Kiwi
• Dragon fruit

Save the Scraps

Don’t throw away the extra watermelon. Cube it and serve alongside the cake or freeze it for smoothies later.

Flourless Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake Recipe

Print

Easy Flourless Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake Recipe

Whether you’re serving guests who prefer whole foods, avoiding restrictive diets, or simply looking for a fun summer dessert, this Easy Flourless Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake Recipe is a beautiful alternative to traditional birthday cake. With its fresh berries, juicy fruits, simple cake shape, and colorful presentation, it’s guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your celebration.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 96kcal

Author Brenda Bennett | Sugar-Free Mom

Equipment

• 1 Cutting board
• 1 cake stand
• 1 Large Bowl
• 1 sharp knife
• 12 toothpick skewers

Ingredients

• 6 pounds seedless watermelon (1 large)
• 1 pound strawberries
• 1 cup green grapes
• 1 cup  blueberries
• Fresh mint leaves

Optional

• Sugar-free whipped cream
• Happy Birthday cake topper

Instructions

• Cut both ends off the watermelon and stand it upright on a cutting board.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the rind and white portion of the watermelon.
• Shape the watermelon into a smooth cylinder resembling a cake.
• Pat the outside dry with paper towels.
• Transfer the watermelon to a serving platter or cake stand.
• Arrange whole and halved strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and mint leaves around the top and one half of the watermelon.
• Thread additional fruit onto small skewers and insert several into the top of the cake for height and decoration.
• Place more fruit skewers around the base of the cake for guests to enjoy.
• Insert a Happy Birthday topper into the center of the cake if using.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Slice the watermelon into wedges and serve with sugar-free whipped cream if desired.

Video

Notes

Serving Size: Approximately 1 slice watermelon cake with assorted berries and grapes (about 290g).

– Decorate up to 24 hours in advance.

– Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

– Save extra watermelon pieces for fruit salad or smoothies.

Midlife Macro Approved

Watch my video tutorial on Pinterest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1310IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Easy Flourless Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake Recipe appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Quick Pickle Vegetables

Whether you’re making quick pickled red onions, pickled cucumbers, green beans, cauliflower, radishes, or a colorful mix of fresh veggies, this quick pickle brine is one of the easiest ways to preserve vegetables and add a burst of flavor to salads, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, grain-free bowls, and more.

Quick pickling is one of the best kitchen skills to learn because it requires no special equipment, no canning process, and very little hands-on time. Just a jar, a sharp knife, a few pantry staples, and your refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar-Free Refrigerator Pickles & Veggies

• No added sugar
• No canning required
• Ready in as little as 30 minutes
• Great way to use up fresh vegetables
• Naturally low carb and keto-friendly
• Easy to customize with fresh herbs and spices
• Perfect for meal prep
• Adds flavor without extra calories

Unlike traditional sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles, these refrigerator pickles let the natural flavor of the vegetables shine through while providing that classic tangy crunch.

What Are Quick Pickles?

Quick pickles, also called refrigerator pickles, are vegetables soaked in a vinegar-based brine rather than undergoing a traditional fermentation process. They are stored in the refrigerator and become flavorful within hours instead of days or weeks.  

The biggest difference between traditional fermented pickles and quick pickles is that quick pickles use vinegar for acidity and preservation rather than relying on beneficial bacteria to create lactic acid during fermentation.

Best Vegetables for Quick Pickling

One of the great things about quick pickling is that almost any vegetable works.

Try:

• Red onions
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• Radishes
• Cauliflower florets
• Bell peppers
• Jalapeños
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Turnips

Quick pickled red onions are especially popular because they turn a beautiful bright pink color after soaking in the brine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Quick Pickle Brine

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar or 1 cup each
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2-4 tablespoons Allulose liquid (optional)
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice or see below

Optional Flavor Boosters

• Fresh dill
• Dill seed
• Mustard seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Garlic cloves
• Black peppercorns
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh herbs

A simple 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water works beautifully for most quick pickling recipes.

How to Make Easy Sugar-Free Quick Pickled Vegetables

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry your vegetables thoroughly.

Using a sharp knife, slice vegetables into thin, even pieces. Thin slices absorb the brine faster and create a crisp texture.

Step 2: Fill the Jar

Pack vegetables tightly into a clean glass jar or mason jar.

Add any fresh herbs or spices you enjoy.

Step 3: Make the Brine

In a measuring cup or bowl, combine:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Salt
• Pickling spice

Bring to a low boil and whisk until the salt and sweetener if using, dissolves.

Step 4: Pour Over Vegetables

Pour the brine over the vegetables until completely covered. Let cool about 30 minutes.

Seal tightly with a lid.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Place the jar in the refrigerator.

For best flavor:

• Red onions: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Cucumbers: 24 hours
• Mixed vegetables: 24–48 hours

The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.

Favorite Quick Pickled Vegetable Combinations

Quick Pickled Red Onions

The easiest and most popular option.

Perfect on:

• Burgers
• Salads
• Tacos
• Lettuce wraps
• Sandwiches

Dill Refrigerator Pickles

Add:

• Fresh dill
• Garlic cloves
• Black peppercorns

These taste similar to classic dill pickles without any added sugar.

Pickled Green Beans

A crunchy addition to charcuterie boards and salads.

Mixed Pickled Vegetables

Combine:

• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Red onions
• Bell peppers
• Green beans

This colorful combination makes a great side dish or snack.

How Long Do Refrigerator Pickles Last?

Because these are quick refrigerator pickles and not canned pickles, they must remain refrigerated.

Stored properly in an airtight container, most quick pickled vegetables stay fresh for 2 to 4 weeks.

Can Quick Pickled Vegetables Support Gut Health?

While quick pickled vegetables made with vinegar are not fermented and don’t contain the beneficial bacteria found in traditional fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or naturally fermented pickles, they can still support a healthy gut in several ways.

1. They Help You Eat More Vegetables

Most Americans fall short on vegetable intake. Adding tangy quick pickled vegetables to meals makes vegetables more appealing and can help increase your daily fiber intake.

Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut.

2. Vinegar May Support Digestion

The vinegar used in quick pickling, especially apple cider vinegar, contains acetic acid, which may help support digestion and healthy blood sugar balance when consumed with meals.

3. Herbs and Spices Offer Additional Benefits

Many common pickling ingredients contain plant compounds that support digestive health:

• Fresh dill provides antioxidants and may help soothe digestion.
• Garlic contains prebiotic fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Mustard seeds contain compounds that may support digestion.
• Coriander seeds have traditionally been used to ease digestive discomfort.

4. Pair Them With Fermented Foods

For even greater gut health benefits, serve quick pickled vegetables alongside fermented foods such as:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Plain kefir
• Unsweetened yogurt
• Fermented pickles

This combination provides both prebiotic fibers and probiotic bacteria.

Tips for the Best Quick Pickles

✔ Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch.

✔ Choose vinegar with at least 5% acidity. I used a combo of apple cider and white vinegar.

✔ Store only in the refrigerator.

✔ Let vegetables sit at least 30 minutes before serving.

✔ Experiment with fresh dill, garlic, mustard seed, and coriander.

✔ Use glass jars rather than plastic containers for best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make quick pickles without sugar?

Absolutely. This recipe is completely sugar-free and still delivers plenty of flavor thanks to vinegar, salt, herbs, and spices.

What’s the best vinegar for quick pickling?

White vinegar provides a clean, classic pickle flavor while apple cider vinegar offers a slightly milder, sweeter taste. Both work well.  

Can I pickle different vegetables together?

Yes! Mixed vegetable pickles are a great way to use up produce before it spoils.

Do quick pickles need to be canned?

No. Refrigerator pickles are specifically designed to skip the canning process and be stored in the refrigerator.

Making easy sugar-free quick pickled vegetables is one of the simplest ways to add flavor, crunch, and color to your meals. With no added sugar, minimal ingredients, and endless customization options, this refrigerator pickle recipe is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or sugar-free lifestyle.

Whether you’re making quick pickled red onions, dill pickles, green beans, or a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, you’ll love having a jar ready in the refrigerator to instantly elevate any meal.

Are Quick Pickled Vegetables Probiotic?

