These delicious sugar-free cakes for diabetics and low-carb eaters can easily fit into any low sugar or low carb lifestyle! Whether you are trying to watch your sugar intake to manage diabetes or to follow a strict ketogenic diet, you can still make room for sweet treats that taste just like the real thing.
From deliciouschocolate caketocreamy cheesecake recipesand azesty lemon pound cake, this list of sugar-free desserts includes a cake for every one and every special occasion!
main differences in diabetic-friendly baking
Before we get to the full list of sugar-free cakes, let's talk about some of the ingredients you'll find in low-carb, keto and diabetic dessert recipes.
The biggest ingredient changes you will notice are:
- The type of flour used. Coconut flour and almond flour are the two most popular choices due to their nutritional profile, which includes high fiber and low net carbs.
- Almond flour is sort of like the all purpose flour of low-carb baking. While almond flour and coconut flour are not interchangeable, they each have their place in developing low-sugar cake! I often combine them which is a great way to achieve the best cake texture.
- There is no added sugar. Instead, choose low glycemic sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, allulose or stevia.
- There are many natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners on the market these days so make sure you understand your choices and how they affect your own glucose levels.
- I think granulated monk fruit sweetener is the best sugar substitute as it's the easiest to work with and has a delicious sweet taste that is the closest to sugar. I like Lakanto which carries a wide range of excellent sugar substitutes.
the best sugar-free cakes
Enjoy this roundup of sugar-free desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth while helping you keep your blood sugar levels in check!
Many of them are recipes I developed for my site, but I also included some tasty sugar-free cake recipes courtesy a few fellow bloggers and recipe developers in the keto and low-carb food space. Enjoy!
1.keto carrot cake
Tender and spiced to perfection, thislow-carb carrot cakehas no refined sugar and is a healthy cake recipe through and through.
Almond flour and olive oil (plus a secret ingredient!) give it a lovely, soft crumb, and the cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger/cloves combination adds just the right amount of spice without being overpowering.
Top it with a yummy cream cheese frosting for an extra special treat.
2. Keto Chocolate Cake
This keto chocolate cake recipe results in a light and tender almond flour cake with intense chocolate flavor. Rich, wholesome, and unfussy- exactly how every chocolate cake should be! Chocolate sugar-free frosting is a must!
3. Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Orange Cake
Orange and olive oil and a hint of cardamom come together for a delicious, gluten-free orange cake recipe that boasts lots of flavor!
Not only is this snacking cake low-sugar, it is also completely dairy-free, too. It is served with a an optional Greek yogurt cardamom cream that's so simple to make.
4. Keto Almond Cake
An easy and delicious snacking cake with a light almond flavor, this easy, one-bowl cake requires minimal effort for a delicious treat!
Sliced almonds add a bit of crunch while a dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener gives this sugar-free cake a rustic look.
5.Sugar-free Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes)
Craving a classic vanilla cake without all the carbs and sugar?!
This sugar-free vanilla cake recipe by Cassidy's Craveable Creations has a soft and tender crumb with a rich and sweet vanilla flavor.
With only three net carbs per slice, it's a gluten-free and diabetic-friendly cake recipe you can also use to make fun cupcakes!
6. Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Regardless of the season, pumpkin desserts will always get my vote! These keto pumpkin cheesecake bars are gluten-free, keto and dairy free, which also makes them ideal for a diabetic diet.
Rich and creamy with a maple almond flour crust, each bite is bliss.
7. Keto Cake Trifle with Olive Oil Lemon Curd
Find yourself a delicious sugar free vanilla cake mix, prepare it, then layer tasty cake cubes between coconut whipped cream, olive oil lemon curd and fresh berries.
It's a dreamy, sweet-tart combination that is also gluten-free and dairy free.
8. Keto Lemon Pound Cake
This low-carb, sugar-free lemon pound cake is tender and moist and packed with bright, lemon-y flavor!
It is a lovely sugar-free cake for diabetics, keto and gluten-free eaters and will remind you of that moist and tender lemon loaf from your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy it plain, with whipped cream or create a delicious lemon cake with a strawberry mousse topping.
9. Keto Cheesecake
The ultimate sugar-free cake, am I right? It's simple to create a low-carb version with this easy keto cheesecake recipe.
The buttery, toasted almond flour base closely resembles a graham cracker crust while the creamy, silky, cheesecake filling is just like the real deal.
