Keto Tiramisu Cake

This keto tiramisu cake is a rich, sugar-free, low-carb version of the classic Italian dessert, made with almond flour cake layers, creamy mascarpone custard, espresso, rum flavor, and a generous dusting of cocoa powder.

If tiramisu was one of those desserts you thought you had to give up when you went keto, I have good news for you.

This low carb tiramisu recipe gives you all the familiar flavors of the original without the sugar, gluten, or high-carb ladyfingers.

Instead of traditional ladyfingers, this recipe uses a tender keto almond flour cake that is sliced to mimic the layers in classic tiramisu.

The cake absorbs the espresso and rum mixture beautifully while still holding its shape once chilled.

Then comes the creamy sugar-free custard made with egg yolks, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and a keto-friendly sweetener.

Once layered with the coffee-soaked cake and cocoa powder, the result is a stunning make-ahead dessert that tastes every bit as special as the original.

This keto-friendly tiramisu cake is perfect for gatherings, holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want a show-stopping low-carb dessert that no one will believe is sugar-free.

I also have a keto tiramisu cheesecake (no-bake), which is a delicious breeze to make and that you should also try.

In fact, I have a complete list of Keto Cakes that, as a fan of cakes, I encourage you to also visit.

Why This Keto Tiramisu Cake Recipe Works

• It captures the classic flavor of tiramisu without the sugar or gluten.
• The almond flour cake replaces traditional ladyfingers while keeping the dessert low-carb.
• The mascarpone custard is rich, creamy, and lightly sweetened with a keto-friendly sugar substitute.
• Espresso or strong coffee gives the cake that signature tiramisu flavor.
• The cocoa powder adds the classic bittersweet finish.
• It is a make-ahead keto dessert, which makes it perfect for entertaining.
• The recipe makes two loaf-size tiramisu cakes or one large 9x13-inch dessert.
• It has only 5.5g net carbs per serving.

Is Tiramisu Keto-Friendly?

Traditional tiramisu is not keto-friendly because it is made with ladyfingers, sugar, and sometimes sweetened liqueur.

Those ingredients can quickly raise the carb count and make it difficult to fit into a low-carb lifestyle.

This keto tiramisu recipe solves that by replacing the ladyfingers with a homemade almond flour cake and using a sugar-free mascarpone filling.

You still get the layers of coffee-soaked cake, creamy custard, and cocoa powder, but in a way that works much better for a keto diet.

So while classic tiramisu is not keto, this sugar-free tiramisu cake gives you a delicious low-carb option that does not feel like a compromise.

What Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert traditionally made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone filling, and cocoa powder.

The word tiramisu loosely means "pick me up," which makes sense because the dessert gets its signature flavor from coffee or espresso.

This keto version keeps the heart of the dessert intact but swaps the high-carb components for low-carb ingredients.

Instead of ladyfingers, I used my keto cream cheese pound cake recipe. Instead of sugar, we use a keto-friendly sweetener. The result is a low-carb tiramisu cake that still feels elegant and indulgent.

I use almond flour for this recipe. However, if you need a coconut flour option, use our keto coconut flour pound cake recipe instead.

This recipe makes two 9x5-inch homemade tiramisu cakes or one large 9x13-inch dessert, making it perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients Needed For A Keto Tiramisu

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The following are the ingredients needed for this recipe: The full printable recipe is at the bottom of the post.

Keto Cake Layers

• Almond flour measured and sifted
• baking powder
• Granulated sugar-substitute
• Salt
• Eggs, room temperature
• Full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• Room-temperature softened unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

Sugar-Free Mascarpone Custard Filling

• Egg yolks, room temperature
• Granulated sugar substitute
• Salt
• Mascarpone cheese or a combination of 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup sour cream to take the place of mascarpone cheese
• Heavy cream (heavy whipping cream)
• Espresso coffee or strong coffee
• Dark rum or rum extract

Cocoa Topping And Bottom layer

• Cocoa powder to sprinkle on the bottom and top layers of the  tiramisu

How To Make A Keto Tiramisu Cake

You will start by making the keto cake layer. Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper so the cake is easy to remove once baked.

Sift the almond flour, then combine it with the baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar substitute until light and fluffy.

Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, then beat until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

Once the wet ingredients are smooth, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake until the cake is golden and set.

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into small pieces that mimic ladyfingers.