No. Most quick pickled vegetables are made with vinegar and do not undergo fermentation, so they generally do not contain live probiotic bacteria.

However, they can still support gut health by encouraging vegetable intake, increasing fiber consumption, and providing flavorful variety that makes healthy eating more enjoyable.

Easy Sugar Free Quick Pickled Vegetables

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How to Make Easy Sugar Free Quick Pickled Vegetables

These easy sugar-free quick pickled vegetables are crisp, tangy, colorful, and ready in as little as 30 minutes. Unlike traditional pickling recipes that often contain added sugar, this simple refrigerator pickle recipe relies on vinegar, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to create delicious flavor with no sweeteners needed.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings @ 1/2 cup drained vegetables

Calories 28kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Equipment

• 64 oz mason jar or two-32 ounce mason jars

Ingredients

• 8 ounces green beans about 2 cups
• 8 ounces cucumbers sliced, about 2 cups
• 4 ounces carrots sliced into sticks, about 3/4 cup
• 4 ounces red onion sliced, about 3/4 cup
• 4 ounces bell peppers sliced, about 3/4 cup

Brine

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups vinegar ( I used 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice or see notes above
• 2-4 tablespoons Allulose liquid optional to balance flavors

Instructions

• Wash and dry your vegetables thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice vegetables into thin, even pieces. Thin slices absorb the brine faster and create a crisp texture.
• Pack vegetables tightly into a clean glass jar or mason jar. Add any fresh herbs or spices you enjoy.
• Add the brine ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Turn off heat and pour brine over vegetables in the jar. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes then seal with a cover and refrigerate.
• For best flavor: The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.

  Red onions: 30 minutes to 1 hour

  Cucumbers: 24 hours

  Mixed vegetables: 24–48 hours
• Quick pickled vegetables stay fresh for 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

4 g net carbs per 1/2 cup drained vegetables

Here’s my video tutorial on Pinterest. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving @ 1/2 cup | Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 886mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2024IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

The post How to Make Easy Sugar-Free Quick Pickled Vegetables appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Easy Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Although I’m an full blooded Italian I crave, like nobodies business, Mediterranean flavors. Not surprisingly as they are pretty similar.

I never grew up eating black olives, it was always green with pimentos, Kalamata and flavors of Greek salad. We always had red onion, fresh tomatoes and of course fresh parsley in our house and in our meals, at least a few times a week.

Everything, and I mean most everything, was topped with olive oil. My mom rarely made much with butter, except every lazy Sunday night like clock work she would make me and my three brothers the best grilled cheese sandwiches in all the land!

 It’s a great option for those on a keto diet with just 6 g net carbs. 

Now that I’m on a low carb diet, I love using raw cauliflower in unique ways, hence the creation of this salad. While most cauliflower salad recipes are more of a mock potato salad style, this one has that European flare! 

Mediterranean Salad Recipe

A squirt of lemon was always added to our typical fish dinners on Friday nights. As a child I could never quite understand why my dad was so in love with adding lemon.

But then I grew up and I realized how much lemon makes such a difference in some of my favorite recipes and especially keto salads!

I never grew up eating feta cheese either, but the flavors when mixed with fresh roasted vegetables are undeniably delicious in this Mediterranean cauliflower salad. Obviously you can eliminate the feta cheese if your dairy free.

Keto Potluck and BBQs

The oven-roasted cauliflower in this lovely dish has so much flavor, it’s perfect as it is. It’s a fantastic healthy option side dish to bring to a potluck or serve at a summer BBQ party. 

Make the lemon dressing ahead with fresh herbs and the flavors will be even better the next day! If you’re not a fan of cauliflower you could even swap it with roasted broccoli, green beans, red peppers or Brussels sprouts. 

It’s very versatile and everyone, even the non low carb crowd will devour this lovely cauliflower salad. Other potluck salads you might like; Cauliflower Mock Potato Salad, Spring Roll Salad, Cucumber Dill Salad, and Summer Confetti Cauliflower Salad. 

Roasted Cauliflower

If you’re not a fan of red onion of course you can leave it out. If you prefer different olives or another veggie please adapt as you think your family would enjoy. 

Roasting all veggies with some good quality extra virgin olive oil and seasonings is how this low carb recipe gets amazing flavors! 

It’s one of my families most favorite ways to enjoy all kinds of vegetables when I roast them. I know you might be tempted to skip the roasting step, but please trust me on this, you shouldn’t skip it because cooked cauliflower that’s been roasted is so much better than raw.

I will say it again, one more time,  YOU MUST NOT LEAVE OUT THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP for this salad. The large florets NEED to roast.

The flavor of roasted cauliflower is beyond amazing and so much tastier than adding it raw in this salad. While you’re at it, you could make this a double batch and freeze in individual portions for an easy way to meal plan ahead!

Can I use Cauliflower Rice Instead?

If you really don’t want to roast the cauliflower florets for this cauliflower salad recipe, you could use cauliflower rice. I would recommend grating a fresh head of cauliflower using a food processor.

I think fresh is best because frozen cauliflower rice tends to hold a lot of moisture and will water down the flavors of the dressing.

I Don’t like Lemon what else can I use?

If you’re not a fan of lemon dressing, you can swap it with the same amount of red wine vinegar. 

Make this a Main Course

An excellent choice to increase protein for this vegetarian salad is to add some cooked grilled chicken, or grilled steak tips or even canned tuna or canned salmon will work for a complete meal.

Just 6 g net carbs per serving for just the salad as is. If you add protein to make it a main dish, you will need to add the nutritional amount to what you see below on my printable recipe card. 

More Low-Carb Recipes for Easy Salads

Mock Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe

Greek Salad

Goddess Green Salad

Cucumber Dill Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad

Tomato Olive Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad

​Antipasto Cauliflower Rice Salad

Easy Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad

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Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This easy keto Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad is the perfect side dish complementing any main entree or serving as a vegetarian Mediterranean dish full of low carb vegetables and gluten free too!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6 servings

Calories 227kcal

Author Brenda Bennett | Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion sliced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives
• 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped

Dressing

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 lemon zested
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Lay cauliflower florets on a baking sheet.
• Toss with 3 tbsp oil and stir to coat well.
• Bake 45 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl add the cooled cauliflower, tomatoes, onion, olives, feta and basil.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients together in another bowl.
• Toss the dressing over the cauliflower salad and mix well.
• Serve immediately or keep refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve, up to 3-4 days.

Video

Notes

This recipe was first published in May 2015 and updated with video in June 2019.

Net Carbs: 6g

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 42.7mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 0.7mg

The post Easy Low Carb Keto Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Easy Chicken Burgers

These easy keto chicken burgers with creamy chipotle mayo slaw are the perfect healthy burger recipe when you want something with less fat than traditional ground beef burgers, but still crave a satisfying, flavor-packed complete meal.

29 grams of protein for each chicken patty! All the nutritional information is at the bottom of this page on the printable recipe card.

Made with juicy chicken thighs, simple ingredients, and served without a bun, these healthy chicken burgers are low carb, high in protein, and absolutely delicious for an easy weeknight meal.

If you’ve been looking for a great way to enjoy burgers on a low carb diet or ketogenic diet without feeling heavy or overly full, these juicy chicken patties are one of sugar free mom’s best recipes.

They’re packed with flavor, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for anyone following a keto diet, low carb lifestyle, or my Midlife Macro Method approach.

Unlike classic keto recipes that rely heavily on cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese and extra fat, these healthy burgers focus more on protein while still giving you incredible texture and taste.

Served without a bun, and topped with chipotle mayo slaw, giving you a party in your mouth!  These can be made on the grill, stove top or even baked in the oven, however you decide to make these chicken burgers, you will not be disappointed!

If you truly desire a keto roll with these, you might enjoy these cheesy fat head rolls , or my fluffy cottage cheese flourless high protein rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Keto Chicken Burgers

• Easy recipe made with simple ingredients
• High-protein meal that keeps you satisfied
• Perfect for weight loss and blood sugar balance
• Great for meal prep and easy weeknight meals
• Naturally gluten-free and low carb
• Crispy outside with juicy burger patties inside
• Can be cooked in the air fryer, frying pan, grill, or oven
• Whole family approved
• Delicious with or without a keto hamburger bun

These easy chicken patties are especially helpful in midlife when many women notice classic high-fat keto meals no longer leave them feeling their best.

Prioritizing protein with moderate fat can help support satiety, muscle maintenance, and healthier body composition while still enjoying comforting keto meals.

The Secret to Juicy Chicken Burgers

The best way to make flavorful keto chicken burgers is using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast fillets alone. Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor which helps keep the burgers juicy instead of dry.

You can absolutely use:

• Ground chicken
• Ground turkey
• Ground beef
• Leftover rotisserie chicken
• Canned chicken

But dark meat chicken thighs truly create the best texture for homemade chicken burgers.

If using chicken breast only, I recommend adding a little olive oil or avocado oil to help prevent dryness.

Midlife Macro Friendly Burgers

One thing I personally love about these healthy chicken burgers is that they fit beautifully into my Midlife Macro Method.

Instead of relying on massive amounts of cheese, cream cheese, pork rinds, or heavy fat bombs like many classic keto meals, this recipe prioritizes:

• Protein
• Flavor
• Fiber-rich slaw
• Moderate healthy fats
• Lower total carbs

That combination can help keep you fuller longer without feeling overly stuffed or sluggish.

These burgers are also a great high-protein meal option after strength training workouts or on busy nights when you need a quick meal without sacrificing your goals.

Tools to Make Chicken Burgers

Food Processor– The best way to make a ground chicken in no time. Or just use already ground chicken, but I prefer grinding chicken thighs myself, just like in my Chicken Nugget recipe, plus it’s less expensive. 

Mandoline– Or a really sharp chef knife to slice your cabbage very thin. 

Large Bowl– Multiple sizes that stack perfectly in any kitchen. 

Cast Iron Pan– If you decide not to grill these chicken burgers, using a cast iron pan is the nest way to get a nice crispy outside texture but ensure a moist burger inside. 

Helpful Swaps and Variations

This favorite recipe is very versatile and easy to customize.

Dairy-Free Option

This recipe is naturally dairy free if you use olive oil or avocado oil instead of ghee.

Make It Less Spicy

Reduce the chipotle flakes and chili powder for a milder flavor.

Add More Heat

Love buffalo wings or spicy food? Add extra chipotle powder or hot sauce to and now you’ve got buffalo chicken burgers.

No Food Processor?

You can simply use already prepared ground chicken from the grocery store which will be the easiest way to mix it all together.

No Mayo?

Use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter high-protein sauce.

Want a Bun?

Serve on:

• Lettuce wrap
• Keto hamburger bun
• Almond flour bun
• Chaffle
• Low carb tortillas

Other Burger Recipes you might like:

• Zucchini Burgers
• Salmon Burgers
• Pork Poblano Burgers

Best Cooking Methods

These keto chicken burgers can be made several different ways depending on what works best for your schedule.

Frying Pan

Cook in a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is one of the easiest ways to cook these easy chicken patties.

• Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F
• Place patties in a single layer on parchment paper
• Cook about 4-5 minutes per side

Grill

Perfect during grilling season for a healthy burger option.

Oven

Bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet at 400 degrees F until fully cooked.

Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers

Use Wet Hands

Wet hands make shaping burger patties much easier since the chicken mixture can be sticky.

Don’t Overcook

Chicken burgers dry out quickly if cooked too long.

Medium Heat Works Best

Cooking over medium heat instead of very high heat helps create a crispy outside while keeping the inside moist.

Make Larger Patties

The chicken patties shrink slightly during cooking, so start with slightly larger patties.

What to Serve with Keto Chicken Burgers

These healthy burgers pair perfectly with:

• Fresh salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Cabbage slaw
• Pickles
• Slice of tomato
• Avocado

 Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Frying pan over medium heat
• Air fryer for a few minutes
• Oven at 350 degrees F

The slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored separately for about 1 day.

Keto Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Mayo Slaw

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Keto Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Mayo Slaw

These must try Keto Chicken Burgers are healthy and low in carbs. They have a nice kick to them, but they are not too spicy. They are lean, filling and satisfying without the need for a bun. They can be made on the stove top, on the grill or baked in the oven. And they are served with a generous portion of Chipotle Mayo Slaw. A versatile low-carb dinner recipe that’s perfect all year round.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 burgers

Calories 283kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

BURGERS

• 3 skinless boneless chicken thighs (250g) (or ground chicken or chicken breasts)
• 1 clove garlic minced (4g)
• 1 ounce onion finely diced (35g)
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp chili pepper fresh, mild/medium, chopped (6g)
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper cracked (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp parsley chopped (4g)
• 1 tbsp ghee for frying (or olive oil or avocado oil)

SLAW

• 1/2 cup red cabbage (35g)
• 1/2 cup white cabbage (70g)
• 1 medium green onion (15g)
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped (8g)

CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE

• 4 tbsp avocado oil mayonnaise replace with plain Greek yogurt for MMM
• 1 tsp lime juice or to taste
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1 pinch chili flakes chipotle (start small and increase to taste)
• 1 pinch black pepper cracked

Instructions

CHICKEN BURGERS

• Place the chicken in a food processor along with the garlic and onion. Blitz to combine. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the tomato puree, chili, salt, pepper and parsley until combined.
• Press into two burger patties or use a burger press. Add the ghee to a non stick frying pan. Fry the chicken burgers for about 3 – 4 minutes per side on low / medium heat (6 – 8 minutes in total) or until cooked through. Make sure the heat is not too high so you do not burn the outside.

SLAW

• Shred the red and white cabbage using a mandoline, or sharp knife. Finely dice the onion and parsley. Transfer to a bowl and mix to combine.

MAYO

• In a clean small bowl, mix the mayo ingredients together using a spoon. Stir through the slaw, keeping about 1.5 tbsp back to add on top of the burgers.

TO SERVE

• Serve burgers with mayo and top with slaw.

STORAGE

• Best served fresh or can be stored in airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and the burgers reheated.

Notes

3 g net carbs per burger (no slaw or mayo)

Here’s the nutrition info including the chipotle mayo and slaw for each burger: Calories: 501, Carbs: 8g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 39g, Fiber: 2g

If using Greek yogurt in place of mayo and including it in nutrition with burger: Calories: 305, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 1g

This recipe was first published in August 2020.

Midlife Macro Approved

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken burger | Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Simple Low Carb Keto Chicken Burger Patties Recipe appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Is Regular Flan Keto Friendly?

My father comes from Sicily and his mother, my Nonna, made flan very often growing up. Of course it was loaded with regular sugar, so definitely high in carbs, not keto friendly and will surely spike blood sugar.

But making it a keto low carb flan was a fairly easy task using low carb sweetener! This recipe got a thumbs up from my dad and he didn’t even realize it was made with coconut!

This is a popular dessert with Italians, Spaniards, and Mexicans. A Mexican flan is really just a simple custard mixture with a caramel sauce, basically caramelized sugar, that oozes over the top of the flan when turned upside down onto a plate.

Typically it’s made with dairy, but in this case today it’s made with coconut milk for a creamy texture and only a slight hint of coconut.

Does the thought of making a flan sound just too tedious of a task or too fancy or just too much work for you? It’s not at all difficult when you have a fantastic fool proof recipe!

Take the worry  out of the equation of whether the flan will come out looking beautiful or not because this recipe will make that happen effortlessly.

Is Creme Caramel the same thing as Flan?

Yes, creme caramel or caramel cream and flan are basically the same thing. Creme caramel and flan are actually French names, but in Spanish speaking countries and America, it is known as flan.

Is Creme Brûlée the same thing as flan?

No creme brûlée is not the same as flan. Creme brûlée has a hardened caramel topping while flan has a soft caramel topping.

Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce

The caramel sauce uses a brown sugar Monk Fruit Allulose blend from and butter, but to keep it dairy free just replace the butter with coconut oil instead. 

My kids and hubby absolutely loved this dessert! My youngest actually even hates coconut, but the hint of coconut is very little, he even asked for a second piece!

How to Make Sugar-Free Flan

To view the nutritional information, see exact measurements and print the recipe, please scroll to the bottom of the blog post to view the recipe card.

