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    Home / Recipes / Cakes

    Best Keto Chocolate Cake Recipe

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jan 20, 2023 · 507 Comments

    152.0K shares
    Jump to Recipe
    keto chocolate cake pinterest image
    keto chocolate cake pinterest image
    keto chocolate cake pin

    This is the best low carb keto chocolate cake recipe ever! Shredded zucchini makes it moist and nutritious. The kids will never know you are sneaking in a vegetable.

    keto chocolate cake recipe
    Article Index
    • Why I Love This Recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Recipe Tips
    • Recipe Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Common Recipe FAQs
    • Other Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    If you’re looking for a keto chocolate cake recipe, this is for you. There are lots of recipes for low-carb and keto desserts out there, but this one is a hidden gem.

    It doesn’t need a ton of ingredients, you can prep it and bake it in less than an hour, and everyone will love it (even those who aren’t low-carb fans).

    If you’ve tried this german chocolate zucchini cake, you know what I’m talking about! But if the idea of zucchini and chocolate is new to you, you’re in for a treat.

    With this updated adaptation of that reader favorite, you can bake a decadent chocolate layer cake using two 9-inch round cake pans, make a 9×13-inch sheet cake, or even serve up 24 cupcakes. 

    Why I Love This Recipe

    This recipe is a healthy, low-carb treat that tastes better than any boxed cake mix you’ve tried (and even many of the recipes from scratch!). You could even make the cupcakes without frosting and call them a keto breakfast muffin.

    Do you know the best way to get a moist cake when you’re following a keto diet and need to keep gluten at bay? Add zucchini! 

    If you’ve never baked with it before, just wait and see. It adds the moistness that all good cakes have...plus it tastes ah-mazing! This keto chocolate cake is about to become your new favorite dessert.

    slices of keto chocolate cake on white plates

    Recipe Ingredients

    This keto chocolate cake recipe is really the best option for a gluten-free, sugar-free birthday cake because the texture is so traditional none of your guests will realize it’s a “diet” cake.

    And if you’ve been eating low carb for a while, you probably have everything you need on hand. So what ingredients do you need to make this chocolate keto cake recipe?

    Coconut Flour

    Coconut flour is a thirsty gluten-free flour, so the added moisture from the zucchini is important. While many low-carb cakes use blends of coconut and almond flour, this one uses only coconut flour. It’s so easy!

    Coconut flour is perfect for gluten-free and keto baking recipes that use very wet ingredients, as it’s quite dry.

    And, since there’s no milk or whipping cream, or butter in this recipe, it can also be a dairy-free cake if you need one (just make sure to use dairy-free frosting, too).

    I would not substitute with almond flour or almond meal. If you try to use only almond flour in this sugar-free chocolate cake, the entire balance of dry and wet ingredients will be altered, and the cake will be almost soggy.

    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

    Cocoa powder is what gives the deep chocolate flavor to this keto chocolate cake. Always make sure you are using unsweetened cocoa powder!

    Low Carb Sugar Substitute

    In order to make keto chocolate cake, you need to sweeten it with a sugar substitute - any type will work.

    Then, add some stevia concentrated powder to it too. Monk fruit sweetener is my favorite.

    Misc. Baking Ingredients

    You'll also need the common ingredients that you might use in other keto cake recipes. Namely - cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract!

    Fats

    I used a combination of coconut oil and eggs as emulsifiers and healthy fats for this easy keto chocolate cake.

    Zucchini

    It takes about one large or two small zucchini to get 4 cups shredded. There’s no need to be exact, so just get as close as you can. 

    Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips

    You can use homemade chocolate like my stevia chocolate, cut up a low-carb chocolate bar, or use sugar-free chips like Lily’s or Good Chocolate! The chips are optional but will give the cake a richer chocolate flavor than without.

    ingredients for keto chocolate cake

    Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.

    Recipe Tips

    • Shred the zucchini finely. This is key for this recipe. Use a box grater or food processor to shred - whichever you prefer.
    • Don't drain the zucchini. Unlike other zucchini recipes, you shouldn't drain the shredded zucchini for this ake very much, if at all. You want the cake to be moist.
    • Add chocolate chips. Now, this next part is completely optional, but if you’re looking for an extra chocolatey cake with just the right amount of decadent fudgy goodness, you’re going to want to include those optional chocolate chips!
    • Make muffins. Bake in muffins tins and enjoy as chocolate breakfast muffins.

    Recipe Instructions

    Making a keto birthday cake is so easy! Here's a bit more information about each step so you can make your own keto chocolate cake.

    1. Mix The Chocolate Batter

    First, combine coconut flour, cocoa, granular low carb sweetener, stevia, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.

