It’s not too often that I find keto/low carb dessert recipes that meet my high standards. It’s difficult to please everyone and when it comes to desserts my family likes for the final results to resemble to real deal high carb version as much as possible. That’s not asking for too much, no not at all.
This is a home run recipe and one that I am very pleased to share with you all! The original recipe can be found here! I’m a lazy typer tonight and decided to not type up the entire name of the original recipe, so don’t go sideways on me about that, ok sugar? 😉
Most of you know I’m not a chocolate fan at all, so for me to be making this recipe and reviewing it is big stuff. So let’s dig in…
The recipe itself is easy to execute. The majority of low carb/keto folks have the following ingredients in their kitchen already:
- Almond flour
- Cocoa Powder
- Baker’s Chocolate
- Natural sweetener of choice(stevia, xylitol, swerve, erythritol, etc.)
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Leavening
- Cream cheese
- Butter
The only unusual item I had to get was a box of instant coffee. While this is an optional ingredient, I do highly recommend adding it in. It does lend a lovely layer of flavor to this rich cake and isn’t overpowering at all. I used Folgers instant crystals, simply because a) I’m cheap(a box of 7 packets was a buck) and b) I already know what Folgers coffee tastes like. My advice, stick with one you’re familiar with. I used two packets which perfectly measured out to 2 teaspoons. However, if you have never had instant coffee before and are unsure about it or you detest coffee all together(btw, we can’t be friends if you detest coffee…just kidding😜) you can easily leave it out, no big deal.
I found it a tad odd that the recipe only called for 7oz of cream cheese. I’ve used that amount before but only after using the other ounce in a different recipe. No biggie. But since I didn’t relish the idea of storing a single ounce of cream cheese in the fridge and wasn’t hungry enough to nosh on it I went ahead and added all 8oz into my batter. Might as well, the extra ounce didn’t alter the final result in a major way at all. If anything, the pound cake is light, moist, and with a faint crumb texture. For me, I will always add the full brick of cream cheese, no sense in being too particular. But hey, you do you!
I know I’ve answered a lot of questions about almond flour in keto groups and in DMs. What brand to use, substitutions, etc. this recipe specifically uses almond flour. I know it’s an expensive ingredient and I wish I could tell you to go ahead with another alternative but honestly I cannot. If you absolutely NEED to make this recipe I highly suggest Blue Diamond Almond Flour. It’s finely sifted and for 1/4c serving it has 2g net carbs. I had been a Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour user but I prefer the finer texture of the Blue Diamond brand. Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour has 4g net carbs per 1/4c serving. I’m not sure how these companies figure out the carbs when both only contain blanched almonds and nothing else. But since Blue Diamond has fewer carbs per quarter cup then that’s what I’m going to go with from now on.
Next, don’t let the amount of eggs in this recipe scare you off. I know 8 eggs is a lot and you would think the outcome would be super eggy and sound like you’re biting into a wet sponge, but it’s actually not. Just make sure to use large eggs, not extra large, jumbo, or regular. Just large eggs, I’m an Eggland’s Best Kind of gal. If you have fresh eggs then go with that. I made the mistake in buying extra large without realizing it, I probably could have gone ahead used 4 eggs and said a prayer, but I’m a stickler when it comes to my baking. Unless I know for sure that my substitution isn’t going to ruin the recipe, I rarely ever go off roading with my baking. There’s an exact science when you bake, all ingredients need to be properly measured and/or weighed(when specified) to ensure that your baked good is going to turn out right. Thankfully my dad brought home large eggs and all was right again in my little world! 💗🌏💗
I did not make two loaf pans worth as the original recipe states. To save my own sanity and dishes I went with a disposable half size aluminum steam pan from Sam’s Club. You get 36 pans usually for a little over $8. Not bad and I use them for everything! Low carb brownies, casseroles, pork rind coating for chicken, and vegetable sides. Clean up afterwards is a cinch, just pitch it or recycle…whatever floats your boat. If you don’t want to use those pans you can certainly use a 9×13. Just make sure to grease your pan well before adding the batter. I used Pompeiian Coconut Oil Spray, get mine from Walmart and I’ve had great results every time I use it! Used about 5-7 sprays and no need to coat the pan with cocoa powder or almond flour, each slice of cake has come out perfectly! You could also turn these into muffins and then drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top, just a thought.
And finally, since I didn’t bake this into loaves I decided to adjust the baking time. For the loaves you would have to bake at 325 degrees for 70-90 minutes to ensure even baking. In a 9×13 pan leave the temp at 325 degrees and set your timer for 30 minutes. I used a clean knife to check the center twice, both times the knife came out clean. Let it cool completely before you add the chocolate ganache. Store it covered and enjoy!
Honestly this is a yummy recipe, I hope my review has helped and no hindered. If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Night Owl Kitchen 