Main Ingredients

Eggs

Egg yolks

Canned coconut milk 

Vanilla extract

Coconut liquid stevia or vanilla stevia

Caramel sauce

Monk Fruit Allulose Brown substitute or another brown sugar free sweetener of choice

Butter or use ghee or vegan butter for dairy free

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a stand mixer, mix the eggs, yolks, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and stevia until well combined. Set aside.

In a small saucepan add the Caramel sauce ingredients and stir until combined over medium low heat, until bubbles form around the edges.

Simmer one minute, then pour into a 10 inch pie dish, cake pan or 10 individual ramekins. Swirl around to cover bottom of dish. Let sauce cool just 1-2 minutes before pouring the custard mixture over the caramel sauce.

Place the pie dish into a larger roasting pan and place in the oven. Pour 2 cups of hot water on the bottom of the larger roasting pan so the hot water comes 1-2 inches up the sides of the pie dish.

Bake 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool to room temperature then refrigerate for two hours or overnight. When ready to serve, loosen edges with a knife and invert onto a large plate.

Sometimes if using an erythritol sweetener it can develop crystallization in the refrigerator. If that happens after you invert the flan onto a plate, simply remove can crystallized pieces from the caramel sauce. Enjoy or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tools to Make Keto Coconut Flan

10 inch Pie Dish– Any smaller pie dish and you’ll be overflowing with this flan recipe. Stick with a 10 inch and you’ll be all set!

Small Sauce Pan– Use as a double boiling pan or just to make simple sauces like the topping for this flan recipe. 

Roasting Pan– A large turkey roasting pan is needed to bake any kind of cheesecakes or in this recipe, flan, to evenly cook in a water bath. 

How to Swap Sugar Substitutes

There are many keto sweeteners on the market today but I try to use all natural sweetener in my recipes. Monk Fruit Sweetener is a great option as well as Allulose.

Using allulose produces a less sweet flavor than using stevia or monk fruit. Just be aware you may need more of those sweeteners or combine two sweeteners to get this keto creme caramel as sweet as you prefer.

Please use my Sweetener Guide & Conversion chart to help you determine how much to use when swapping the sweetener in my original recipe.

Keto Dairy Free Coconut Flan

Although this isn’t a typical weeknight kind of dessert it is a wonderful indulgence once in awhile for wow-ing non low carb guests at a party!

How to Store Low-Carb Flan

You can store leftover flan covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I make this with whole milk instead of coconut cream?

Yes you can with the same amount as I used.

Can I use heavy cream instead of coconut milk?

Yes you can use the same amount of heavy cream as I used coconut milk.

Can I swap the coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk?

No I would not swap almond milk because it does not contain enough fat as coconut milk or whole milk and will not produce the right texture for this creamy dessert.

Can I swap the sugar-free sweetener with blackstrap molasses or maple syrup?

You can use any sweetener you like but if you are trying to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet and/ or eat low carb or keto, then both molasses and maple syrup will cause a spike in your blood sugar and cause cravings.

Can I make this creamy keto flan recipe in ramekins instead of a large baking dish?

Sure! If you would like to make this elegant dessert in individual servings instead you can use ten- 8 ounce ramekins. Follow the instructions for making the custard and sweet caramel syrup but add that to greased, prepared ramekins.

I would also recommend placing all the ramekins into a large baking pan and hot water so they will bake slowly and evenly in a hot water bath for best results.

More Low-Carb Dessert Recipes

Keto Creme Brûlée

Keto Egg Custard

Slow Cooker Keto Maple Custard

Easy Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Dairy Free Coconut Flan

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Sugar Free Keto Coconut Flan

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Servings 12 slices

Calories 207kcal

Ingredients

Custard

• 6 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 27 ounces canned coconut milk or 2 (13.5 ounce each) cans
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp coconut liquid stevia or vanilla stevia

Caramel sauce

• 1/2 cup Monk Fruit Allulose Brown sweetener or another brown sugar free sweetener of choice
• 2 tbsp butter or use ghee or vegan butter for dairy free

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a stand mixer, mix the eggs, yolks, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and stevia until well combined. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan add the Caramel sauce ingredients and stir until combined over medium low heat, until bubbles form around the edges. Simmer one minute, then pour into a 10 inch pie dish, cake pan or 10 individual ramekins. Swirl around to cover bottom of dish. Let sauce cool just 1-2 minutes before pouring the custard mixture over the caramel sauce.
• Place the pie dish into a larger roasting pan and place in the oven. Pour 2 cups of hot water on the bottom of the larger roasting pan so the hot water comes 1-2 inches up the sides of the pie dish.
• Bake 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature then refrigerate for two hours or overnight. When ready to serve, loosen edges with a knife and invert onto a large plate.

  If you are using an erythritol sweetener it can develop crystallization in the refrigerator. If that happens after you invert the flan onto a plate, simply remove can crystallized pieces from the caramel sauce. Enjoy or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

3 g net carbs. This has 12 servings. 

This recipe was first published in February 2014 and updated with video in May 2020.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 221IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Easy Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Dairy Free Coconut Flan appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS LOW CARB ALFREDO SAUCE DISH

This low carb pasta dish is one of the best methods to enjoy comfort food while staying on track with your goals. Unlike traditional restaurant Alfredo, this homemade version allows you to control ingredients, fat content, and portion sizes.

• Perfect keto spaghetti squash Alfredo
• Family-friendly and great for the whole family
• Naturally gluten free and low in net carbs
• Can be made with shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or kept vegetarian
• Easily customizable with different proteins or veggies like zucchini noodles or even Brussels sprouts

Whether you’re making this as a complete meal, a healthier option, or a simple side dish, this cheesy goodness delivers a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce paired with tender spaghetti-like strands of roasted squash.

HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH (BEST METHOD)

This is one of the easiest and best methods for cooking a fabulous low carb vegetable like spaghetti squash!

Depending on the size of your squash, baking time will vary, but this foolproof method creates perfectly tender squash strands every time.

These tender spaghetti-like strands are the perfect low carb substitution for traditional pasta like fettuccine noodles.

OVEN METHOD (RECOMMENDED)

PREHEAT your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

SLICE your whole squash from stem to tail, lengthwise.

DRIZZLE olive oil over each half and rub evenly.

SPRINKLE with sea salt.

FLIP cut side down onto the baking dish.

BAKE:

• 1 hour for a 2-pound squash
• 30–45 minutes for smaller squash

TEST FOR DONENESS: Use a fork to gently pull strands. If they don’t separate easily, return to the oven for another 10–15 mins.

This method creates the best texture—not watery, not mushy, just perfectly golden brown edges with tender strands.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY KETO ALFREDO SAUCE

This rich and creamy Alfredo sauce is what makes this dish truly indulgent. Made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, butter, and cream cheese, it creates a velvety creamy cheese sauce that coats every strand.

Tips for Perfect Alfredo Sauce:

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting
• Keep heat at medium heat to avoid curdling
• Stir continuously for a smooth texture
• Add a touch of cream cheese for extra thickness if desired

You’ll end up with a rich low carb Alfredo sauce that rivals any restaurant version.

CAN I ADD CHICKEN OR OTHER PROTEIN?

Absolutely! This easily becomes a chicken Alfredo spaghetti squash meal.

Best protein options:

• Chicken breasts (baked or pan-seared)
• Rotisserie chicken for convenience
• Ground turkey or beef
• Shrimp for a seafood twist

Use about 1 pound of protein to make this a complete meal.

Cut into bite-sized pieces or use shredded chicken and stir into the sauce before combining with the squash.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOATS OPTION

Instead of mixing everything in a bowl, you can make spaghetti squash boats:

• Leave strands in the squash shells
• Add Alfredo sauce and toppings
• Broil until bubbly and slightly golden brown

This presentation is great for entertaining and makes portion sizes easy.

IS SPAGHETTI SQUASH KETO? 

Spaghetti squash is a wonderful alternative for replacing traditional high carb spaghetti in your favorite dishes.

It can most certainly be enjoyed on a ketogenic diet when you are mindful of portion sizes. You can see the nutritional info below.

While it is a higher carb vegetable than something like zucchini, it is still a good option when you want a perfect substitute for spaghetti. 

Spaghetti Squash Nutrition      

• Serving Size: 1 cup (155g)
• Calories: 76
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 7g (Net Carbs: 5.5g)
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Protein: 1g

Zucchini Noodles are also another option but they can be much thicker and not as fine and light as using spaghetti squash.

According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of sliced zucchini contains 19 calories, 1.5 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 3 grams of sugar. You could use zucchini noodles to make this Alfredo recipe if you prefer.

Other zucchini noodle recipes you might like:

• Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad
• Pesto Zucchini Noodles
• Zucchini Cannelloni

LOW CARB SWAPS & VARIATIONS

This recipe is incredibly flexible:

Dairy-Free Option

• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
• Nutritional yeast instead of parmesan
• Replace butter with coconut oil

Lower Fat Version

• Reduce butter slightly, replace some heavy cream with Half & Half
• Add more chicken broth for balance

Vegetable Swaps

• Cauliflower rice for a creamy bowl option
• Zucchini noodles for quicker cook time
• Roasted Brussels sprouts for a different texture

OTHER WAYS TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH

If you want a different way:

Instant Pot Method

Great for saving time!

• Add 1 cup water
• Cook on high pressure for 7–10 minutes depending on size
• Quick release

Microwave Method

Fastest option:

• Cut squash, remove seeds
• Microwave cut side down with water for 10–15 mins

Skillet Finish (Highly Recommended)

After roasting, you can toss the strands in a large skillet on medium heat with olive oil to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor.

LOW CARB ALFREDO SPAGHETTI SQUASH

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Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Prep Time 1 minute minute

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 16 minutes minutes

Servings 8 @ 2.6 ounces

Calories 319kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

• 21 ounces spaghetti squash (about a 2 pound squash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt

Alfredo Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 ounces parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional toppings:

• 2 slices bacon, cooked crisp, chopped
• fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Slice your spaghetti squash lengthwise from stem to tail and scrape out the seeds.

  Place on a parchment lined baking pan. Drizzle a half tablespoon of olive oil onto each half of the squash and rub it all over with your fingers. Sprinkle some sea salt into each half. Flip the squash over ,cut side down, on the pan. Bake for 1 hour.
• Once out of the oven, let cool until you can handle it. Using a form scrape from the sides down to the center of each half and remove "spaghetti" to a bowl.

  Your shell should be hollow if you scraped as much of the spaghetti as you could. Set aside to make the Alfredo sauce.

Alfredo Sauce

• Bring 1/4 cup of the butter, the cream and garlic to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the egg yolk until well incorporated.
• Stir in the onion powder, salt and pepper. continue to simmer stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, and any optional ingredients if desired.

Assembly

• Once your sauce is done, toss in the spaghetti squash and stir to combine well. Divide in half and spoon back into the empty squash shells to serve. Top with optional crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley.
• Storage: Keep any left overs in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

4 g net carbs per serving. 

This post was first published in 2021.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 329IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The post Low Carb Alfredo Spaghetti Squash appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Low Carb Sponge Cake

A sponge cake is basically just a very light and airy cake made with eggs, flour and sugar, but this recipe is low carb and just as delicious as its higher carb cousin!

Traditional sponge cakes rely on wheat flour and sugar to create that soft structure, but this version swaps those out for low carb, gluten-free ingredients while still giving you that same fluffy texture.

This Low Carb Cake is a masterpiece made grain free, gluten free, nut free and just around 100 calories per slice with less than 1 gram of carbs!

If you’ve been searching for a sugar-free low carb sponge cake that actually tastes like the real thing, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Unlike many almond flour cakes or coconut flour cake recipes that can feel heavy or dense, this sponge cake stays light because of how the eggs are handled.

The structure comes from properly whipped egg whites and gently folded batter, which is key for achieving that airy keto Victoria sponge cake texture.

From Failed Angel Food to Perfect Cake

Funny thing is, making this sponge cake was never my intention. I was trying to make an angel food cake. And after 4 attempts of it deflating I just gave up and adapted my recipe to include yolks and turn a failed recipe into a winning one!

When working with egg whites, especially when trying to achieve stiff peaks, small details matter—like making sure your bowl is completely clean and your egg whites are at room temperature. These little things can make a big difference in whether your cake rises or falls.

Don’t you love when the unexpected happens and turns out better than you would have thought or imagined?

Yep. Some recipes are like that for me. This one is beyond good.

Better than I would have expected considering it’s made without grains, gluten, or artificial sweeteners.

Why This Keto Sponge Cake Recipe Works

I want to note that although the angel food cake had 4 failing attempts, the family still ate it all up. The taste was incredible. The height was another story. But I will attempt again!

So with that I set my heart on the sponge cake and of course it came easily and without any angst on my part. No height needed in this beauty. It is perfect as is. A soft, light, and airy sponge cake.

What makes this one of the best keto sponge cake recipes is the balance of ingredients:

• A low carb sweetener keeps it sugar-free without compromising taste
• Egg whites whipped to stiff peaks create lift
• Egg yolks provide richness and structure
• Coconut flour keeps it low carb while absorbing moisture
• Whey protein powder helps stabilize the cake batter

Texture, Storage & Next Day Results

After completely cooling I added some sugar-free whipped cream and fresh berries. Since there were leftovers after each of my 3 kids and hubby and I had a piece, I needed to refrigerate it. If I hadn’t added the topping I probably could have left it out on the counter.

Guess what? It tasted even better the next day.

In fact these last two pics are straight from the fridge. The chilling time made it a bit more dense but the spongey texture was still just perfect.

This makes it a great option if you want to prepare a large cake ahead of time for gatherings, holidays, or even something like Mother’s Day. It also works beautifully as a base layer cake with a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream layered between.

Tips for Success (Don’t Skip These!)

If this is your first time making a sponge cake, don’t worry—just follow these simple tips:

First, make sure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters, the peaks hold their shape and don’t collapse. This step is crucial for a light and airy result.

Second, when combining wet ingredients and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing will deflate the batter and result in a dense cake instead of a fluffy one.

Third, use a large mixing bowl and fold slowly. Folding instead of stirring helps keep air in the batter.

Finally, line your pan with parchment paper if needed, especially if you’re not using a springform pan, to ensure easy removal.

Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps

This recipe uses simple low carb pantry staples, but here are a few helpful notes:

• Coconut flour cannot be swapped for almond meal or wheat flour—it absorbs much more liquid
• Whey protein powder helps create structure; skipping it may change the texture
• You can use plain or vanilla protein powder depending on what you have
• Use your favorite low carb sweetener if you don’t have Swerve
• Almond milk or heavy cream are not needed in this recipe, which helps keep it light

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap the butter for coconut oil, though it may slightly change the flavor.

Serving Ideas

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can easily elevate it:

• Top with fresh berries and whipped cream
• Add a light glaze with lemon juice and sweetener drizzled over the top of the cake
• Layer it with cream cheese frosting for a birthday-style cake
• Serve with a side of sugar-free chocolate sauce

It’s one of those perfect cake recipes that works for so many occasions.

Tools to Make Keto Sponge Cake

Stand Mixer- Helps whip egg whites to perfect stiff peaks in no time at all! 

Electric Hand Mixer– If you don’t want to spend the money on the stand mixer, this is the next best thing to whipping up egg whites in no time!

8 inch Spring Form Cake Pan-Springform pans are not only helpful for this cake recipe and easier removal of it than using regular cake pans, but it works well for any low carb cake recipe like my Low Carb Cheesecake and my Carrot Cake and just about any other keto recipes and dessert you want to make. 

It’s an easy cake, don’t let egg white whipping scare you. This comes together without a problem and the batter is light enough to fold the egg whites into.

Wonderful idea for Mother’s Day I think!