This is what gives the finished dessert those beautiful tiramisu-style layers without needing traditional ladyfingers.

Next, make the sugar-free custard sabayon. Beat the egg yolks, sugar substitute, and salt until the mixture becomes thick and lemon-colored.

Place the bowl over a double boiler and cook gently, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens.

Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until medium peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone custard.

Be careful not to stir too firmly, since you want to keep the filling light and creamy.

To assemble the keto tiramisu cake, combine the espresso with the rum or rum extract. Add a light dusting of cocoa powder to the bottom of your pan, then arrange a layer of cake pieces over the cocoa.

Brush the cake with the coffee mixture so it absorbs that rich tiramisu flavor.

Spread a layer of mascarpone custard over the cake, then repeat the layers until all the cake and custard are used. Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder on top.

Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This chilling time is important because it allows the flavors to deepen and the layers to set properly.

Why Use Almond Flour Cake Instead Of Ladyfingers?

Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfingers, but even gluten-free ladyfingers are usually too high in carbs for keto. Making keto ladyfingers from scratch would also add another step to an already special dessert.

Using a thin almond flour cake is a simple and reliable solution. Once sliced into small pieces, the cake mimics the structure of ladyfingers and absorbs the espresso mixture beautifully.

It also keeps the recipe gluten-free, low-carb, and easier to make.

Can I Make This Keto Tiramisu With Coconut Flour?

Yes, you can make a coconut flour version if you need a nut-free option or prefer not to use almond flour.

For the cake layer, use a double batch of my keto coconut flour pound cake as the base, then follow the remaining steps for the mascarpone custard, espresso mixture, layering, and chilling.

This gives you a great alternative while still keeping the dessert low-carb and gluten-free.

Best Sweetener For Sugar-Free Tiramisu

A granulated keto sweetener works best in this recipe because it helps give the cake and custard the right texture.

Monk fruit sweetener, erythritol Monk Fruit blends, or allulose-based sweeteners can work well. Just be sure to use a sweetener that measures cup-for-cup like sugar unless you are adjusting based on the brand's instructions.

If you use a stevia based sweetener, note that is doubly sweet and you will need to reduce the amount by half.

I do not recommend using a liquid sweetener for this recipe because it can add too much moisture and may affect how the custard sets.

Tips For The Best Low Carb Tiramisu

• Use only room-temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese. The number one thing to remember when making both the cake and the filling is to start with room-temperature ingredients. This is important so that the cake batter beats evenly and the cold egg yolks do not cause temperature shock when making the filling.
• Cook the filling in a double boiler. The custard filling must be made in a double boiler set to low heat so that the yolks do not overcook and curdle. You can make your double boiler by placing a large bowl over simmering water. Just be sure not to allow the water to touch the bottom of the bowl since you are cooking with steam and not direct heat. 
• Once the keto sabayon filling is made, you will need to beat cold heavy cream until medium peaks are formed and then fold it into the filling.
• Chill the tiramisu for at least 8 hours. Overnight is even better because it gives the cake time to absorb the coffee flavor and allows the layers to set.
• Use espresso for the best flavor. Strong brewed coffee also works if espresso is not available.

Recipe Variations

• For an alcohol-free keto tiramisu, use rum extract instead of dark rum, or omit it completely.
• For a stronger coffee flavor, brush the cake layers generously with espresso, but do not oversoak them.
• For a coconut flour version, use keto coconut flour pound cake as the base.
• For a deeper chocolate finish, add extra cocoa powder right before serving.
• For individual servings, assemble the tiramisu in small jars or cups instead of a large pan.

How Many Carbs Are In Keto Tiramisu Cake?

This keto tiramisu cake has approximately 6.5g total carbs and 5.5g net carbs per serving.

That makes it a much better option than traditional tiramisu for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.

As always, the final nutrition can vary depending on the exact brands of almond flour, mascarpone, sweetener, cocoa powder, and rum or extract you use.

Storage Tips

Store leftover keto tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This dessert actually improves after chilling, so making it the day before serving is ideal.

For the cleanest slices, keep the tiramisu well chilled and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts if you want neat layers.

Can You Freeze Keto Tiramisu Cake?

You can freeze tiramisu, but the texture of the mascarpone custard may change slightly once thawed.

If you plan to freeze the second cake, wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For best results, enjoy it fresh from the refrigerator within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions