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Two-layer keto red velvet cake with velvety red crumb and thick, smooth cream cheese frosting

Keto Red Velvet Cake

Daniel Foster
This two-layer keto red velvet cake pairs almond and coconut flours with gentle cocoa, apple cider vinegar, and tangy cream cheese frosting for a moist, velvety crumb that bakes in 20 to 25 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Offset spatula

Ingredients

  • 5 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sweetener
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons natural liquid or gel red food coloring (or as needed)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 4 oz unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sweetener

Instructions

  • Set the oven to 350°F / 180°C and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment circles on the bottoms and well-greased sides. The parchment should sit flat so the delicate layers release more easily.
  • Whip the softened cake butter with the 1 cup powdered sweetener in a large mixing bowl. Stop when the mixture looks pale and fluffy, with no obvious butter lumps.
  • Beat in each egg separately before adding the next. The mixture should become evenly blended after each addition rather than showing streaks of egg.
  • Turn the mixer to low and incorporate the apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. A slightly separated appearance at this stage can settle once the flours enter the mixture.
  • Work the almond flour into the wet mixture in several additions using low speed. Each addition should disappear into the batter before the next goes in.
  • Mix in the coconut flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder just until evenly incorporated. Look for a cohesive batter with a silky surface and a slightly thick consistency.
  • Tint the batter gradually with the red food coloring, stopping at your preferred shade. Color strength varies by product, so judge the batter rather than adding the full amount automatically.
  • Portion the batter equally into the two pans and level each surface. Even batter depth helps both layers bake at a similar pace.
  • Bake the layers for 20 to 25 minutes, checking the centers before removing them. The tops should look set, and a toothpick should carry a few damp crumbs without wet batter.
  • Leave the baked layers in their pans until completely cool. The pans support the tender cakes while their structure firms.

Make the Keto Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Whip the cream cheese, frosting butter, powdered sweetener, and vanilla extract in a large bowl at medium speed for about 3 minutes. The finished frosting should look fluffy and uniform, without visible pieces of butter or cream cheese.

Assemble and Frost the Cake

  • Center the first cooled layer on a serving plate or cake stand and cover its top with about half the frosting. An even filling gives the upper layer a level surface to rest on.
  • Stack the second layer and use an offset or icing spatula to spread the remaining frosting across the top and around the sides. Light pressure helps keep loose crumbs from dragging through the frosting.
  • Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes before cutting. The frosting should feel firmer and hold the layers steady.
  • Cut the chilled cake into slices and serve. The filling should stay between the layers rather than squeeze out beneath the knife.

Notes

Ingredient tip: Let the eggs, butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese lose their refrigerator chill before mixing so the batter blends evenly and the frosting whips without lumps.
Texture tip: Fluff the flours, spoon them into your measuring cup, and level them without pressing down so the cake layers stay tender instead of heavy or dense.
Doneness: Check the layers starting at 20 minutes and pull them from the oven once the tops look set and a toothpick shows a few damp crumbs rather than waiting until it is completely dry.
Serving tip: Cool the baked layers completely in their pans before frosting, then refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 60 minutes so the frosting firms up for clean slices.
Storage: Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator using a tall cake carrier or container that clears the frosting, and keep cut slices covered so the crumb does not dry out.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.
Keyword keto red velvet cake, low carb red velvet cake, sugar free red velvet cake