Brenda’s Notes:

• You don’t need to use a vanilla protein powder, plain is fine, that is just what I had in my cupboard.
• Looking for a Mother’s Day keto cake recipe?  Try these! Carrot Cake Cheesecake, Almond Ricotta Cake, Coffee Cheesecake

Sugar-Free Keto Low Carb Sponge Cake

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Sugar-Free Low Carb Sponge Cake

Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 107kcal

Author Brenda Bennett | Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

• 9 eggs separated
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla liquid stevia
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup low carb confectioners sweetener
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter melted and cooled
• optional toppings: fresh sugar-free whipped cream and berries

Instructions

• Grease an 8 inch spring form pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place your egg whites and cream of tartar in a stand mixer and mix until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
• Place your yolks in another bowl and whisk with vanilla extract, liquid stevia and lemon zest.
• In another bowl whisk together the remaining dry ingredients.
• Combine the yolks and dry ingredients together until smooth.
• In small portions a little at a time, fold the egg whites into the yolk and flour mixture, be careful not to over mix and deflate your egg whites.
• Drizzle the melted, cooled butter on the side of the bowl to slowly fold it into the batter.
• Pour batter into pan and bake 30 minutes or until golden on top and a toothpick in center comes out clean.
• Allow to cool completely before removing and adding optional toppings.
• Keep refrigerated.

Video

Notes

Net Carbs: 0.9g

This recipe was first published in April 2016 and updated with video in May 2020.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.9g | Protein: 7.3g | Fat: 7.1g | Saturated Fat: 2.9g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g

The post Sugar Free Gluten Free Low Carb Keto Sponge Cake appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

EASY CABBAGE ROLLS

Traditional cabbage rolls tend to take a lot of time to make and often use ground meat, white rice, tomato sauce and spices, typically baked in a baking dish for quite a while.

These cabbage rolls are a little twist and my take on easier cabbage rolls with a low carb, ketogenic diet approach.

These keto cabbage rolls skip the rice and instead keep things light, fresh, and full of flavor using a Thai-inspired filling. If you’ve ever made traditional cabbage rolls, you’ll love how much quicker and simpler this cooking process is! Feel free to use cauliflower rice if you prefer!

These Keto Thai Crispy Cabbage Rolls make the tastiest dinner or eat only 1 roll for a lunch meal to cut your carbs in half. They can be eaten raw or cooked so the cabbage leaves get a bit crispy and the filling is warm.

The filling is packed with Thai flavors without any preservatives and if you don’t have precooked leftover chicken just roast up some chicken breasts or thighs and use them instead.

Choosing the Best Cabbage Leaves

Green cabbage works best for this cabbage roll recipe because of its sturdy outer leaves, but you can also use inner leaves if they are large enough to roll.

To make rolling easier:

• Use the outer leaves of a whole head of cabbage
• Soften leaves in boiling water for 1–2 minutes
• Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking
• Pat dry with a paper towel before filling

You can also use:

• Swiss chard (as written)
• Napa cabbage (more tender, great for quick rolls)
• Kale or cavolo nero (remove thick stems)

CARB COUNT  IN SWISS CHARD VERSUS CABBAGE 

Just 1 cup (175 grams) of cooked Swiss chard packs (3): Calories: 35. Protein: 3.3 grams. Carbs: 7 grams.

Since I chose to use chard for the rolls, instead of cabbage my carb count in the nutrition info below is a bit higher than if you choose to use cabbage leaves for the rolls. I love the crispy chard leaves, but cabbage leaves will be just as delicious!

Cooked cabbage (1 cup) contains 3.6g of carbs, 1.3g of protein, 0.1g of fat, and 23 calories. We use 1 cup for the filling but this is divided by 4 servings for the recipe. Each serving is 3 rolls which is a wonderful amount for a dinner meal.

SAVE TIME WITH COOKED ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

You will save a lot of time if you simply buy an already cooked rotisserie chicken. This makes this keto meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

But if you don’t have precooked chicken, no problem! Simply season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and place chicken breasts in the oven at 350 degrees F. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cooked through. Shred the meat between two forks.

You can also swap in:

• Leftover grilled chicken or even shrimp
• Ground chicken (cook first)
• Ground turkey
• Ground pork or ground beef for a richer flavor

CAN I SWAP THE ALMONDS?

Yes, if you have an allergy to tree nuts and want to swap the almond butter in the dressing you certainly can.

I’d suggest this sugar free peanut butter as a good swap. If you have a peanut allergy then I would say try sunflower seed butter or even tahini which is sesame butter. 

You can also swap the almonds in the salad ingredients for another nut or even sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds for a little bit of crunch.

SAUCE AND FLAVOR SWAPS

This Thai-inspired dressing is what gives these cabbage rolls their bold flavor, but you can easily adjust based on what you have:

• Add fish sauce for deeper umami flavor
• Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar
• Adjust sriracha for spice level
• Add garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic
• Fresh ginger adds the best flavor, but ground ginger works in a pinch

OTHER COOKING METHODS (NOT JUST OVEN)

These low carb cabbage rolls are very versatile and can be cooked in different ways depending on what works best for you:

Oven (as written):

Bake at medium-high heat (350°F) until slightly crispy.

Air Fryer:

• Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Creates extra crispy cabbage leaves

Stovetop (Skillet):

• Heat a large pan with olive oil
• Place rolls seam side down
• Cook until lightly browned on all sides

Instant Pot (Steaming method):

• Place rolls in a baking dish or on a trivet
• Add 1 cup water
• Steam for 3–4 minutes
• Great for softer cabbage rolls

Meal Prep Option:

Turn this into a “crack slaw” style dish by skipping the rolls and sautéing everything together in a large pot or skillet.

MAKE IT A FREEZER-FRIENDLY CASSEROLE

Want to skip rolling completely?

Turn this into a freezer-friendly casserole:

• Layer cabbage, filling, and sauce in a baking dish
• Cover with aluminum foil
• Bake until heated through

This is a great option for feeding the whole family or making a double batch for later.

Best to cook and enjoy fresh when you are ready to eat, but this can be prepared the day before and placed in the oven when ready for your meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

For best results:

• Keep filling separate from leaves if prepping ahead
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture

EXTRA TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use large cabbage leaves for easier rolling
• Don’t overfill (about 1/4 cup filling works best)
• Always place seam side down when baking
• Pat leaves dry after boiling water step to prevent soggy rolls
• Add a drizzle of sesame oil before serving for extra flavor

HOW TO STORE THAI CHICKEN CABBAGE ROLLS

Best to cook and enjoy fresh when you are ready to eat, but this can be prepared the day before and placed in the oven when ready for your meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

For best results:

• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
• Keep filling separate from leaves if prepping ahead
• Store left overs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. 

Keto Thai Chicken Crispy Cabbage Roll Recipe

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Keto Thai Chicken Crispy Cabbage Rolls

These Keto Thai Crispy Cabbage rolls make the tastiest low-carb lunch or dinner. They can be eaten raw or cooked so the cabbage leaves get a bit crispy and the filling is warm.

The filling is packed with Thai flavors without any preservatives and you can use precooked leftover chicken or just roast up some chicken breasts or thighs and use these instead.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 @ 3 rolls

Calories 279kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

Thai Chicken Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken cooked, shredded (or 280g)
• 1 cup white cabbage shredded (or 90g)
• 1 carrot grated (or 60g)
• 1/3 cup cilantro fresh, chopped (or 20g)
• 1/4 cup almonds toasted, chopped (or 36g) Optional
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped (or 25g)
• 1/2 red pepper sliced (or 82g)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 10 ounces chard leaves, stems discarded (or cabbage leaves of choice) (or 280g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

Dressing

• 4 tablespoons sugar free PBfit powder or almond butter or sunflower seed butter
• 2 tablespoon coconut aminos (or gluten free soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil toasted or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp lime juiced
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350F / 180C / 160 fan.

Dressing

• Place all the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk with a hand balloon whisk to combine. Adjust consistency with a touch of water if you like it a bit thinner.

Thai Chicken Salad

• Toss the chicken salad ingredients with the dressing (except chard leaves and olive oil).
• Place the chard or cabbage leaves in mixing bowl and cover with boiling water. Rest for 45 seconds – 1 minute to soften. Remove and place on a paper towel. Pat dry.
• Add approx 1/4 cup of filling to each large leaf. If your leaves are smaller you can put a couple of leaves together. Tuck in the sides around the filling then roll up.
• Place the stuffed leaves (folded side on the bottom) on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and brush with a little olive oil. Option to enjoy raw or for more of a crispy warm roll, bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until slightly crisp.