That low-sugar, fresh strawberry topping is optional (but also very much recommended!).
10. Keto Brownie in a Mug
Yes, this may technically be more brownie than cake, but it's essentially a chocolate mug cake for one.
This quick and easy, single-serve keto brownie will curb your chocolate cake cravings and takes just a few minutes to prep! With its gooey, chocolatey texture, I know you'll agree!
Top it with low-carb vanilla ice cream or this keto chocolate sauce for all the yums.
11.Keto Lemon Curd Layer Cake
How gorgeous is the lemon curd layer cake from Keto Cooking Christian?! It's packed with lemony goodness, from the moist and fluffy lemon cake to the creamy lemon frosting and layers of thick lemon curd as the cake filling.
This sweet and tart treat is a wonderful, sugar-free cake option that works year-round!
12. Sugar-Free Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Buttercream
If you like the combination of mint and chocolate, these sugar-free chocolate cupcakes, from Art of Natural Living, have your name on them.
Whether you're baking them up for the holidays or you simply feel like indulging in the delicious flavor combo year-round, you'll love the fluffy chocolate cupcake topped with a luxurious, minty buttercream.
13. Keto Pavlova
A sweet and light meringue dessert made with egg whites and powdered monk fruit sweetener, keto pavlova is possible!
This meringue-cake is crisp on the outside with a fluffy, marshmallow-esque inside. Top it with fresh, seasonal berries, homemade whipped cream and/or this sugar-free lemon curd to create an elegant, sophisticated dessert.
(By the way, save those egg yolks for keto crème brûlée!).
14. Coffee Cheesecake
Coffee lovers, rejoice. This keto coffee cheesecake is rich and creamy with bold espresso flavor! The silky-smooth cheesecake filling bakes on a decadent, chocolate almond flour crust.
See for yourself why it's a personal favorite and a reader favorite, too!
15. Keto Blueberry Cake
This keto blueberry cake from The Roasted Root is a light almond flour cake studded with juicy, fresh blueberries.
It's a breeze to make and its fruity flavor makes it ideal whenever you're craving a sweet treat- whether it's for breakfast or as an after-dinner snack.
16. Healthy Pumpkin Bread
If you're a fan of a tender pumpkin loaf, you'll love this healthy pumpkin bread! While it tastes more like a tender slice of pumpkin cake (and you can certainly add your own cream cheese frosting), let's just call it bread to get away with having it for breakfast. 😉
Each slice packed with warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, and you'd never even guess it's low-carb and sugar-free.
17. Keto Strawberry Shortcake
Summer isn't the same without strawberry shortcake and now you can have your (short)cake and eat it too!
This keto and diabetic-friendly shortcake recipe includes juicy, sweet strawberries drizzled on tender biscuit cakes and topped with a homemade sugar-free whipped cream.
18. Keto "Hershey's" Chocolate Cake
This copycat Hershey's chocolate cake from Fit To Serve Group is a low-carb and keto-friendly version of the classic chocolate cake recipe found on the back of the Hershey's cocoa powder box.
Easy, low-carb swaps include almond flour, coconut flour and sugar-free sweetener for the dry ingredients, but the overall taste and texture mimics the classic Hershey's chocolate cake that many know and love!
19. Keto Apple Cake
With shreds of zucchini, bits of sweet apple and a generous amount of cinnamon, this refined sugar-free cake has warm spices and seasonal flavors you'll love.
The small amount of apple keeps this indulgent treat low-sugar. A rich and creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch.
20. Keto Lemon Cake
Thirty Something Super Mom shared this keto lemon cake recipe that calls for basic ingredients that any keto pantry is most likely stocked up with!
It's a delightful balance of a low-carb lemon pound cake and a classic birthday cake, packed with bold lemon flavor and a delicate sweetness that all lemon lovers will enjoy!
21. Low-Carb Gingerbread Loaf
I'm obsessed with this keto and diabetic-friendly version of my favorite holiday snacking cake! It is packed with cozy gingerbread flavor and topped with an orange cream cheese frosting.
Best of all, not only is this one-bowl cake recipe completely sugar-free but it's also gluten-free and dairy optional. Make this keto gingerbread loaf stat!
22. Low-carb Tres Leches Cake
If you're a fan of the classic Mexican tres leches cake, this recipe by We Want to Eat is a spin on traditional tres leches, created with low-carb ingredients!