    Then, mix in the eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined.

    keto chocolate cake batter

    2. Shred The Zucchini

    The shredded zucchini is going to add a lot of moisture and that light texture that’s often missing in low-carb cakes. But, there are also a few other factors that will make a big difference.

    shredded zucchini

    3. Add Zucchini to the Chocolate Batter

    After the zucchini is prepped, add it to the chocolate batter that you prepped.

    adding shredded zucchini to cake batter

    4. Bake The Cake Until Done

    Finally, spread the batter out in the 9x13 pan. Alternatively, you can bake it in two round 9-inch pans too. Bake for about 40 minutes at 350°F.

    baking the keto chocolate cake

    Make It Ahead Of Time!

    Did you know that making your low-carb baked goods a day early helps with the taste? It’s true! When you let them sit, any cooling flavor from the low-carb sweeteners disappears.

    While this cake’s combo of sweeteners and other ingredients will make that barely noticeable, if you’ve got sensitive taste buds, just make this cake one day early.

    This is a general rule that will apply to nearly all your low-carb baked goods. If this has been something you’ve noticed in the past, this simple tip will be game-changing for you!

    Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve other low-carb desserts with the easy keto birthday cake. Add a scoop of your favorite keto vanilla ice cream on the side.

    Since this is such a decadent dessert, I also like to enjoy it with a cup of coffee. Or, for the best of both worlds, make some coffee ice cream. It's delicious!

    serving keto chocolate cake

    Common Recipe FAQs

    Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make it.

    How do you store and freeze keto chocolate cake?

    This low-carb chocolate cake actually freezes well, and you can make up the layers ahead of time and have them ready to thaw and frost before use. 

    This is actually a great way to do it if you’ll be focusing on the decorating, too, since it will keep the cake from crumbling if you frost it when it’s only about ¾ thawed.

    You can also make the batter up as cupcakes ahead of time, flash freeze them, and then store them until it’s time to bring them to room temperature and spread or pipe some frosting on top.

    If you’re looking to store already frosted leftovers, you can use the freezer or simply store them in the fridge in an airtight container for several days.

    What is the best chocolate frosting to use?

    Topping your cake with the best keto chocolate frosting is also important. You'll want one that is creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. But you also don’t want that notorious cooling sensation.

    You really can’t go wrong with buttercream frosting. Chocolate goes well if you want a super-rich experience.

    For a celebration cake that you are going to decorate, a traditional vanilla sugar-free buttercream like this one is a great option. 

    If you want to make a dairy-free chocolate frosting, I suggest using dairy-free cream cheese and powdered sugar substitute.

    You can also make your own frosting with either almond milk or coconut milk.

    How do you make a layered chocolate cake?

    To make a delicious frosted keto chocolate cake, let it cool completely.

    Then, add frosting in between the cake layers. You can decorate this dessert cuisine however you want.

    I like to use a cake stand and cover the entire cake with sugar-free frosting.

    How do you keep it from sticking to the pan?

    Add some parchment paper to the baking dish before adding the cake batter. This will not only help the cake not stick but will make clean-up easier too.

    I especially like to use this trick when I am making a cake with multiple layers.

    slice of cake with fork bite on white plate

    This is the most requested cake from those in my family who avoid sugar and gluten, and I’m sure your family will enjoy it, too!

    Other Related Recipes

    Looking for other sugar-free treats to make for special occasions? Be sure to check out these gluten-free keto desserts. They are some of my favorite cake recipes.

    • Keto Carrot Cake is also made with grated zucchini to give it a moist and authentic texture.
    • Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake is delightfully refreshing and the perfect thing to serve at parties.
    • Keto Birthday Cake In A Mug is easy to bake in just a few minutes.
    • Keto Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is rich and fudgy with the best filling.
    • Keto Oreo Cookies and Cream Cheesecake has 5g net carbs in each slice and is worth every carb.

    Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

    Recipe

    keto chocolate cake slice on white plate

    Best Low Carb Chocolate Cake

    4.44 from 199 votes
    This is the best low-carb keto chocolate cake recipe ever! Shredded zucchini makes it moist and nutritious. The kids will never know you are sneaking in a vegetable.
    Prep Time:10 mins
    Cook Time:40 mins
    Total Time:50 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe View Collections
    Servings: 24 people
    Calories: 96

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup coconut flour
    • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 ½ cup low carb sugar substitute 1:1 sugar replacement
    • ¼ teaspoon stevia concentrated powder see note for alternative
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup coconut oil melted
    • 8 large eggs beaten
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 4 cups zucchini shredded

    Optional:

    • ¾ cup sugar free chocolate chips
    • chocolate buttercream frosting
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In large mixing bowl, combine coconut flour, cocoa, granular low carb sweetener, stevia, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
    • Mix in eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined.
    • Stir in zucchini (and optional chocolate chips if using).
    • Spread out into greased 9x13-inch pan (or two round 9-inch pans).
    • Bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. NOTE: smaller pans, such as 9-inch round pans should be checked around the 15 minute mark.
    • Cool on wire rack. Once cool, frost with chocolate buttercream frosting if desired.

