Keto Lemon Pound Cake: Carbs And Calories Explained

Keto lemon pound cake is a delicious, low-carb dessert option that is perfect for those who love lemon-flavoured treats. The cake is moist, fluffy, and buttery, with a bold lemon taste that is not overpowering. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, making it a healthy option for those with dietary restrictions. The cake typically has between 2 to 6 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the recipe, and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients for a keto lemon pound cake

A keto lemon pound cake is a delicious, low-carb dessert that is perfect for those who love the tangy taste of lemon. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this mouth-watering treat:

Dry Ingredients

• Almond flour – Superfine or blanched almond flour is best. Avoid using almond meal as it will make the cake dense and heavy.
• Coconut flour – This gives the cake a fluffier texture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• Sugar-free sweetener – Monk fruit sweetener is a great option, but you can also use allulose or another granulated sweetener.
• Baking powder – This helps the cake rise and gives it depth.
• Salt – A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Wet Ingredients

• Eggs – Use room-temperature eggs for the best results.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is preferred, and it should be softened.
• Sour cream – This is the secret ingredient to making the cake moist. You can also use Greek yogurt.
• Lemon extract – This gives the cake an extra lemony flavour without needing any actual lemon juice.
• Milk of choice – Unsweetened almond milk is a good option, but any milk can be used.
• Lemon juice and zest – These add a tanginess and freshness to the cake.

Optional Ingredients

• Cream cheese – For a cream cheese frosting or glaze.
• Poppy seeds – For a subtle change in flavour and texture.
• Coconut butter – For a delicious drizzle on top of the cake.

With these ingredients, you will be well on your way to making a delicious keto lemon pound cake that is sure to impress!

How to make a keto lemon pound cake

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 8 whole eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups of granulated sugar substitute
• 2 1/2 cups of finely ground almond flour, measured and sifted
• 1/3 cup of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon rind
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges and halved (optional garnish)
• Fresh lemon zest, to sprinkle over the top of the iced lemon pound cake

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and line a 10x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, measure and sift the almond flour and set it aside.
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter on high until light and fluffy.
• Add the sugar substitute to this mixture and combine well.
• Then, add the 8 eggs one at a time, making sure that it is fully incorporated.
• Next, stir in the sifted almond flour, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest and mix well.
• Lastly, stir in the lemon juice and lemon extract and beat until the batter is fully incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool on a baking rack for at least 15 minutes before unmolding.
• While the cake is still slightly warm, spread the lemon glaze over it.
• For the glaze, combine 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar substitute with 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
• Spread the icing over the warm cake using an offset spatula. Allow the glaze to set fully, then garnish the cake with lemon wedges and fresh lemon zest.

Tips:

• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.
• If you want to add more lemon flavor, you can add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the batter.
• If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, leave out the lemon juice and zest from the recipe.
• You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to make the batter.
• If you want to make a lemon cream cheese frosting, use a cream cheese frosting recipe and replace the milk with lemon juice.
• To make a lemon glaze, simply whisk together powdered sweetener, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until a thin glaze forms.

Tips for making a keto lemon pound cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients, including eggs, butter, and cream cheese.
• Sift the dry ingredients, such as almond flour and baking powder, to remove any clumps and ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Beat the batter vigorously until it has a pleasant, smooth, and slightly thick but pourable consistency.
• Use a smaller 6-cup bundt pan instead of the standard larger pans.
• For a stronger lemon flavour, add lemon juice, lemon zest, or lemon extract to the batter.
• If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavour, you can leave out the lemon juice and zest and simply use lemon extract.
• If you want to add a sweet topping, make a lemon glaze using lemon juice, sweetener, and cream cheese or butter.
• For a different flavour and texture, add poppy seeds to the batter before baking.
• To store, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to three months.

How to store a keto lemon pound cake

To store a keto lemon pound cake, it is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

If you want to freeze the cake, it is recommended to slice it up first and place the slices in a ziplock bag. It can then be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you want to enjoy a slice of the frozen keto lemon pound cake, you can give it 15-20 seconds in the microwave to warm it up slightly. Just be careful not to leave it in the microwave for too long, or the frosting will melt away.

Health benefits of a keto lemon pound cake

A keto lemon pound cake is a healthier alternative to a traditional lemon pound cake, which is typically made with sugar and all-purpose flour—ingredients that are high in carbs. Here are some of the health benefits of a keto lemon pound cake:

Low in Carbs

Keto lemon pound cakes typically use alternative ingredients that are low in carbohydrates. For example, instead of flour, recipes often call for almond flour or coconut flour, which have a lower carb content. This reduction in carbs is particularly beneficial for individuals following a ketogenic diet, as it helps maintain a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Sugar-Free

Many keto lemon pound cake recipes are sugar-free, using sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or xylitol. Reducing sugar intake can have several health benefits, such as lowering the risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.

Dairy-Free

While eggs are used in keto lemon pound cakes, the recipes typically do not contain other dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese. This makes the cake suitable for individuals with dairy intolerances or allergies, and those following a dairy-free diet.

High in Protein

Keto lemon pound cakes are often high in protein due to the use of ingredients like eggs and almond flour. Protein is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth, immune function, and hormone regulation. Including sufficient protein in the diet can also promote satiety, helping individuals feel fuller for longer and potentially leading to reduced calorie intake.

Gluten-Free

By using alternative flours like almond and coconut flour, keto lemon pound cakes are naturally gluten-free. This makes them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance and can provide a tasty treat for those following a gluten-free diet.

High in Healthy Fats

Keto diets typically encourage the consumption of healthy fats, and keto lemon pound cakes often include ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil or butter, and eggs, which are good sources of healthy fats. These fats can help promote satiety, support cell health, and provide energy, especially when the body is in a state of ketosis.

Frequently asked questions