Keto Lemon Pound Cake – A Zesty Low Carb Dessert You’ll Love.
Bright, Tangy, and Totally Keto-Friendly
If you’ve been on the hunt for a low carb dessert that tastes just as good as the original, this Keto Lemon Pound Cake is here to deliver. Moist, dense, buttery, and bursting with real lemon flavor, it’s the kind of treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.
This cake is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low carb lifestyle. It swaps out traditional flour and sugar for almond flour and low-carb sweeteners, giving you all the texture and flavor of classic pound cake—without spiking your blood sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Lemon Pound Cake
- ✅ Low in carbs, high in flavor
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Made with almond flour and sugar-free sweetener
- ✅ Bright lemony taste with moist, buttery texture
- ✅ Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack
This recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re pairing it with afternoon tea or enjoying a slice as a post-dinner treat, this cake is always a hit.
What Makes It Keto?
To be considered keto-friendly, a dessert must be low in net carbohydrates and free of refined sugars and high-carb flours. Here’s how this recipe qualifies:
- Almond flour replaces traditional flour, offering a low-carb, gluten-free base that’s rich in healthy fats.
- Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener is used instead of sugar.
- No added fruit juice—just real lemon zest and juice for a natural citrus flavor.
- Butter and eggs provide healthy fats and keep it dense and rich.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what each ingredient does:
- Almond flour – Gives the cake its soft, dense crumb similar to traditional pound cake. It’s low-carb and naturally gluten-free.
- Butter – Adds richness, moisture, and flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and help the cake rise.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice – For fresh, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.
- Low-carb sweetener – Choose erythritol, monk fruit blend, or allulose for a sugar-free sweetness.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Optional Lemon Glaze
You can elevate this keto lemon cake even further with a sugar-free glaze made from powdered sweetener and lemon juice. It adds a beautiful sheen and extra citrusy pop on top.
Texture and Flavor Notes
This keto lemon pound cake has a dense, moist texture, much like the classic version made with flour. It slices beautifully, has a tight crumb, and features bright lemon flavor with buttery undertones. You won’t miss the carbs at all.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries for fewer carbs).
- Toast slices lightly for a delicious breakfast.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of tea or keto-friendly latte.
- Dress it up with keto lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week—great for make-ahead prep.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat.
Tips & Tricks for Success
- Use finely ground almond flour, not almond meal, for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—blend just until ingredients are combined.
- Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for even texture.
- Add extra lemon zest if you want an extra punch of citrus flavor.
- Use a loaf pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
Quick Recipe Summary
Keto Lemon Pound Cake
Description:
A rich, moist, and zesty lemon pound cake made keto-friendly with almond flour and sugar-free sweetener. Perfect for a low-carb dessert or a refreshing breakfast treat.
Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated erythritol (or other keto sweetener)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sweetener until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- (Optional) Make the glaze: Whisk lemon juice into powdered sweetener until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.