Classic Keto Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This keto carrot cake recipe uses simple ingredients to create a classic carrot cake for the keto diet. Frosted with a delicious keto cream cheese frosting and bursting with the flavor of warm spices, this low carb carrot cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, it’s so easy to make! 

This sugar-free carrot cake rivals even the best traditional carrot cake, making it my favorite cake to serve for any special occasion. As someone who is a chocolate lover, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this delicious recipe, even more than my favorite keto chocolate cake.

These keto cake recipes have made following a keto lifestyle and watching my carb count so easy. 

CAN A CARROT CAKE BE SUGAR-FREE & KETO? 

This cake is both sugar-free and keto-friendly. Plus, it tastes like the real thing and is so easy to whip up! You’ll love the creamy frosting and satisfying texture of this keto dessert. With just one bite of this moist carrot cake, you’ll be hooked. 

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EASY KETO CARROT CAKE RECIPE INGREDIENTS

With a quick trip to the grocery store, you can easily whip up this sugar-free carrot cake today! The cake batter and the delicious cream cheese frosting are made up of the following ingredients.

DRY INGREDIENTS

This recipe calls for almond flour, coconut flour, and baking powder to create the cake layers. Using Keto flours in place of regular flour such as all-purpose or wheat flour, can help to keep the grams of net carbs low. 

WET INGREDIENTS

This recipe calls for eggs, olive oil, vanilla extract, shredded carrots (fresh carrots work best), and shredded coconuts. You can substitute the oils with coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer but I like olive oil best because it contains healthy fat without extra unhealthy fat. 

KETO SWEETENER

This sugar-free cake is sweetened with stevia but you can use whichever sugar substitutes you prefer for this keto recipe. For best results, try making this recipe as the recipe card states the first time, then experiment the next time you make it with your sweetener of choice.

Some good options that will not spike your blood sugar are Swerve brown sugar replacement, swerve powdered sweetener, monk fruit, or one of my favorite artificial sweeteners, Erythritol. 

Be sure to read the nutritional information to make sure you are choosing a low-carb option. 

SPICES

The ground cloves and cinnamon infuse this low-carb carrot cake with warm, aromatic notes without unnecessary grams of carbs. Add in more cinnamon if you prefer but keep in mind that each tablespoon of cinnamon adds another 2.2 g net carbs. 

HOW TO MAKE KETO CARROT CAKE

This delicious keto carrot cake recipe is made similar to regular carrot cake and can easily be converted into a keto carrot cake cupcake recipe or even carrot cake pancakes. Here are my best tips for making this delicious keto cake so it comes out perfectly. 

Prep Your Cake Pans: The first step is to line the bottom of your pans with a piece of parchment paper. This ensures that the cake layers bake evenly and release easily from the pans, preventing any sticking or tearing. The parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup, as it can simply be lifted out of the pans once the cakes have cooled.

With the right preparation, you’ll have perfectly shaped cake layers that are ready to be stacked, frosted, and enjoyed! Use two 8-inch pans for a two-layer cake or for a classic layer cake, line the bottom of one 9” by 13” pan to make a one-layer cake.

For a mini keto carrot cake, use four 4-inch pans for individual servings.

Grate the Carrots: Be sure to finely grate your carrots using a shredder or food processor. This root vegetable doesn’t break down easily during baking, so the finer the grate, the better the carrot will incorporate into the cake batter, ensuring a smooth texture and even distribution of flavor throughout each bite. 

Additionally, finely grated carrots contribute to the cake’s moistness, enhancing its overall richness and depth of flavor. So take the time to finely grate your carrots—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result of your keto carrot cake.

Carefully Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, and then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. 

It’s Bake Time: Pour the batter into your choice of pan and pop the whole cake into the oven. Be sure to let the cake cool to room temperature before removing from the pan and frosting the top. 

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST KETO CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

This smooth and creamy frosting is perfect for a variety of cakes which is why this is my go-to cream cheese frosting for keto cakes. This original recipe is a delicious way to frost everything from mug cakes to a birthday cake, a great thing to have on hand for carrot cake season. 

Ingredients for Keto Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting calls for cream cheese, butter, swerve powdered sugar substitute, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. 

Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese: The first step in making the low-carb cream cheese frosting is to soften the cream cheese and butter. I usually do this by leaving it out ahead of time so it can get down to room temperature but you can use the microwave if you want to speed up the process. Just be sure to check it frequently so you don’t end up with melted butter. 

In a pinch, xanthan gum can thicken ingredients that have accidentally melted when softening in the microwave. 

Frosting Instructions: In a spacious bowl, thoroughly blend the cream cheese and unsalted butter until you achieve a smooth texture. Incorporate the sweetener and vanilla extract until fully mixed. Gradually integrate the heavy whipping cream until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. You want a thick frosting, not a sour cream texture. 

Assembly: Begin by situating one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread frosting on top of the first cake layer. Repeat this process with the remaining layers. Utilize the final portion of frosting to lightly coat the sides of the cake, allowing some of the cake to peek through. Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded carrots around the perimeter of the top of the cake for a decorative touch.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE CARROTS LOW CARB?

Carrots can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto low-carb diet since carrots contain about 7 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces, which measures about half of a cup of shredded carrots. If you are looking for good alternatives to carrots for the keto diet, try using grated parsnips, zucchini, or rutabaga for a low carb alternative to carrots. 

CAN DIABETICS EAT CARROT CAKE?

Absolutely! Since this recipe for carrot cake is low in carbohydrates, it can indeed be considered a diabetic-friendly dessert option. Unlike traditional carrot cakes, which are laden with sugar, this version contains significantly fewer carbs, making it a suitable choice for individuals managing diabetes. However, it’s still important for those with diabetes to be mindful of their carbohydrate intake, seek medical advice from a professional, and monitor their blood sugar levels accordingly.

With this low-carb carrot cake recipe topped with sugar-free cream cheese frosting, diabetics can indulge in a delicious treat without worrying about spiking their blood sugar levels excessively.

CAN YOU EAT CREAM CHEESE ON KETO? 

Certainly! Cream cheese is a highly favored ingredient in the keto diet due to its low carbohydrate content. With just 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce serving, it aligns well with the principles of keto. Additionally, cream cheese boasts a satisfyingly high-fat content, with 8 grams of fat per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their fat intake while following a ketogenic lifestyle.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into meals, cream cheese can be a valuable addition to a keto-friendly diet plan.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to a week.

If wrapped tightly, you can freeze this cake for about 2 months. This recipe is best when served fresh but if you are baking ahead of time and freezing, it may be best to add the pecans and shredded carrots for decoration on top of the cake, the day you plan on serving it. Be sure to allow it to sit at room temperature to defrost before serving. 

MORE KETO RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Fudgy Sugar-Free Brownies Recipe

Keto Rainbow Cookies

Best Keto Lemon Cake Recipe

Low-Carb Cheesecake Recipe

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