If you've been searching for the best keto carrot cake recipe, you're in the right place.
This keto carrot cake is rich, moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a creamy sugar-free frosting that tastes just like the classic version. It's everything you love about traditional carrot cake, made completely low-carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
I created this keto carrot cake recipe because I couldn't stop craving the real thing. And if I'm being honest, I knew I couldn't be the only one. I wanted a version that didn't feel like a compromise. Something that delivered on texture, flavor, and that nostalgic carrot cake experience.
After testing and tweaking, this recipe became one of my favorites. It's simple enough to make at home but special enough to serve for holidays like Easter, gatherings, or anytime you want a dessert that truly satisfies.
Make sure you check out our keto carrot recipes if you are looking for more delicious ways to add carrots to your keto diet.
My collection features recipes like my keto carrot cake muffins, my keto carrot cake cookies, and, for the perfect brunch option, my keto carrot cake pancakes.
I also have a complete list of Keto Cakes that, as a fan of cakes, I encourage you to visit.
Is Carrot Cake Keto Friendly?

This is one of the most common questions when it comes to making a carrot cake keto recipe.
Traditional carrot cake is not keto friendly because it's made with sugar and wheat flour. However, this low carb carrot cake recipe uses almond flour and sugar-free sweeteners to keep the carb count low while still delivering that classic flavor.
Although carrots are a root vegetable and do contain natural sugars, they can still be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. In this recipe, the amount is carefully balanced so you get the flavor and moisture without going overboard on carbs.
If you'd like a deeper breakdown of how carrots fit into a low-carb lifestyle, be sure to check out my article on are carrots keto, where I explain everything in more detail.
When paired with the fiber from almond flour and coconut, this keto friendly carrot cake recipe becomes a dessert you can enjoy as part of a well-planned ketogenic lifestyle.
Why This Is the Best Keto Carrot Cake Recipe
If you've tried other keto carrot cake recipes, you may have noticed that some turn out too dry or lack flavor.
This recipe was developed to solve those problems. The texture is soft and moist without being dense, and the flavor is rich with the perfect blend of warm spices.
What makes this the best low carb carrot cake recipe is the combination of ingredients and technique. Using both granulated and brown sugar substitutes gives the cake depth, while freshly grated carrots add natural moisture that makes a big difference.
The result is a keto carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that truly tastes like the traditional version.
Ingredients Needed
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Note the full recipe card is at the bottom of the page as well as the nutritional facts.
Keto Carrot Cake
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar substitute
- Granulated sugar substitute
- Eggs, room temperature
- Finely milled almond flour, sifted
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Baking powder
- Sea salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Freshly grated carrots
- Chopped pecans (some reserved for topping)
- Heavy whipping cream
Keto Cream Cheese Frosting
- Full-fat cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Confectioners sugar substitute
- Heavy whipping cream
How To Make This Low-Carb Carrot Cake

To make this easy keto carrot cake recipe, start by preheating your oven and preparing your 9 inch cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
In a large bowl you will prepare the wet ingredients first. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar substitute, and granulated sugar substitute until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This step helps create a tender crumb in your keto carrot cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Next, add the heavy whipping cream and mix until smooth, then fold in the freshly grated carrots. I use my food processor to do so quickly. You could alternatively use a box grater.
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, sea salt, and spices.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chopped pecans and coconut flakes, then divide the carrot cake batter evenly between prepared pans or transfer it into a single baking dish if preferred.
Bake until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pans.
How To Make The Keto Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the sugar-free cream cheese frosting.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the confectioners sugar substitute, mixing until fully incorporated.
With the mixer running, add the heavy whipping cream a little at a time and continue beating until the frosting becomes light, airy, and spreadable. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling Your Keto Carrot Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cooled on a wire rack, place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly across the top. Add the second layer and repeat the process.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out evenly. Finish by sprinkling the reserved chopped pecans over the top.
If you rather keep things simpler and don't want to fuss with making it a two-layer cake, then you can, of course, bake the keto carrot cake in a 13x9 oblong pan and even frost it in the pan instead.