    Notes

    2-4 tablespoons of any 1:1 sugar equivalent low carb sweetener can be used in place of the concentrated stevia powder.
    Don't drain the zucchini. Unlike other zucchini recipes, you shouldn't drain the shredded zucchini for this ake very much, if at all. You want the cake to be moist.
    If you’re looking for an extra chocolatey cake with just the right amount of decadent fudgy goodness, you’re going to want to include those optional chocolate chips!
    Each serving contains about 1g erythritol
    Serving size assumes cake is cut into 24 equal size portions (either a slice or cupcake)

    Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 96 | Carbohydrates: 5.7g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 5.5g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 179mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 0.9g

    Additional Info

    Net Carbs: 2.5 g | % Carbs: 10.9 % | % Protein: 16.2 % | % Fat: 72.9 % | SmartPoints: 4
    Values
    Array
    (
        [serving_size] => 1
        [calories] => 96
        [carbohydrates] => 5.7
        [protein] => 3.7
        [fat] => 7.4
        [saturated_fat] => 5.5
        [cholesterol] => 62
        [sodium] => 179
        [fiber] => 3.2
        [sugar] => 0.9
        [serving_unit] => slice
    )
    

    Notes on Nutritional Information

    Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Copyright

    © LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      « Previous 1 … 10 11 12
    1. Chloe

      February 06, 2023 at 4:19 pm

      Does it taste coconuty? Haven’t liked the taste of some recipes with coconut oil, so considering switching it to a different fat.

      Reply
    2. Aubrey Smith

      February 05, 2023 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      I was really skeptical of this recipe, didn’t seem to be enough fat in it. But it is fluffy and tastes great! The icing takes it yo the level of AMAZING.

      Reply
    3. Noel

      October 25, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe 3 times now and I love it! Instead of cake I make cupcakes and reduced recipe by half to make 12 medium sized cupcakes. Instead of coconut oil i used olive oil because it makes cake so soft and light. It took 20 minutes of bake time at 350. Literally the best cupcakes I’ve ever made.

      Reply
    4. Frank

      August 25, 2022 at 7:54 pm

      Is this cake dense enough to slice into layers?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        August 28, 2022 at 8:02 am

        Yes! I have used a wire cake cutter to make layers of this cake.

        Reply
      • Cake Maker

        September 21, 2022 at 3:11 pm

        I’m a cake decorator, and the easiest way to cut cake into layers is to freeze it first. This is what I was taught in school… This will keep the moist cake from tearing or falling apart…

        Reply
        • Lisa MarcAurele

          September 22, 2022 at 8:18 pm

          Great tip!

    5. Yvette

      April 26, 2022 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      Omg! Like really OMG! I’ve made several Keto/low carb chocolate cakes. This one by far is the best ever. It’s the closest in flavor and texture to a regular cake. This is a keeper.

      Reply
    6. Jenniffer LaCroix

      February 05, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      4 stars
      I made this recently and the cake itself turned out great. The taste was a little different for me, but I'm not going to waste the ingredients. I see up above how to freeze it, but not storage I the fridge. I do plan on freezing it cause there's so much, but can I keep some in the fridge as well. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        February 06, 2022 at 5:22 pm

        It should be fine for a couple weeks in the refrigerator. You can also use the leftover cake to make keto cake pops.

        Reply
    7. Andrea

      January 23, 2022 at 12:07 am

      Want best keto chocolate cake recipe please! Thank you Andrea

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        January 23, 2022 at 8:46 am

        It's right above this comment area and has the green colored background.

        Reply
    8. Julie

      October 06, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, Lisa. This case is so outstanding! I’ve made it regularly for a few years. But I find myself with a sudden need to cut down on salt, and a bit to cut down on fat. Thoughts on how to modify? Any help gratefully appreciated.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        October 07, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        You could try leaving out the added salt and using an alternative to the coconut oil. You might also be able to reduce the eggs or use some egg whites instead of whole eggs.

        Reply
      • Cheryl

        January 18, 2022 at 11:07 am

        4 stars
        That looks like quite a lot of sugar plus the stevie powder or equivalent amount. Zucchini are expensive where I come from so I'd like know the weight of Zucchini to make 4 cups. Thank you.

        Reply
        • Lisa MarcAurele

          January 19, 2022 at 5:41 pm

          If you click on the "Metric" conversion the weight of zucchini is about 500g.

    9. Marnie Knox

      August 14, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite chocolate cake recipes and I am so glad that it is finally that time of year when my zucchini plants are bursting!! So easy and delish!

      Reply
    « Previous 1 … 10 11 12

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