Diabetic-Friendly Lemon Ricotta Cake (Low Carb)
A light, moist lemon ricotta cake that’s perfect for anyone watching their carbs. This low glycemic dessert uses almond and coconut flour, plus a sugar-free sweetener, for a delicious treat with about 3.5 net carbs per slice (9 servings total).
Ingredients
- ½ stick unsalted butter, softened (2 oz / 57 g)
- ½ cup low-carb granular sweetener
(such as Swerve Granulated or Lakanto Classic) - 4 large eggs, cold
(use 1 extra egg if you choose not to use baking powder) - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, cold (250 g)
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour, whisked before measuring
- 4 tablespoons coconut flour, whisked before measuring
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
(see notes if preparing without baking powder) - ¼ teaspoon salt
Preparation
-
Prepare the oven and pan
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line the bottom of an 8 x 2 inch round cake pan with a circle of parchment paper.
- Lightly grease the sides and parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
-
Mix the dry ingredients

- In a small bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk well to break up any clumps and ensure an even mixture.
Method
-
Cream the butter and sweetener
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Add one egg and beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly increased in volume.
-
Incorporate the ricotta and lemon
- Add the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl.
- Beat until the mixture is uniform and creamy, with no visible lumps of ricotta.
-
Add dry ingredients and remaining eggs
- Add about one-third of the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl and mix just until combined.
- Add one egg and mix again.
- Repeat this process:
- Mix in another third of the dry ingredients, then another egg.
- Finish with the remaining dry mixture and the last egg.
- The batter will be thick but spreadable.
-
Bake the cake
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and gently smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
-
Cool the cake
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
- Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Invert the cake onto a cooling rack, peel off the parchment, and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Storage
- Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap (cling film).
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, as long as the environment is not hot and humid.
- For longer storage or warm climates, refrigerate the cake.
- If chilled, allow it to come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Serving and Nutrition
- Servings: 9 slices
- Approximate net carbs: 3.5 g per serving
- Enjoy plain, dusted with a low-carb powdered sweetener, or topped with sugar-free whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra treat.


