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    Home » Low-Carb Desserts » Coconut Flour Cake

    Coconut Flour Cake

    Last updated: Apr 28, 2022 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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    Wonderfully moist and fluffy, this delicious coconut flour cake is a real treat for anyone who loves coconut.

    It's keto, gluten-free, and as long as you don't frost it, it's also very low in calories - just 140 calories per slice.

    Coconut flour cake served on a plate with a fork.

    Incredibly moist and fluffy, this is one of my husband's favorite cakes (another good one is this keto pound cake). I make it often because we both feel it's quite appropriate as the occasional breakfast. And who doesn't want cake for breakfast! 🍰

    That's also why I don't frost this cake, although you certainly could if you wish. See my comments below about the types of frosting you could use. There are several tasty options.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe Card

    Ingredients

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this coconut flour cake. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    Unsalted butter: Used to grease the pan.

    Eggs: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.

    Canned coconut milk: Remember to mix it well before using it. And please use full-fat coconut milk.

    Sweetener: I use stevia. You can probably use a granulated sweetener instead.

    Vanilla extract: Try to use pure vanilla extract, not the artificially flavored stuff.

    Coconut flour: Try to measure it by weight. It's very absorbent, so each extra gram can make a difference.

    Kosher salt: If using fine salt, you should use just a pinch.

    Baking powder: Make sure it's fresh, and (needless to say) use gluten-free if needed.

    Instructions

    Making this coconut flour cake is so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

    Mix the ingredients. Simply whisk all the ingredients in one bowl, in the order listed.

    Add water. If the batter seems too thick, add a little water.

    A photo collage showing steps 1-4 for baking a coconut flour cake.

    Bake the cake in a greased nonstick cake pan, for about 20 minutes in a 350°F oven. Cool it before slicing.

    A photo collage showing steps 5-8 for baking a coconut flour cake.

    Expert tip

    When working with canned coconut milk, it's very important to make it completely smooth before adding it to the batter. So shake it, but then you should also stir it well once you've opened the can.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is this cake dry?

    It's not. Baking with coconut flour IS challenging because it's extremely absorbent. It's not easy to come up with the correct ratio of coconut flour, eggs, and liquids.

    I had to experiment several times before I reached perfection, but this delicious cake is well worth the trouble. Coconut flour baked goods don't have to be dry! Once you get the ratios right, they can be incredibly moist and fluffy.

    Does this cake taste like coconut?

    The coconut flavor comes through but it’s not prominent or overpowering. This may or may not be advantageous to you.

    If you love coconut and want a more prominent coconut flavor, you can enhance it by using 1 teaspoon of coconut extract in the batter instead of the vanilla extract.

    Can I use almond flour in this recipe?

    No, unfortunately, you can't. Almond flour and coconut flour behave completely differently and are not interchangeable. If you'd like to use almond flour, try this almond flour cake.

    Variations

    The best way to vary this recipe is by using different flavor extracts. So instead of vanilla extract, you could use coconut extract, almond extract, or orange extract.

    If you opt for one of these extracts, use just one teaspoon, not a whole tablespoon.

    Serving suggestions

    This cake is wonderful all on its own. You can dust it with a powdered sweetener if you wish and serve it with berries.

    You can also frost this cake. Here are a few options:

    • Keto cream cheese frosting - you can use coconut extract instead of vanilla if you wish
    • Greek yogurt frosting
    • The chocolate frosting used in this keto chocolate cake recipe
    • Chocolate whipped cream

    If you plan on frosting the cake, do cool it completely before doing so.

    Storing leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for 4-5 days. You can also freeze individual slices in freezer bags. Defrost them overnight, or in the microwave on 50% power.

    Coconut flour cake served on a plate with a fork.

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    👩🏻‍🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe Card

    Coconut flour cake served on a plate with a fork.
    4.98 from 907 votes
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    Coconut Flour Cake

    Wonderfully moist and fluffy, this delicious coconut flour cake is a real treat for anyone who loves coconut.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Rest time15 minutes mins
    Total Time50 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 8 slices
    Calories: 140kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw
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    Ingredients

    • butter unsalted, for pan
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 cup coconut milk canned, unsweetened, full fat (mix it well before using - see notes)
    • 1 ½ teaspoon stevia glycerite (equals ½ cup sugar)
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon of coconut extract)
    • ¾ cup coconut flour (84 grams)
    • ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or a pinch of sea salt
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder (gluten-free if needed)

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch nonstick round cake pan with unsalted butter.
    • In a medium bowl, using a hand whisk, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, stevia, and vanilla.
    • Whisk in the coconut flour. Keep whisking until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
    • If the batter seems very thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, as I do in the video.
    • Using a rubber spatula, stir in the kosher salt and baking powder.
    • Using the same rubber spatula, transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top out.
    • Bake until the edges are golden brown and pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. The cake will not brown on the top.
    • Place the pan on a cooling rack. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then invert it, bottom side down, onto the cooling rack and allow it to cool for 15 more minutes before slicing it into 8 slices.

    Video

    Notes

    Make sure your cake pan is truly nonstick. This is essential when baking with coconut flour. I purchase a new nonstick pan once a year. 
    When working with canned coconut milk, it's very important to make it completely smooth before adding it to the batter. If it's not thoroughly combined, that would introduce too much liquid and not enough fat into the batter. It's not enough to shake thee milk in the can. You should stir it well once you've opened the can. The best way to do that is to pour the entire can contents into a bowl (use a spatula to get everything out of the can) and use a hand whisk. 
    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices in freezer bags. Defrost them overnight or in the microwave at 50% power.

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    Nutrition per Serving

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g
    SubscribeI aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
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    DisclaimersMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

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    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Paola S

      September 10, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      This cake was super moist!

      Reply
      • Vered DeLeeuw

        September 10, 2023 at 7:23 pm

        Glad you liked it, Paola!

        Reply

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    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered DeLeeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    👩🏻‍🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

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