My favorite homemade chocolate keto cake! It's the PERFECT foolproof low carb chocolate cake recipe! Moist and deliciously soft with a perfect texture.
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A Keto Chocolate Cake on a white cake stand/

Keto Chocolate Cake

Almost everyone loves a good chocolate cake recipe, don’t they? I promise you will love every bite of this moist keto chocolate cake. I, of course, think it is the best keto chocolate cake EVER and I am sure you and your non-keto friends will too!

This low-carb chocolate cake is also perfect for a keto or diabetic-friendly diet. It is light and fluffy, and rich without being too sweet. You will definitely not get anything this good from a boxed chocolate cake! It is also the perfect sugar free keto chocolate birthday cake!

Related Keto Cakes Recipes: Layered Keto Cake / Keto Vanilla Cake

Why We Love This Recipe

Low carb – With just 4g net carbs per serve, you really can have your cake and eat it too!

Keto pantry basic ingredients – This 8 ingredient cake uses ingredients that you will find in most pantries.

Versatile – This recipe can be used as a base recipe where you add more flavours or layers. A must-try is our Black Forest Cake.

Quick and easy! – As with all my recipes, I keep them simple so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying them.

The Ingredients

Jump to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients to make this keto chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting recipe.

Keto Chocolate Cake labelled ingredients on green and white tiles.

Light taste olive oil – use an oil with a neutral flavour. You can use butter or ghee in its place.

Sweetener  – I use monk fruit/erythritol or erythritol. The brands I use are Sukrin:1 or Monkfruit sweetener.

Almond meal or almond flour – Almond meal and almond flour are slightly different in consistency, with meal being a bit coarser. You can choose either for this recipe.

Eggs – fresh, free-range and large eggs are what you need.

Unsweetened Cocoa – check the nutritional panel of the cocoa you are using. Some brands do contain sugar.

Sour cream or Greek yoghurt. – Coconut cream can be used for a dairy free keto chocolate cake.

Baking powder – I use and recommend Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder for all low carb gluten-free baking. It really helps give a good rise and consistent baking results every time.

FROSTING – I have used a very simple keto chocolate frosting recipe for this cake.

Related Recipes: Keto Frosting / Whipped Cream Buttercream

How to Make Keto Chocolate Cake

A mixer mixing chocolate cake batter.
Chocolate cake batter in baking pans.

Step 1. PREHEAT – to 160℃ fan/180°C static/350°F. Line a 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan.

Step 2. MIX all ingredients in a stand mixer until combined. Spoon mix into prepared pan.

Two cakes in baking pans.
An angled spatula smoothing chocolate frosting.

Step 3. BAKE 30 minutes or until cooked through. Cool on wire tray in the pans until cool.

Step 4. MIX buttercream ingredients in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.

A man lifting a chocolate cake onto the top of another.

Step 5. FROST: Spread have of the chocolate buttercream onto the top of the cake. Place the second cake on top (if doing double) and pipe buttercream on top of cake. Using an angled icing spatula, generously spread buttercream over the sides and top of the cake.

How to Make Keto Black Forest Cake

You can easily make this chocolate cake into a low carb black forest cake

You can easily make low-carb Black Forest cake from this recipe. The German dessert, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte usually is gateaux style chocolate cake layered with a rich cherry filling, kirsch liqueur, and plenty of whipped cream. This is a keto black forest cake without alcohol or canned cherries.

In the recipe card below you will get a step-by-step method of how I made mine as pictured. Below I have added how to booze it up if you wish. Remember though this will add extra carbs.

Step 1. Reduce 1/4 cup of cherry syrup with 1/4 cup kirsch or raspberry liqueur and 1/2 cup keto sticky syrup sweetener over medium high heat.

Step 2. Brush the cake tops with the cooled syrup then add the ganache etc. as per the recipe instructions below.

A man placing another chocolate cake on top of a keto black forest cake.
A black forest cake on a white cake stand.

Want More Keto Cake Recipes

Never feel like you are missing out with these low carb cake recipes. Your friends and family will love them too. These are some of our most popular keto sweet recipes.

A slice of keto chocolate cake on a white plate with a fork in it.

