Keto Earthquake Cake is a delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with creamy, swirled pockets of cream cheese, crunchy nuts, and chocolate chips.
This indulgent treat features a butter cream cheese mixture and unsweetened shredded coconut, creating a delightful "earthquake" effect as it bakes.
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while staying in ketosis, this low-carb Chocolate Earthquake Cake is a must-try for any keto enthusiast looking for a decadent, guilt-free dessert option.
Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe
Whether you're craving chocolate or are looking for an impressive low-carb dessert for a special occasion, this Keto Earthquake Cake is the perfect choice.
Traditional earthquake cakes commonly use boxed chocolate cake mix or vanilla cake mix packed with sugar, wheat flour, and preservatives, making them unsuitable for those following a keto diet.
Fortunately, this low-carb version replaces those ingredients with nutritious options that won’t impact your blood sugar levels, such as unsweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and almond flour.
Additionally, this recipe can be easily doubled or halved, which makes it an excellent option for gatherings of any size or for customizing portion sizes to fit your needs.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile and can be easily adjusted to fit your flavor preferences.
One popular variation is strawberry earthquake cake, which uses fresh strawberries, sugar-free white chocolate chips, and homemade whipped cream frosting to give this dessert a fruity twist and an extra layer of indulgence.
Individuals with gluten sensitivities can rest easy, as this recipe is entirely gluten-free and offers a delicious substitute for wheat-based confections.
What is earthquake cake?
Earthquake cake is a dessert named after how it looks after baking. As the cake bakes, the cream cheese mixture on top sinks into the batter, creating a rustic, cracked appearance.
Although earthquake cake is sometimes mistaken for German chocolate cake for its similar ingredients, these two bakes offer distinct flavors and textures.
German chocolate cake layers coconut and pecans into the batter, while earthquake cake features a velvety cream cheese swirl.
About the ingredients
To make this low-carb Earthquake Cake, you'll need wholesome ingredients commonly used in keto recipes.
Here are some of the key ingredients you'll need to prepare this delectable dessert.
Almond flour
Almond flour, made from finely ground blanched almonds, provides a mild nutty flavor to a wide range of baked goods.
This popular keto flour enhances the Earthquake Cake's texture and volume, aiding in its rise while contributing to a tender crumb and overall lightness.
Almond flour is also a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese, making it a nutritious alternative to wheat flour.
“Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, while manganese is vital for bone health and collagen production,” explains Dr. Berg.
Swerve confectioners sweetener
Swerve confectioners sweetener is a sugar substitute made from erythritol, a sugar alcohol that tastes similar to conventional sugar but has minimal impact on insulin levels.
Additionally, Swerve contains oligosaccharides, which are prebiotic fibers that can boost the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that aid digestive processes and promote strong immune defenses.
Collagen powder
Collagen powder is a popular dietary supplement praised for its benefits for skin, hair, joint, and digestive health.
Research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology indicates that powders and liquids are the most effective forms of collagen supplements, as they enhance the interstitial absorption of collagen peptides.
Furthermore, incorporating collagen powder into baked goods can boost protein content without affecting their taste or texture.
Unsweetened shredded coconut
The use of unsweetened shredded coconut helps keep the recipe’s sugar content low and prevents spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.
What’s more, it offers a delightful tropical flavor to the cake while providing healthy fats and fiber.
Coconut is also an excellent source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fatty acid that the body can quickly convert into energy, providing a rapid and efficient fuel source.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is a soft cheese made from milk and cream. It's abundant in healthy fats and has a smooth texture, perfect for adding richness and creaminess to baked goods.
Additionally, cream cheese is an excellent source of calcium, an essential mineral crucial for strong bones and teeth.
This is supported by a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which found that high calcium intake helps build bone strength during growth, slows age-related bone loss, and decreases the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Sugar-free chocolate chips
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are loaded with health-promoting polyphenols.
According to research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, polyphenols may help guard against diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Beyond the potential health benefits of polyphenols, chocolate enhances the flavors of coconut and cream cheese while also contributing to the cake's moistness.
Regular chocolate chips are typically loaded with sugar and carbs. Therefore, using sugar-free chocolate chips is essential for keeping this recipe keto-approved.
What to serve with keto earthquake cake
This Keto Earthquake Cake is delectable on its own, but it can also be served with various low-carb toppings that complement its flavors.
Here are a few mouthwatering ideas to try:
A scoop of low-carb, no-churn ice cream or a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream
Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries
Chopped nuts, including macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts
A drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce or homemade low-carb maple syrup
Storing tips
If you can resist eating the entire cake in one sitting, store leftovers in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual cake slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Label the bag with the date so you can easily track its freshness.
When ready to eat, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve with a cup of hot black coffee or black tea for a perfect after-meal treat.
Final thoughts
This Keto Earthquake Cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients, including almond flour, collagen powder, cream cheese, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
Serve with low-carb toppings, such as fresh berries, no-churn ice cream, chopped almonds, or homemade whipped cream, to create a truly indulgent and satisfying dessert.
FAQ
1. How many carbs are in Keto Earthquake Cake?
Each serving of Keto Earthquake Cake contains 9.5 grams of net carbs, making it a perfect treat for those following a Healthy Keto® diet.
2. Can you freeze Keto Earthquake Cake?
Yes, you can freeze individual cake slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
3. Can I use peanut butter in Keto Earthquake Cake?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter with no added sugars, but read the label carefully, as many store-bought varieties contain preservatives.
Alternatively, you can make your own homemade peanut butter by blending roasted peanuts in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
4. Is almond flour okay to bake with on keto?
Yes, almond flour is a nutritious and keto-approved alternative to traditional wheat flour. However, it's crucial to note that almond flour has a different texture than white flour and absorbs moisture differently. This may affect the consistency of your baked goods, so you may need to adjust the recipe slightly.
5. Can I use a ready-made cake mix to make Keto Earthquake Cake?
Conventional earthquake cake recipes often use a chocolate fudge cake mix or German chocolate cake mix as the cake’s base. However, these ready-made cake mixes are packed with sugar and contain highly processed ingredients unsuitable for those following keto.
This recipe is made with nutritious, low-carb ingredients that align with a keto lifestyle, ensuring you can enjoy a rich and satisfying dessert without compromising your dietary goals.
Sources
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2000.10718088
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3488419/