It's rich, spongy and creamy, with hints of vanilla extract and cinnamon.
23. Keto Basque Burnt Cheesecake
If you've never tried a Basque burnt cheesecake, you're in for a treat. It's creamy and much lighter than traditional cheesecake, with a flavor that's halfway between custard and caramel.
This version is sweetened with golden granulated monk fruit and is quite possibly the easiest cheesecake you'll ever make! It's crustless and is cooked at a high heat to get a perfectly imperfect, burnt and blistered top.
24. Keto Chocolate Pound Cake
If your love for chocolate runs deep, this one-bowl, keto chocolate pound cake has your name on it.
Almond extract and rich cocoa powder make a dreamy flavor combination. Top this moist chocolate cake with a silky chocolate ganache and sliced almonds for an elegant yet rustic finish.
25. Chocolate Chaffle Cake with Peanut Butter Mousse
Chocolate, peanut butter, and waffles?! What's not to love?!
This chocolate chaffle cake recipe by Low Carb No Carb features sweet, chocolate-y "chaffles" (low-carb waffles made with cheese!) layered between a rich and indulgent peanut butter mousse.
It's easy to assemble and calls for simple ingredients that are most staples in any keto pantry.
26. Keto Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
If you're craving chocolate cupcakes, these chocolate zucchini muffins are the next best thing! You can easily feed that chocolate craving without spiking your blood sugar level.
Cake-like in texture, they are ultra moist from the shreds of fresh zucchini and almond flour. Plus, they're simple to make and suit any time of day, whether you're looking for an on-the-go breakfast, an after-school snack or decadent dessert.
27. Keto Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
This keto strawberry shortcake ice cream cake is the ultimate summertime indulgence! A layer of rich vanilla cake, sugar-free (and dairy-free) gelato and a sweet strawberry layer come together in one epic ice cream cake that the entire family will love.
This is the summertime cake we all need a slice of!
28.No-Bake Protein Cheesecake
If you're looking for a sugar-free cheesecake recipe that's also high in protein, try out this no-bake dessert from Best Clean Eating.
A blend of nuts creates the delicious base for the blueberry cheesecake topping. It's easy to make, perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven, and each slice offers 8 grams of protein!
29. Keto Coconut Bundt Cake
A beautiful coconut cake for any occasion, this keto coconut Bundt cake has coconut in every bite.
From the intense coconut flavor in the cake to a simple coconut glaze and shredded coconut topping, there's so much deliciousness in every bite of this sugar-free coconut cake.
30.Keto Strawberry and Cream Cake
This strawberry and cream cake from Divalicious Recipes is a gluten-free and sugar-free alternative to the Victoria sponge cake.
Light vanilla sponge cakes made with almond flour are sandwiched together between layers of whipped cream and strawberry jam.
31. Low-Carb Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
There's just something so special about a classic Bundt and this one is ideal for the holidays!
This low-carb cranberry orange Bundt cake is a sugar-free stunner that is perfect for a holiday table. Fresh cranberries and a touch of orange give the cake a delicious flavor while a simple cranberry glaze adds a beautiful color.
32.Star Fruit Upside Down Cake
An upside-down pineapple cake is a classic for good reason, but this low-carb version by Keto Vegetarian Recipes replaces the higher-sugar pineapple for low-carb star fruit!
Not only is it a tasty cake and an easy recipe, but it's oh so pretty, too.
33.Battenberg cake
With only 5g net carbs per slice, this low-carb Battenberg cake is a spin on the traditional British tea cake made with light sponge cake, apricot jam and marzipan.
This sugar-free version by Divalicious Recipes swaps in a coconut flour cake, raspberry chia jam and a sugar-free marzipan cake coating.
34.Keto Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Sweet, fruity and slightly tangy, the summery flavors of strawberry lemonade are infused into every bite of this low-carb cake recipe by Keto Cooking Christian.
The moist and fluffy lemon cake is paired with a smooth and creamy strawberry frosting. Lemon juice and sour cream create the perfect tartness in the cake while freeze-dried strawberries add a natural berry flavor to the frosting.
35.Easy Keto Birthday Cake
Here to Cook created this easy keto birthday cake that is a special occasion all on its own!
It features soft vanilla cake layers, a rich cream cheese frosting and a sugar-free caramel sauce drizzled in between. YUM. It's a beautiful and impressive diabetic birthday cake made without any real sugar!