I encourage you to visit our post on keto baking for additional tips that will help you.
Storage Recommendation
Store leftovers slices in an airtight container, or plastic wrap in the refrigerator and enjoy within a five days. Note you can also store this cake whole in the fridge. Or you can freeze for up to three weeks.
Tips For Making The Ultimate Keto Carrot Cake
In this recipe, I suggest you not use pre-cut grated carrots because they are much drier, and you need the extra moisture that freshly grated carrots impart.
You don't want to end up with a dry keto carrot cake, right? Then, freshly grate them. I use my food processor to do so quickly. You could alternatively use a box grater.
I like using my Kitchen Aid mixer to make this carrot cake recipe, however, if you don't yet own one, you can, of course, also use a hand mixer to combine all your ingredients.
It's important to use an electric option, though, so that you get enough aeration in the batter.
Using both a brown sugar sweetener and a granulated sweetener gives this low-carb carrot cake a balanced level of sweetness while adding rich, deep flavor, helping it taste closest to the classic version.
Keto Carrot Cake FAQ

Keto Carrot Cake FAQ
Traditional carrot cake is not keto, but this keto carrot cake recipe uses low-carb ingredients to make it suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle.
A traditional carrot cake is high in carbs. This low carb carrot cake with cream cheese frosting significantly reduces the carb count by using keto-friendly ingredients and clocks in at only 5.8 grams of net carbs per serving.
I created a keto carrot cake cupcake recipe so that you can confidently make them into portion controlled options.
Dry cake is usually caused by over-baking or using pre-shredded carrots. Fresh carrots and proper baking time are key.
Coconut flour is not a 1:1 substitute for almond flour in this recipe, as it absorbs much more liquid and would require significant adjustments to the ingredients and ratios. However, if you prefer baking with coconut flour, I do have a keto carrot cake cookie recipe made entirely with coconut flour that delivers all the classic carrot cake flavor you love.
No, it's not a must to include the unsweetened coconut flakes in this recipe. You can leave them out without affecting the overall texture of the cake. They mainly add a subtle texture and boost the fiber content slightly. If you choose to omit them, the cake will still turn out moist and delicious, just with a slightly lower fiber content.
Sure you can easily swap the pecans in this recipe for walnuts if that is your preference.
I don't recommend adding crushed pineapple to this recipe. Even without added sugar, pineapple is naturally high in carbs, which can quickly push this cake out of keto-friendly range.
It's also important to note that I haven't tested this variation. Adding pineapple would introduce extra moisture, which could affect the structure of the cake and potentially cause it to become too soft or even fall apart.
For best results and to keep this recipe truly low-carb, it's best to stick with the original ingredients.
Tag Us
If you've been missing carrot cake, this keto carrot cake recipe is one you'll want to make again and again.
It's rich, moist, and full of flavor while still being low-carb and gluten-free. This is the kind of dessert that proves you don't have to give up your favorites to stay on track.
And if you really want to wow your loved ones, consider making our keto carrot cake roll too!
If you give it a try, make sure you remember to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. It's what keeps us encouraged to keep sharing and perfecting our recipes.
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Ultimate Keto Carrot Cake (Gluten-Free)
This is the only keto carrot cake recipe you'll need. It's the perfect balance between spices and sweetness. This recipe produces a moist, delicious carrot cake that is low in carbs to fit your macros while following a keto diet.
Ingredients
Keto Carrot Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar substitute
- 1 cup of sugar substitute
- 5 eggs , room temperature
- 2 ½ cups of finely milled almond flour, measured and sifted
- ½ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 cups of loosely packed freshly grated carrots
- 1 ½ cups of roughly chopped pecans (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- ½ cup of heavy whipping cream
Keto Cream Cheese Frosting
- 12 ounces of full fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¾ cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cup confectioner's sugar substitute
- ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Keto Carrot Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease both the bottom and sides of two 9-inch pans.
- Line the cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugar substitutes until they are light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add the ½ cup of heavy whipping cream and combine well.
- Add freshly grated carrots and mix well till thoroughly combined.