Hot Tips & FAQs

Can I double or triple the mix?

For layered cakes, like mine pictured, it is safe to double or triple the recipe in both a stand mixer and the Thermomix®.

Can I use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a very strong flavour that will overpower the delicate chocolate flavour. If you want to substitute with olive oil, choose light-taste olive oil instead.

Are cherries keto? How many carbs are in cherries?

Some will say cherries are not keto, but you can enjoy them in moderation. With only 1.1g net carbs per cherry, they are pretty much the same as blueberries or strawberries per piece. They do contain more natural sugar (about 8g/100g) than berries.

See all my popular keto recipes as soon as they are published when you subscribe to our newsletter.  Join our keto community on Facebook, and Instagram or see all the new stuff on Pinterest.

A perfect slice of two layer Keto Chocolate Cake.

Keto Chocolate Cake

My favorite homemade chocolate keto cake! It’s the PERFECT foolproof low carb chocolate cake recipe! Moist and deliciously soft with a perfect texture.
5 from 70 votes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Low Carb
Diet: Diabetic
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 292kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 16 slices
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
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Equipment

Ingredients 

KETO CHOCOLATE FROSTING

  • 1/4 cup (¼ cup) powdered sweetener I use Sukrin Melis (40g)
  • 3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa (30g)
  • 4 tablespoons (4 tablespoons) butter (60g) cubed
  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (¼ cup) thickened or heavy cream (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

KETO BLACK FOREST CAKE OPTION

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • PREHEAT – to 160℃ fan/180°C static/350°F. Line 2 x 20 cm (8-inch) springform pans.
  • MIX all ingredients in a stand mixer until combined. Divide mixture into prepared pans.
  • BAKE 30 minutes until the cakes are baked through. Insert a toothpick into centre and if it comes out clean, it’s done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. Leave to cool completely cool before frosting and assembling.
  • MIX buttercream ingredients in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • FROST: Evenly cover the top of one cake with half of the frosting. Top with second cake and spoon the remaining frosting onto the top. Use an angled spatula to smooth over top. Chill for 1-2 hours before slicing the cake.

THERMAL METHOD

  • PREHEAT oven to 160℃ fan/180°C static/350°F. Line 2 x 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan.
  • MIX: Place all ingredients into mixer; Mix 1 min/speed 3. Follow from Step 3 above.
  • FROST: For frosting; mix all ingredients 1 min/speed 5. Scrape down sides of bowl. Repeat until smooth and fluffy. Follow instructions above to frost the cake.

LOW CARB BLACK FOREST CAKE

  • Place chocolate into a heat-proof bowl. Heat HALF A CUP of the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour over the chocolate and leave 3-5 minutes to soften. Stir gently until smooth and combined.
  • Whip the remaining cream to stiff peaks. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of ganache into the whipped cream and loosely fold to make a rippled look. Set aside.
  • Drizzle or spread the remaining ganache over the top of each cake (see notes). Top with the chocolate cream and place the cherry halves around the edge of one cake reserving a few for the top. Place the second cake on the top and garnish with cherries and grated chocolate. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