36. Flourless Chocolate Cake
Rich and fudgy, this gluten-free and keto flourless chocolate cake by Cassidy's Craveable Creations has a silky ganache topping and intense chocolate flavor! It's a sugar free chocolate cake that is extra decadent and features zero flour in the cake batter.
37.Keto Earthquake Cake
A coconut pecan crust, rich chocolate cake and a cream cheese swirl come together to create this sugar-free earthquake cake recipe by We Want To Eat.
It's sweet and rich and chocolate-y and every bite will remind you of a candy bar. This low-carb version makes a tasty dessert that keto dieters and diabetics - or anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake- will love.
38. Keto Spice Cake with Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
A tender spice cake with shreds of either apple or zucchini woven throughout, this easy snacking cake features a thick and creamy chai-inspired frosting, flavored with cinnamon and cardamom.
It's perfect for the holiday season or whenever you want an easy-to-make cake with warming flavors and spices.
39.Keto Vegan Chocolate Cake
If you're searching for the perfect low-carb chocolate cake that is also vegan, you might love this sugar-free chocolate cake from Keto Vegetarian Recipes.
Instead of butter and traditional flour, this recipe calls for almond flour and avocado which helps give the cake its fudgy texture. Top it with a creamy, vegan chocolate frosting and you're good to go!
40. Layered Keto Cake (Ombre Cake)
This all-occasion sugar-free cake by Mad Creations is gorgeous! The featured flavors are Lemon Coconut, Vanilla and White Chocolate Strawberry Mud Cake but you can easily choose your own favorite cake layer colors and flavors to make a pretty ombré effect.
tips for baking sugar-free cakes
- Sugar substitutes:If you're new to using sugar-free alternatives, my biggest piece of advice is to play around with a few popular ones and see what suits your taste buds. If you're diabetic, you may also need to consult a nutritionist for recommendations on the best sweetener options and how they affect your blood sugar. I personally like the taste of monk fruit sweetener blends (monk fruit and erythritol), as well as allulose (or a monk fruit/allulose blend). I don't care too much for plain erythritol because of its cooling aftertaste, but some people don't seem to mind it! If you are looking for a more paleo-friendly sweetener, coconut sugar can often be swapped in 1:1 in many of my sugar-free cake recipes.
- Room temperature ingredients:Just like in traditional baking, using room temperature ingredients will often yield the best results (unless the recipe states otherwise). This is because the ingredients are able to blend well together and will often give you a smoother cake batter. In cake recipes that call for melted coconut oil, it's especially important to use room temperature ingredients the oil can re-solidify and leave the batter lumpy if mixed with cold ingredients (like cold eggs).
- Measure properly:This is true in both low-carb baking and traditional baking. Scoop and level alternative flours like almond flour and coconut flour, and make sure you're not packing it into the measuring cups. A kitchen scale is also handy and many of these recipes include measurements in grams along with cups.
Let this list serve as proof that sugar-free cakes for diabetics, low-carb and keto eaters alike don't have to be tasteless or boring! They can be fun, delicious and elevated, too!
If you try any of these sugar-free cake recipes and love them, please consider leaving a five-star review on the recipe post or letting me know in the comments below.
Happy baking!
items that will come in handy
As you make your way through the list of sugar-free cake recipes, the following ingredients and tools will come in handy. As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase any of these items.
The recommend products below are the same pans that I use (and love!) for my own low-carb baking. Your support helps keeps this blog and low-carb resource running, so THANK YOU!
Baking tools
- round cake pan
- Bundt cake pan
- square baking pan
- muffin tin
- springform pan
- loaf pan
- parchment paper
- rubber spatula
- hand mixer
Recommended Ingredients
- granulated golden monk fruit sweetener
- powdered monk fruit sweetener
- olive oil
- coconut oil
- superfine almond flour
- coconut flour
- xanthan gum (watch this quick video to see how xanthan gum can be used in low-carb baking!)
you might also love...
- This easy keto meatloaf recipe without bread crumbs! Packed with flavor and protein and topped with a simple glaze, this recipe is a keeper!
- Keto chili (no beans!) is a family favorite with rich, zesty flavors.
- This list of 15 low-carb and low sugar drinks at Starbucks. If you've ever wondered how or what to order, this is your new guide.
- A roundup of easy keto chicken thigh recipes that will make dinnertime a breeze.
- This list of 25 high-protein keto recipes that are flavorful and delicious.