- Combine the almond flour, baking powder, and spices in another bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Lastly, stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Transfer the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Bake for 35 minutes or until done.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a baking rack to cool thoroughly.
- While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting.
Keto Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter on high speed until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl several times.
- Beat this mixture on high for 2-3 minutes. Note: You want to use your whipping attachment to get the best results. If you do not own this attachment, you can use your egg beaters.
- Next, add the sugar-free confectioner's sugar a little at a time.
- To the blended cream cheese frosting batter, add the heavy whipping cream a couple of tablespoons at a time on high until light and airy, about 2 minutes. This recipe makes 4 ½ cups of frosting.
Frosting Your Carrot Cake
- Place the first layer onto a cake plate when the cakes have cooled completely.
- Add about ½ cup of frosting to the center of the first layer, making sure to spread evenly.
- Add the next cake layer on top of the first and another ½ cup of cream cheese frosting to the center of the second layer.
- Spread frosting evenly to the edge of the cake.
- With the remainder of the cream cheese frosting, frost the sides and top of the cake.
- Top the frosted cake with ½ a cup of chopped pecans.
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the carrot cake, do so before frosting it since the frosting will not freeze well.
Notes
This recipe can also be baked in 9X13 inch pan using the amounts listed for both the cake and frosting.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 49.3gSaturated Fat: 49.3gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 320mgCarbohydrates: 5.8gNet Carbohydrates: 3.9gFiber: 1.9gSugar: 1.9gProtein: 6.7g

















Dee says
Could the carrot cake be made into cupcakes?
Hilda Solares says
Hi Dee! Yes of course. I'm sure they would look lovely too. If you decide to do so please stop by and tell us how many the recipe makes. 😉
Pam says
I used two muffin pans, one had 12 and the other had 9 cupcakes, baked for 30 minutes and they came out great. I used an ice-cream
scooper to put the batter into the muffin cups.
Hilda Solares says
Awesome Pam! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe. I do have a recipe for keto carrot cake cupcakes you might want to try.
Jane says
Thanks for this great recipe.
Where can I find how many carbs are in them?
Hilda Solares says
Hi Jane, So sorry apparently I forgot to add the food label. I just updated the recipe it's on the site now. Note that the net carbs includes the cream cheese frosting. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Glad you enjoyed the carrot cake.
Ellen says
Why are you making a recipe with carrots, which is high in sugar and carbs??
Hilda Solares says
Hi Ellen, Thanks for sharing your concern but my recipes range from the very strict keto to those that are a little higher in carbs. In the end I want people to have as many options as possible so that the lifestyle is sustainable long term. I hope you can understand this.;)
Ellen says
Oh, ok. I just started reading your blog today. I’m a type 1 diabetic, so I was a little concerned about carrots, haha. I love carrots; my sugars do not. I can always sub zucchini for the starchy veggie. I love how you are mixing fitness and faith. I too have been trusting the Lord to heal me, but have felt for awhile He wants me to make changes to my diet for the long haul. I know He doesnt want to heal me and then watch me revert to old eating habits. I believe my southern way of eating is what made me sick in the first place.
Hilda Solares says
Totally understand that as a type 1 diabetic you need to be even more mindful of your carbs Ellen. I'm so glad you appreciate that I mix my faith with this lifestyle. I think there is something very special that transforms our character when we allow God to do the impossible and we do what's in our power. Are you familiar with Dr. Jason Fung's work? He treats diabetes 1&2 with a combination of diet and intermittent fasting. He has several great books and has a blog that you might find useful. Well don't be a stranger darling. Here to serve you.
Natalie says
How long would you reccomend baking this in a 9x13 pan?
Hilda Solares says
Hi Natalie! I would check at 25 minutes for doneness.
Pam Plett says
@Natalie, I’m doing it in a 9x13 and at the 35 min mark still not set. So let it go another 10 mins . 45 mins it was set
Also added a little vanilla extract to the frosting and cake
Hilda Solares says
Every oven runs a little differently temperature-wise so you may have to adjust the baking time.