This gorgeous layered keto sugar-free vanilla cake recipe has an outstanding vanilla flavor with a soft and tender crumb. It's gluten-free and diabetic-friendly, having only three net carbs per slice!
This Classic Low-Carb Vanilla Cake has a simple list of ingredients that mix beautifully to make a perfect cake!
It has such a rich flavor and soft and tender crumb that no one will believe it's low-carb and gluten-free!
What makes this sugar-free cake different?
Instead of erythritol, we're using allulose. Unlike erythritol, allulose gives the cake an incredibly soft and tender crumb with NO aftertaste!
❤️ Why You'll Love This Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake Recipe: 1) Classic Cake Flavor. 2) Light and tender crumb. 3) Perfect for special occasions. 4) It has NO weird aftertaste. 5) Rich and creamy vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. 6) Gluten-free, sugar-free, keto, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly, having only three net carbs per serving!
This low-carb cake recipe is similar to a yellow cake but with two differences.
First, it has a more robust vanilla flavor than a traditional yellow cake.
Second, it calls for part egg whites instead of whole eggs to give it a slightly lighter, fluffier texture.
It is also super versatile! The batter is strong enough to make shaped cakes, multi-layers, or cupcakes.
This keto vanilla cake is also classy enough for an anniversary party or wedding celebration and unassuming enough for dessert after a simple family dinner.
Or, if you're looking for more cake recipes, I think you'll love this keto red velvet cake, keto gingerbread cake, and classic layered low-carb chocolate cake!!!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe also makes 24 cupcakes. After they have cooled, I recommend refrigerating them for an hour before frosting for a perfect crumb.
Traditional cakes are not allowed on Keto. However, this recipe is made with almond flour, coconut flour, and a sugar-free sweetener, making it keto-friendly!
When decorating this sugar-free cake, here is how you divide the frosting: ¼ of the frosting goes between the layers, ½ of the frosting goes on the outside and top, and ¼ should be reserved for piping and decorating around the edges.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make this layered keto vanilla cake:
- Blanched Almond Flour - Low-carb flour.
- Coconut Flour - Another low-carb flour. It is very absorbent and makes the low-carb cake extra soft!
- Sea Salt - Enhances the flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder - I like baking soda and baking powder when making cakes. This is because baking powder gives added leavening and helps keep the cake from falling after an initial rise in the oven. Also, using only baking powder can sometimes lend a bitter aftertaste. Using both, we can use less baking powder to ensure no aftertaste.
- Butter - Be sure the butter is at room temperature.
- Allulose - My preferred sweetener because it makes the cake extra soft and has ZERO aftertaste!
- Eggs & Egg Whites - Eggs are required when baking with coconut flour. The added egg whites give it a lighter texture.
- Unsweetened, Non-Dairy Milk - Be sure to use non-dairy, as cow's milk has quite a few carbs.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Or White Vinegar - Adds tenderness and lightness. It also reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise. But don't worry, you can't taste it!
- Pure Vanilla - If possible, use pure vanilla, not the imitation variety.
🔪 Easy instructions
Step #1: Whisk together the dry ingredients and bring the eggs to room temperature.
💭Tip: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature. Otherwise, they can solidify the butter.
Step #2: Cream together some room-temperature butter and allulose until well incorporated, soft, and fluffy.
💭Tip: Keto sweeteners take longer to incorporate into the butter. When creaming the two together, it may take a little longer than usual, up to 5 minutes, until it's light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
Step #3: Beat in the eggs one at a time.
It may seem like a lot of eggs, but that's the nature of coconut flour - it requires lots of eggs. The eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness. And the three extra egg whites make the cake extra light and airy.
Step #4: Beat in the non-dairy milk, vinegar, and pure vanilla.
💭Tip: Be sure to use unsweetened non-dairy milk, not cow's milk, to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
Step #5: Slowly beat in the dry ingredients.
The batter will be slightly thick and lumpy, but this is normal.
Step #6: Bake.
Divide the batter into three parchment-lined 8-inch baking pans and bake.
Step #7: Cool.
Allow to cool slightly, then invert them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, wrap it in plastic and place it in the fridge for at least one hour before frosting for the best texture.
Step #8: Frost with keto buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting.
Frosting and assembling
Step #1: Place a small amount of frosting on a cake stand or turntable to keep the cake from moving around. If decorating directly on a cake plate or stand, slide four pieces of parchment paper underneath the edges of the cake for easy cleanup.
