Keto Gooey Butter Cake: A Decadent Low-Carb Delight
Introduction
Welcome to the indulgent yet low-carb world of Keto Gooey Butter Cake! This recipe brings you a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, tailored specifically for those adhering to a ketogenic diet. Known for its rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor, this keto-friendly version maintains the same luxuriousness while keeping the carbohydrate count low. Ideal for special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is a perfect blend of decadence and dietary discipline.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups almond flour: Provides a nutty base for the crust and keeps the recipe low in carbs. Opt for finely ground almond flour for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated erythritol: A keto-friendly sweetener that adds sweetness without carbs. You can also use monk fruit sweetener or stevia as alternatives.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps to give a little lift to the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled. Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and helps the crust hold together.
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Softened. Provides a rich, creamy texture and base for the gooey filling.
- 1 cup granulated erythritol: For sweetness. Ensure it is fully dissolved in the filling mixture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted. Adds a buttery richness to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature. Helps to set the filling and give it a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: Used in the filling to thicken and provide structure.
- 1/4 cup coconut flour: Enhances the texture and helps absorb excess moisture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the filling rises slightly and remains gooey.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated erythritol, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and the egg until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency. The dough should be moist and pliable.
- Press the Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out and create an even layer. This will form the base of your cake.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This can be done using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Incorporate Sweetener and Butter: Gradually add the granulated erythritol to the cream cheese, mixing well to combine. Stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to avoid clumps and ensures an even distribution throughout the filling.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully combined. The filling should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the prepared filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should remain slightly gooey and jiggly when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. This cooling period helps the cake to set properly and enhances the gooey texture.
- Serve: Cut the cooled cake into squares and serve. This cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered erythritol for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 of the cake)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
- Net Carbs: 10 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Additional Tips and Information
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use other keto-friendly sweeteners such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Just ensure that the substitute has a similar sweetness level to erythritol.
- Baking Tips: For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps to achieve a smooth filling. Also, check the cake towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking, which can affect the gooey texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover Keto Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For added flair, consider serving it with a dollop of keto-friendly whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side.
- Health Benefits: This Keto Gooey Butter Cake provides healthy fats from almond flour and butter, along with protein from the eggs and cream cheese. It’s a satisfying treat that fits well within a ketogenic diet while providing essential nutrients and a satisfying dessert experience.
- Dietary Considerations: Ensure that all ingredients used are in line with your dietary goals. If you need to reduce fat further, consider using lower-fat cream cheese or butter, but be mindful that this may alter the texture slightly.
- Customization Options: Feel free to customize the cake by adding a few sugar-free chocolate chips to the filling or incorporating a swirl of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also experiment with flavor extracts such as almond or lemon to add a unique twist.
Enjoy this Keto Gooey Butter Cake as a delightful and decadent treat that supports your ketogenic lifestyle. With its rich flavor and gooey texture, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert while staying on track with your low-carb diet.