Recipe Notes

• If you're using optional almonds and they aren’t roasted simply roast in the oven first for about 5 – 8 minutes. Allow to cool and then chop before adding to the salad filling.
• If you don’t have precooked chicken. Simply season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and place chicken breasts in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cooked through. Shred the meat between two forks.
• I used chard leaves for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with any cabbage leaf, or kale if you prefer. Just chop off the stalks as these are harder to roll. Something with a nice big leaf is best.

Storage

• Airtight container in the fridge for 1 day. Best to cook and enjoy when ready to eat but can be prepared the day before and placed in the oven when ready to eat.

Notes

Net Carbs: 8 g

If you wanted to add cauliflower rice to the filling ingredients you could certainly do that. 

This recipe was first published in may 2021.

Nutrition

Serving: 1@ 3 rolls | Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7135IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Low Carb Keto Thai Chicken Cabbage Rolls Recipe appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Low Carb Coconut Macaroons

If you’re a fan of coconut, these little cookies will be right up your alley! Coconut macaroons are deliciously light keto cookies made with only a few ingredients. The best part of course, they are sugar free!

Adding a little melted unsweetened chocolate chips drizzled over the top makes these the perfect little non guilty pleasure, but totally optional!

Using an ice cream scoop will ensure the perfect little size for your cookie batter! Once completely cooled on a wire rack the cookies can be coated with melted, unsweetened carob chips or sugar free chocolate chips, like the brand Lily’s.

Place a baking pan underneath the rack to catch all the yummy drippings.

WHAT MAKES THESE KETO MACAROONS SPECIAL

These sugar-free macaroons are:

• Dairy Free
• Gluten Free
• Low Carb
• Keto Friendly
• Made with simple, real ingredients

Each cookie has:

• A soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges
• Just 1 g net carbs- all nutritional information is on recipe card at bottom of page
• A naturally sweet coconut flavor

Macaroons versus Macarons

Macaroons (Mac-a ROON) and macarons (Mac-a- ROHN) are two very different types of cookies.

A macaroon is a chewy coconut based, mounded type of cookie often dipped in chocolate, while a macaron has two almond based wafers that are filled with ganache or jam.

I love both types of cookies, but haven’t yet tackled a keto low carb version of a macaron. So this recipe is my low carb version of a Macaroon.

Coconut Butter vs Coconut Oil (Do Not Swap!)

One of the most common questions I get on this recipe is whether you can swap coconut oil for coconut butter. The short answer is no—they are not the same and should not be substituted.

Coconut butter is made from the whole coconut flesh that has been pureed into a thick, creamy consistency. It contains both the fat and fiber of the coconut, which makes it perfect for binding ingredients together in recipes like these chewy coconut macaroons.

Coconut oil, on the other hand, is just the extracted fat from coconut. It is liquid when melted and does not contain any fiber or solids.

Why coconut butter is essential in this recipe:

• Helps create that soft, chewy texture
• Acts as a binding agent to hold the macaroons together
• Adds natural coconut flavor and slight sweetness

What happens if you use coconut oil instead:

• The mixture will be too loose or too greasy
• Macaroons may spread instead of holding their shape
• Final texture will be crumbly or fall apart

 If your mixture feels dry, the solution is to add more coconut butter, not coconut oil. 

Tip:

If your coconut butter is very firm, gently warm it until soft and pourable before adding it to the batter.

TIPS FOR PERFECT CHEWY COCONUT MACAROONS

These simple tips will help you get that perfect chewy texture every time:

• If mixture feels dry: Add 1 tablespoon melted coconut butter
• Use room temperature egg whites for better volume
• Beat egg whites until frothy or soft peaks, not dry stiff peaks
• Don’t overmix once coconut is added
• Always pack the mixture firmly when scooping

SCOOPING TIP (THIS HELPS A LOT)

Using a large cookie scoop is helpful for even sizing, but don’t rely on it to release perfectly as these have a delicate consistency.

For best results:

• Scoop mixture
• Press firmly into scoop
• Use your fingers or butter knife to gently release and shape

This ensures your keto macaroons hold their classic mound shape.

BEST TYPE OF COCONUT TO USE

For this keto coconut macaroon recipe, the best choice is:

• Unsweetened shredded coconut (not large flakes)
• Avoid:
  • Sweetened coconut
  • Coconut flakes (too large and dry)

If using flakes, pulse briefly in a food processor for better texture.

CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE OPTIONS

You can keep these macaroons simple or dress them up!

Try:

• Melted sugar-free chocolate chips
• Melted dark chocolate (85–90%)
• Unsweetened carob chips

Optional toppings:

• Toasted coconut flakes
• Drizzle + dip bottoms

SWEETENER SWAPS

If you don’t have coconut liquid stevia:

You can use another sweetener of choice like:

• Vanilla stevia
• Plain liquid stevia
• ½ cup powdered monk fruit/allulose blend

Liquid sweeteners help keep these soft and chewy.

OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

Want to switch things up?

• Mix in sugar-free chocolate chips
• Add almond extract for a bakery-style flavor
• Dip bottoms in chocolate instead of drizzling
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth

STORAGE TIPS

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Freeze for up to 2 months

More Low Carb Recipes you might like:

• Keto Pumpkin Macaroons
• Keto Thumbprint Cookies
• Keto Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Keto Coconut Macaroons

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Sugar Free Dairy Free Low Carb Keto Coconut Macaroons

These easy delicious Sugar Free Keto Low Carb Coconut Macaroons are Dairy Free, Gluten Free and super easy to make! Just 1 grams of net carbs and perfect for anyone on a keto diet, low carb diet or just looking to reduce sugar intake!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 15 cookies

Calories 136kcal

Author Brenda Bennett |Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup coconut butter melted
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coconut liquid stevia
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (About 230 grams)
• 2 ounces sugar free chocolate chips optional
• large coconut flakes toasted, optional

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the egg whites in a stand mixer or a large bowl and use an electric mixer with the cream of tartar and blend until frothy. Set aside.
• Place the coconut butter in a microwavable bowl and microwave 1 minute until melted. Set aside to cool.
  
• Add in the salt, stevia, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut into the stand mixer and blend until just combined. Pour in the melted coconut butter and blend again.
  
• Using a large cookie scoop, scoop coconut mixture and pat down into the scoop to pack it in well. Release these onto the baking sheet pan, spacing each macaroon about one inch apart from each other. 
• Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly golden. Cool 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can melt the optional chocolate chips and drizzle over each macaroon. Top with optional toasted large coconut flakes if desired. 

Video

Notes

Net Carbs: 2 g

This recipe was first published in May 2013 and updated with new pictures and video in June 2019.

If you don’t have coconut liquid stevia, you can use vanilla stevia or plain stevia.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Dairy Free Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Coconut Macaroons appeared first on Sugar-Free Mom.

Why This is the Best Keto Lemon Cake

If you’ve been struggling to find a keto lemon cake that actually tastes like a real bakery dessert, this is the one.

It’s soft, light, full of fresh lemon flavor, and layered with a creamy filling that makes every bite feel indulgent, without going off track.

This isn’t just another lemon cake recipe-it’s one that truly delivers on texture and flavor, even for those not following a keto diet.

You get that classic lemon cake experience without the heaviness or dryness that can sometimes happen with coconut flour recipes.

What makes it stand out:

• Soft, fluffy coconut flour cake batter
• Bright lemon flavor from fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
• Creamy mascarpone filling (similar to a light cream cheese frosting)
• Buttery crumb topping that bakes golden brown
• Just 4g net carbs per slice

This is the kind of cake that gets rave reviews, even from non-keto friends and family.

Italian Cream Cake vs Italian Lemon Cream Cake

Here’s something that might surprise you…

Traditional “Italian Cream Cake” isn’t actually Italian.

Growing up in an Italian family, with my father from Sicily and my Nonna born and raised in Italy, we never once had that version of a cream cake. The one you often see-with coconut, pecans, and a yellow cake base, actually comes from the Southern United States.

But this Italian Lemon Cream Cake is the one my family fell in love with.

It’s light, fresh, and centered around simple flavors—lemon, cream, and a delicate cake texture. It reminds me much more of the desserts you’d expect from an Italian kitchen: not overly sweet, but beautifully balanced and elegant.