Step #2: Pipe frosting around the edge of the cake layer (optional), then evenly spread frosting over the cake. Repeat with the remaining layers, adding the layers upside down for a more level cake.
Step #3: Add frosting to the sides of the cake, then use a bench scraper to smooth out the edges and the top.
For more detailed instructions with step-by-step pictures, see my tutorial on how to frost a semi-naked cake!
Variations and Decorating
Here are some fun variations and decorating ideas:
- Frosting: Instead of buttercream, frost with keto chocolate buttercream frosting or keto cream cheese frosting.
- Funfetti: Mix sugar-free sprinkles into the batter before baking and decorate the top with them.
- Berry: Add sliced berries to the top and between the layers.
- Layer Flavors: Add Strawberry Lemonade Frosting or Low-Carb Vanilla Pastry Cream between the layers.
- Strawberry: Add sliced strawberries to the top and between the layers. Then, frost with whipped cream or sugar-free chocolate buttercream for chocolate strawberry.
- Coconut: Add coconut extract and decorate with unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Lemon: Replace the apple cider vinegar with lemon juice and add two tablespoons of lemon zest before baking. Then, add lemon zest and juice to the buttercream frosting. Or add keto lemon curd between the layers.
💭Tip: When adding fillings between layers, be sure to pipe frosting around the edges to keep everything in!
Storage & make-ahead
- Store: This keto vanilla cake recipe can be tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, place the cake on a sheet pan, uncovered, and freeze until solid. Then, wrap it in several layers of plastic and foil and freeze for 2 to 3 months. To thaw, unwrap the cake and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Make-Ahead: Store the unfrosted cakes, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frosting or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter in the cake. I have dairy-free options for the frosting on the page with the recipe.
- Sweetener: I recommend allulose, but xylitol or a monk/fruit allulose sweetener can be substituted. If you use any sweetener other than pure allulose, reduce it to 1 ½ cups since allulose isn't quite as sweet as other sweeteners. An erythritol-based sweetener can be substituted, but if you choose this option, I recommend adding an additional 3 to 4 Tablespoons of non-dairy milk to keep it from being dry.
- Please do not substitute the almond or coconut flour, as the keto cake will not turn out correctly.
💭Top tips
- Use room temperature ingredients. If the ingredients are cold, they can solidify the butter.
- Line the pans with parchment paper. If you skip the parchment paper, you will have trouble with the cakes sticking to the pans, so don't skip it!
- Completely cool cake layers before frosting. It will be a disaster if you try to assemble or frost the low-carb cake, even if it's the slightest bit warm! To ensure the cakes are completely cool after they come to room temperature, I cover mine in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It can be refrigerated for up to one day before frosting.
- Refrigerate the low-carb cake after frosting. After the cake is frosted, place it in the fridge for 1 hour. This allows time for the cake and frosting to re-set, as it were. It will also ensure clean slices without crumbs.
- A word of caution: not all coconut flours are the same! Some brands are much more absorbent than others. Because of this, I only recommend using Bob's Red Mill, Besti, or Arrowhead Mills.
If you've tried this Keto Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake Recipe, please let me know what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake (Low-Carb, Keto)
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Blanched Almond Flour - finely ground
- ⅔ Cups Coconut Flour
- ¾ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¾ Cup Butter or Non-Dairy Butter - room temperature
- 2 Cups Allulose - see notes below for substitutions
- 7 Large Eggs
- 3 Large Egg Whites
- 1 Cup Unsweetened, Non-Dairy Milk
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar - or white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla
Frosting (click link for the recipe):
Frosting Tutorial:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 3 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper and grease with oil.
- Set out butter to bring to room temperature. To get the butter to room temperature, I love this tutorial on How To Soften Butter Quickly from Sally’s Baking Addiction. In a separate bowl, cover the 10 eggs with warm water and set aside so they come to room temperature.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Break up any clumps with your fingers.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sweetener until light and fluffy. It may seem crumbly at first but keep beating until smooth, up to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula if needed.
- Beat in the eggs and egg whites one at a time, then the non-dairy milk, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Turn mixer to low and beat in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is nicely browned.
- Allow to slightly cool in the pan, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack (removing the parchment paper) to cool completely. Then tightly cover the cakes in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least one hour or up to overnight before frosting for the best texture.
Frosting And Assembling
- Prepare the frosting as directed (click the link in the recipe card).
- Place a small amount of frosting on a cake stand or turntable to keep the cake from moving around. Use a cake circle for an easy transfer, if desired. If decorating directly on a cake plate or stand, slide 4 pieces of parchment paper underneath the edges of the cake for easy cleanup.
- Pipe frosting around the edge of the cake layer (optional) then evenly spread frosting over the cake. Repeat with the remaining layers, adding the layers upside down for a more level cake.
- Add frosting to the sides and top of the cake, then use a bench scraper to smooth out the edges and the top and decorate as desired. See the tutorial How To Frost A Semi-Naked Cake for more details and step-by-step pictures. After the cake is frosted, place it in the fridge for 1 hour. This allows time for the cake and frosting to re-set, as it were. It will also ensure clean slices without crumbs.
Add Your Own Notes
Video
Notes
- See how easy this recipe is to make on my YouTube channel! Watch the full video here: YouTube Cake Video
- Use room temperature ingredients. If the ingredients are cold, they can solidify the butter.
- You can also use this recipe to make a 2-layer, 8-inch cake. It will just take slightly longer to cook.
- To check the size of your cake pan, cake pans are measured across the top, not the bottom. Do not measure from the outside edges; you do not want to include the pan's thickness. Adjust baking times accordingly if you are not using an 8-inch cake pan.
- A word of caution: not all coconut flours are the same! Some brands are much more absorbent than others. Because of this, I only recommend using Bob's Red Mill, Besti, or Arrowhead Mills. These are the brands I know will work. If you need to use another brand, I can't guarantee the results, but look for one that is soft and fluffy, not gritty.
- Sweetener Substitutions: I recommend allulose, but xylitol or a monk/fruit allulose sweetener can be substituted. If you use any sweetener other than pure allulose, reduce it to 1 ½ cups since allulose isn't quite as sweet as other sweeteners. An erythritol-based sweetener can be substituted, but if you choose this option, I recommend adding an additional 3 to 4 Tablespoons of non-dairy milk to keep it from being dry.
- WARNING: Xylitol is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts! So be careful if you have a pup!
- As a special gift to my readers, I've teamed up with BESTI to give you guys 10% off! Simply enter the code "CRAVEABLE" at checkout.
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
*Recipe adapted from Wholesome Yum's Keto Birthday Cake recipe
Anna Barton says
I've made your Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake twice, so far. No frosting, just diced strawberries. 🍓🍓🍓It was the most SCRUMPTIOUS strawberry shortcake ever! And so buttery. No need to keep searching - I've found the BEST Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake. Thank you ever so much!
Cassidy says
Oh my goodness, THANK YOU! I'm so happy you like it, this makes my day 😀
XO,
Cassidy
Donna Etherton says
Hi! Is this recipe enough for 3-8” layers? Or 2-8” layers?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Donna!
This recipe can make 2 8-inch layers or 3 slightly shorter 8-inch layers. I hope this helps!
-Cassidy Stauffer
Rhoda says
Hello! We loooove this cake! I’ve made it with honey instead of other sweetener and ground vanilla bean because of my dietary needs. Used a Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. It turned out amazing!
I’m making it now for a lactose free friend and wondered if coconut oil instead of butter might work as a substitute.
Thank you!!! 🥰I finally can enjoy cake again that doesn’t make me sick AND tastes amazing.
Cassidy Stauffer says
YAY Rhoda, I'm so happy you like it - thank you!!!!
I've never tried it with coconut oil before so I can't say for sure. It should probably work, but it may slightly change the taste and texture. Again, though, I can't say for sure without trying it. If you make it with coconut oil please come back and let me know how it went!
Happy Baking!
-Cassidy
Kathi L says
Quick question- I’m making this for a group that is VERY carb conscious. Would this be 1g of net carbs- or have you already subtracted the fiber? I’m sorry if this has already been asked!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Kathi L!
Each serving has 15 total carbs and 1 net carb (3 net carbs with the frosting!). I hope this helps and everyone loves the cake!
XO,
Cassidy
Maxine says
Hi Cassidy! I'm hoping to make this for my wedding cake. My plan is to use springform pans (so slightly higher layers). Do you think it could support two taller layers? Maxine
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Maxine, congratulations on your wedding!!!
While I think they will bake fine in springform pans, I don't think they'll give you higher layers. I think the only way to make higher layers would be to bake them in a smaller-sized pan, such as 6 or 7-inch pans. If you do this, though, you'll need to slightly increase the baking time. But without trying it myself I'm not sure of the exact baking times - sorry! I hope this helps and congratulations again!!!
XO,
Cassidy
Sarah says
I made this cake last week for my brothers wedding cake. It was a massive hit. I was a little worried when reading how many eggs to put in but I followed the recipe to a T and it was soooo tasty! Will definitely be making it again!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh my goodness I'm SO excited you made this as a wedding cake and everyone loved it!!! Thank you 🙂
-Cassidy
Nancy R says
Hi, what other liquid could be used instead of milk? Would unsweetened almond milk or almond vanilla work ?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Yes, both of those will work fine! If you get the chance to make this, please come back and let me know what you thought!
-Cassidy
Chelsea says
I'm going to be honest. I was a little skeptical. I'm a country girl and my grandma made the best cake EVER. So I wasn't sure if a keto version would even come close. But this recipe is AMAZING, delicious and moist. Would never know this wasn't made with regular flour. My mother in law even loved it and she's a tough critic when it comes to dessert. Definitely a keeper! I made it yesterday and it's almost gone. Thanks so much!
Cassidy Stauffer says
This makes me SO happy - thank you!!! I'm glad you and your mother-in-law both liked it so much 🙂
-Cassidy
Mara says
Can I store left overs of the cake in the freezer? I'm sure there wont be left overs because it looks so yummy but just in case 🙂
Cassidy Stauffer says
I haven't tried it so I can't say for sure, but I'd imagine it would work fine 😀 I'm excited for you to try it, let me know what you think!
-Cassidy
Marquesha says
Hi, thank you for the recipe. This was my first cake from scratch. It was simple for me and my fiancé to make together. I do have one question, how many servings are there for the 2- 8 inch round cakes and how many carbs? Since it is Keto, the carb intake would be very helpful to know. Thanks!
Marquesha says
I found the carb and servings at the bottom. Thanks again!
Maria says
I'm planning on making this for my daughter's 30th this weekend. Can it be made in a bundt pan, or must it be in 2 9 inch pans?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Maria!
I've never tested this recipe in a bundt pan so I really don't know, sorry! If you try this recipe in a bundt pan please come back and let me know how it went!
-Cassidy
Rebecca Daugherty says
I have a birthday this Thursday and I made this cake for myself. I was a dessert freak who basically gave up sugar and went low carb 5 years ago. I have never tasted a low carb/sugar recipe this good. This cake is AMAZING! I made the vanilla keto buttercream frosting to go with it. Thank you for this delicious recipe - I can't wait until my health conscious daughters taste it on Thursday!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Wow Rebecca, THANK YOU!!! I'm so happy you like it 😍
Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I'm excited for your daughters to try it too!
-Cassidy
Colleen Calderon says
This cake was a smash hit!! I used my own Cream cheese buttercream frosting recipe. And it was amazing! Thank you!
Oh yes, I also used liquid eggs whites in place of actual egg whites.
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh good I'm SO excited you liked it!! ...and thanks for letting me know that liquid egg whites work 🙂
-Cassidy
Emily says
This cake is delish! After having gestational diabetes with my last baby, I have gone Keto and am loving the health benefits! I didn’t want to kiss my birthday cake, though, so my daughter made me this cake and we all LOVED it!! My daughter topped it with whipped cream (instead of frosting) and also added sliced strawberries and it was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had! Great work on this recipe!
Emily says
I meant *miss* my birthday cake, lol!
Cassidy Stauffer says
I do that all the time, lol!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh YAY Emily, I'm excited y'all liked it - thank you!!! ...I'll have to try it with whipped cream and ?strawberries, that sounds amazing!!!
-Cassidy
Liz Johnson says
Excellent. Probably the best cake ever. I've been searching for a medium texture not too sweet cake that would pair well with fruit. The fact that it was Keto only made it better. I'm going to try this cake for use with fondant for a wedding cake. I think this will work well.
Cassidy Stauffer says
Awesome Liz, I'm SO excited you liked it!!! I've been dying to try it with fondant - let me know how it goes!
-Cassidy
Susie Roberts says
This turned out absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS!!!! I added butter flavored extract In addition to vanilla. You are a genius to create this recipe. I am so grateful!!!!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Thank you Susie, I'm SO excited you liked it!!! ...butter extract sounds yummy, I'll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip 🙂
-Cassidy