CHOCOLATE KETO CAKE INGREDIENTS
Choose light tasting olive oil, and do not use extra virgin olive oils as they have a strong flavour. Melted butter or ghee can be used in place of the oil.
Double acting baking powder reacts and creates gas bubbles twice; once when moisture is added, and a second time when it’s heated. In comparison to regular baking powder, this gives gluten-free baking a better texture as the ingredients are denser and need a bit more help with rising.
I use blanched almond flour. You can use natural almond flour or almond meal in its place or substitute macadamia flour or cashew meal (higher carb) in place of the almond flour. Coconut flour is not a suitable substitute. Coconut flour sucks up a lot of moisture and more ingredients would need to be added to compensate in this chocolate cake recipe. Use any baking flour suitable for a low carb diet that is also gluten free. Sunflower seed flour is often used in keto friendly cakes, but I have not tested it in this recipe.
Sweetener: I use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol sweetener. I find they give the cake a good texture without having a cooling effect.
It is really important to allow the cake to cool completely before icing it, otherwise, the buttercream will melt. Use sugar free sprinkles for an easy keto birthday cake.
KETO BLACK FOREST CAKE (German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
The chocolate cake comes with the option to make it into a Black Forest Cake. This is a no alcohol black forest cake and also has no morello cherries. You can choose to add both if you like. Please scroll up to the blog post to find more step by step instructions on making it.
CHOCOLATE FROSTING
I use an unsweetened cocoa powder or sugar free chocolate like Vitawerx to flavour the buttercream. Check the blog post for more keto buttercream ideas and how to serve it.
LOW CARB CHOCOLATE CAKE IN THERMOMIX
For a keto layer cake like mine pictured, it is safe to double or triple the recipe in both a stand mixer and the Thermomix®. Just make sure to bake each cake separately, not at the same time.
STORAGE AND FREEZING KETO CAKES
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It freezes well if kept in an airtight container or ziplock bag. I freeze in individual portions so it is simple to defrost when I would like a piece of cake.
This recipe yields approximately 16-20 servings. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. 
To calculate the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe by 16-20. The result will be the weight of one serving. 
Nutritional values shown are guidelines only. They are for 1 serving using the ingredients listed. 
All recipes have been tested using all of the cooking methods included by various recipe testers.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, store in an airtight container and freeze.
 If you have any queries, or questions or are unsure of substitutions, please scroll up to the blog post for more information.

Your Own Notes

Click here to add your own private recipe notes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 17mg | Net Carbs: 4g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

Share This Recipe

25 responses to “The Easiest Keto Chocolate Cake”

  1. Leslie

    5 stars
    I made this cake this week and it was a hit! Very easy, Very moist and the frosting was decadent!
    Thank You!

    Reply
  2. Justin

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! Love it. First time, I forgot to put the timer on and had to guess, so it was slightly overbaked, but still very impressive. Can’t wait to bake it again.

    Reply
  3. Paula O

    This cake was soo good, just like a mudcake, absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is definitely a good mudcake isnt it. Thanks for trying it and letting us how it went Paula xx

      Reply
  4. Amy Liu Dong

    5 stars
    Oh my gosh, the cake looks so soft and really delicious!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am so glad you enjoyed it

      Reply
  5. Moop Brown

    Chocolate cake is definitely my guilty pleasure and I like that this recipe for it is keto and looks so tasty as well.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Cathleen

    5 stars
    I’m so excited to make this cake! my friend only eats keto, so I am going to make this for her birthday next week. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  7. Dennis

    5 stars
    your recipe made an OMG delicious chocolate cake! My family loved it

    Reply
  8. Jamie

    5 stars
    This homemade chocolate keto cake looks so delicious and yummy! Its texture and low carb will be loved by many!

    Reply
  9. Ashley

    5 stars
    I love a good keto dessert! This one looks super tasty!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I hope you love it

      Reply
  10. Tammy

    5 stars
    Super impressed this is a low carb keto cake. It looks absolutely marvelous and that frosting is so creamy and rich. Save me a slice!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Haha! It is soooo good isn’t it Tammy

      Reply
  11. Ann

    5 stars
    I love all chocolate cake, won’t turn down a slice. I am still pretty new to keto, so this will be my first keto chocolate cake! Excited to give it a try!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I hope you love it Ann. Let us know how it went.

      Reply
  12. Katie Crenshaw

    5 stars
    Wow! I can’t believe how great this cake turned out. You would never believe it is Keto. The frosting was incredible.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks so much for making it and taking the time to come back and leave a review. I hope everyone enjoyed it.

      Reply
  13. Maggie

    I used monk fruit sweetener and topped it with strawberries. So delicious!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to let us know how it went.

      Reply
  14. Nina

    What an amazing cake, yet so simple! 😍 Dilemma is now which one to bake for Christmas – black forest or strawberry vanilla? Or both, 😂? What a choice, and all low carb, no sugar and keto. Amazing! Thank you Megan 😊

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You are very welcome Nina. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  15. Tracy

    5 stars
    Yay! I have been waiting for you to create a recipe for keto Black Forest Cake and now my dreams have come true. Thank YOUUUUUU Megan!! You are amazing!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You are very welcome Tracy. Enjoy!

      Reply

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