When my parents would take us to Olive Garden they discovered this Italian Lemon Cream Cake and then for every holiday or family party, would purchase one to enjoy together.

The origin of this Italian Lemon Cream Cake is also not one found in Italy, but with a lemon mascarpone filling, lemon flavored yellow cake and butter crumb topping, this is more Italian than any other version you’ll try. 

How to Make a Keto Italian Lemon Cream Cake

This recipe comes together in three simple parts, and once you understand the flow, it’s much easier than it looks.

Cake Batter

The base of this cake uses a coconut flour mixture, which keeps it nut free while still giving structure and softness when done correctly.

I adapted my fabulous Coconut Flour Muffin recipe to create this perfectly, nut free, keto yellow layer cake!

Making an easy zingy, lemony, creamy filling wasn’t hard at all. The biggest issue for some is your choice of keto sweetener to use.

Because coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid, the combination of eggs, sour cream, butter, and heavy cream is essential. This is what creates that moist, tender crumb instead of a dry texture.

Key ingredients in the cake:

• Coconut flour
• Monk fruit allulose sweetener
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Lemon extract

Lemon Cream Filling

The filling is where this cake really shines. It’s creamy, light, and full of lemon flavor without being overpowering.

It blends together into something that tastes like a cross between whipped cream and a soft cream cheese frosting.

You’ll use:

• Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
• Monk fruit allulose
• Lemon juice + lemon zest
• Heavy whipping cream

Butter Crumb Topping

This simple topping adds texture and that bakery-style finish that makes this feel like a keto home bakery dessert.

Made with cold butter and coconut flour, it bakes into a lightly crisp, golden brown crumble that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake layers.

Best Sweeteners for This Recipe (Updated)

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of sweeteners, and I no longer use Swerve in my recipes.

For this cake, the best results come from:

• Monk fruit allulose blend (confectioners)
• Liquid lemon stevia (optional, to enhance sweetness)

This combination avoids the cooling effect and gives a smoother, more natural sweetness. If you’re adjusting sweetness levels, always start small, taste, and adjust as needed.

I’ve been creating sugar free recipes for the last 15 years using many different sweeteners. My Keto Sweetener Guide and Conversion Chart is written from my vast experience with experimenting with all these sweeteners.

You may see many of these conversion charts online, but they are not all the same and some I’ve seen I greatly disagree with.

You can trust my keto sweetener conversion chart as the most accurate and precise sugar free sweetener conversion chart and the last one you will ever need for all your keto baking. 

Tools to make an Italian Lemon Cream Cake

KitchenAid Mixer– Using both the paddle attachment for the cake ingredients and then using the whisk attachment to create a fluffy mascarpone filling, this mixer is my best friend!

Food Processor– The Butter Crumb topping is literally made in minutes with nice, cold butter, pulsing it in the food processor. You would have to cut the butter into the coconut flour for quite some time to create the same crumb topping effect. 

Spring Form Cake Pans-Spring form pans are one of the best kinds of cake pans, helping you easily remove delicate cakes without destroying the cake. I use two-9-inch spring form pans for this recipe. 

Ingredient Swaps 

If you’re missing an ingredient or need to make adjustments, here are the best swaps that still keep the texture and flavor on point.

Coconut Flour Substitutes

Coconut flour is very absorbent, so substitutions need to be done carefully.

• Do not swap 1:1 with almond flour
• If using almond flour:
  • Use about 3–4 times more
  • Reduce liquid slightly

Mascarpone Cheese Swap

If you don’t have mascarpone, you can still make this work beautifully.

• Cream cheese (full fat)
• Dairy-free cream cheese alternative

This will create a slightly tangier flavor but still a creamy, delicious filling.

Sour Cream Substitutes

Sour cream helps create moisture and richness in the cake.

Good alternatives include:

• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• Coconut cream (for dairy-free)
• Labneh

Xanthan Gum vs Glucomannan

Both help bind and stabilize the cake.

• Xanthan gum → more common, reliable structure
• Glucomannan → natural fiber, very powerful thickener
• Use one or the other—not both.

Xanthan gum is a common food additive that helps to thicken and stabilize foods, especially baked goods that are gluten free. It’s provides that texture that gluten would have provided.

It’s a soluble fiber that your body doesn’t breakdown and can’t digest so it doesn’t provide any calories or carbs. Some people don’t like to use it because it is a sugar derived typically from corn. If you’re not a fan of using xanthan gum, glucomannan is the next best choice.

Glucomannan is a natural, water soluble, dietary fiber made from the root of the konjac plant. It can be found as a powder, which is what I used in this recipe, but can also be found in capsule form.

Because of its ability to soak up liquids, it is an impressive thickener and emulsifier. If you’ve never heard of it before, maybe you’ve tried shiritaki noodles? It is the main ingredient for those noodles and has very little carbs and calories. Either of these will work well in this recipe.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

Getting the texture right with a keto cake is all about the little details.

• Bring all ingredients to room temperature
• Don’t overmix the cake batter
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best lemon flavor
• Let the cake cool completely before assembling
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Serving Ideas

This cake is beautiful enough to serve as a whole cake for special occasions, but you can easily dress it up or keep it simple depending on your needs.

• Top with fresh berries
• Light dusting of powdered monk fruit
• Serve as a naked cake (skip sides if preferred)
• Add extra lemon zest on top for presentation

This low carb Italian lemon cream cake is one of those recipes that proves you don’t have to give up dessert to stay consistent.

It’s elegant enough for a celebration, simple enough to make at home, and delicious enough that no one will ever guess it’s sugar free.

Whether you’re making this for your family, a special event, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake truly delivers every time.

All my Italian family absolutely loved this copycat version of the Olive Garden Italian Lemon  Cream Cake! I enjoyed this for my birthday and would make it and take it to any party with non keto friends! It’s a show stopper! Enjoy! 

 Low Carb Italian Lemon Cream Cake (Keto, Nut Free)

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Keto Nut Free Italian Lemon Cream Cake

This low carb Italian lemon cream cake is one of those recipes that proves you don’t have to give up dessert to stay consistent. It’s elegant enough for a celebration, simple enough to make at home, and delicious enough that no one will ever guess it’s sugar free. Whether you’re making this for your family, a special event, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake truly delivers every time.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 16 servings

Calories 335kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar Free Mom

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup Monk fruit Allulose confectioners
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon glucomannan or xanthan gum
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon liquid stevia
• 6 large eggs

Filling

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Monk Fruit Allulose confectioners
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream

Butter Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup Monk Fruit Allulose confectioners
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla liquid stevia
• 1 stick butter cold, cut into pieces or 1/2 cup

Instructions

Cake

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9 inch spring form pans and set aside.
• Whisk together coconut flour, Sweetener, baking soda, powder, salt and glucomannan or xanthan gum. Set aside.
• To a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer and a large bowl, add wet ingredients-the sour cream, softened butter, heavy cream, lemon extract and stevia and blend until combined. Add one egg at a time until combined. Pour in half the dry ingredients and blend until well combined. Add remaining dry ingredients until nicely incorporated.
• Pour cake batter evenly into each cake pan. Bake for 25 -30 minutes or until a toothpick in center comes out clean. Allow to cool 5 minutes then use a butter knife to loosen all around the edges of the cake. Allow to cool completely before removing the sides of the spring form pan.

Filling

• Place all the ingredients, except the heavy cream, into a clean medium bowl or stand mixer and blend until smooth using the paddle attachment. Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.

  Pour in the heavy cream with the whisk attachment, whisk on medium high until nice and smooth and thickened. Set aside in the refrigerator until the cake is cooked and cooled.

Butter Crumb Topping

• Place the dry ingredients into a food processor and process to combine. Add in cold butter. Pulse until crumbs form. Do not over process. Set aside.

Assemble

• Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 3/4 of the filling onto the cake, saving 1/4 of filling for the top layer.

  Place the second cake layer over the filling. Spread the remaining filling over the top.

  Carefully using your hands, sprinkle over the crumb topping over the top of the cake and sides, pushing lightly into the cake. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Net Carbs: 4g

This recipe was published first in January 2020 and updated in April 2021. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

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