• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Ditch The Carbs
  • Home
  • SHOP
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes
  • How To Start
  • Guides
  • Videos
  • Kids
  • 4-Week QUICKSTART
menu icon
go to homepage
  • 🛒 SHOP
  • RECIPES
  • CHARTS
  • MEALS
  • FREEBIES
  • START HERE
  • 4-Week QUICKSTART
  • KETO CALCULATOR
  • KIDS
  • BUY ME A COFFEE ☕️
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • 🛒 SHOP
    • RECIPES
    • CHARTS
    • MEALS
    • FREEBIES
    • START HERE
    • 4-Week QUICKSTART
    • KETO CALCULATOR
    • KIDS
    • BUY ME A COFFEE ☕️
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Low-Carb Keto Desserts, Cookies And Cake Recipes

    Quick Berry Keto Sponge Cake (Coconut Flour)

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    8969 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK STARTER PACK JUMP TO RECIPE

    This popular keto sponge cake (keto Victoria sponge) is soft and delicious, sprinkled with sugar-free sweetener, and served with whipped cream or yogurt.

    You only need 7 healthy ingredients to make this vanilla keto cake, it only takes 10 minutes to make and is 2.2g net carbs per slice.

    An easy flourless cake that's a nut-free recipe. A quick sugar-free cake that's diabetic-friendly.

    whole berry keto sponge cake on a white cake stand
    Soft and fluffy keto sponge cake

    If you're on a low-carb diet and have a nut allergy, it can be difficult to find sugar-free recipes and keto recipes that don't use almond flour.

    Coconut flour recipes like this keto vanilla cake, are nut-free, sugar-free, grain-free, and naturally gluten-free. And of course, the keto sponge cake is low carb - there are just 2.2 grams net carbs in one slice.

    Jump to:
    • What is keto sponge cake?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs about keto sponge cake
    • More Sugar-Free Keto Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Baking 101 (tips & charts)
    • 💬 Comments

    What is keto sponge cake?

    A keto sponge cake is a gluten-free vanilla cake with fresh berries (or frozen berries) pressed into the top. This recipe can be baked as one large cake or baked in a square dish to make keto bars.

    This is a light and fluffy cake that will soon become your favorite dessert cuisine to make for parties.

    Using coconut flour and sugar-free sweetener makes this low-carb sponge cake keto.

    It has a really light texture that goes with any dessert or drink that you make.

    It is my favorite sugar-free cake recipe. When you prepare keto recipes that taste just like their carb-filled counterparts, it is easier to stay within your macros on the keto diet.

    Ingredients

    labelled in to make a keto vanilla cake

    To make this low carb sponge cake, you'll just need a few simple ingredients such as:

    • melted butter - you can use salted butter or salted butter with a pinch of salt.
    • coconut flour - this sponge is light and airy thanks to the qualities of coconut flour. Coconut flour is a naturally gluten-free low-carb flour.
    • granulated sweetener of choice - find my top picks in this article featuring the ultimate guide to sweeteners. Granulated sweetener works well such as erythritol, monk fruit, allulose, or xylitol.
    • vanilla extract - or vanilla essence.
    • baking powder - do not use baking soda, make sure it is baking powder.
    • eggs -
    • frozen berries - I prefer raspberries, but you can use a different type if you'd like! Just keep in mind the berry carb count.

    For exact quantities, see the sponge cake recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Instructions

    It's really easy to make your own sugar-free vanilla cake with berries. And the end result is absolutely worth the small amount of effort it takes to bake this cake!

    This simple keto recipe is all made in one large mixing bowl - so there's no need to mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, there's no need to use a stand mixer or to beat egg whites to stiff peaks.

    STEP 1: Gently fold the melted butter, coconut flour, sugar-free sweetener, vanilla extract, and baking powder until it is smooth.

    melted butter and coconut flour in a mixing bowl

    STEP 2: Slowly add your eggs, stirring really well in between each one.

    eggs and cake batter in a mixing bowl

    Make sure you don't over-mix the cake batter.

    keto cake batter in a glass bowl

    STEP 3: Pour the low-carb sponge cake batter into a prepared baking dish.

    Press frozen berries evenly into the top of the cake.

    sponge cake with frozen berries
    Press frozen berries or fresh berries into the cake batter.

    To make sure the cake layer doesn't stick to your pan, place some parchment paper on the bottom of your dish first.

    Preheat oven and bake the keto cake until it is completely cooked in the middle.

    TOP TIP: When I add frozen berries to a cake, I wait until the mixture is in the baking dish, then press the frozen berries in the batter so they are evenly distributed and won't color the cake batter.

    Serving

    • Allow the low-carb cake to cool completely before decorating with powdered sweetener (swerve confectioners are a good option).
    • Serve with whipped cream (heavy cream), natural unsweetened yogurt, or whipped coconut cream on the side.
    • Vanilla cream cheese frosting is a little heavy to serve on top, but is nice served on the side.

    Substitutions

    This is a simple recipe for a low-carb cake, so there aren't many substitutions you can make. If you don't have butter, you can use ghee or even some melted coconut oil. Overall, however, I suggest you stick with the recipe for best results!

    Keto sponge cake made without almond flour.

    Variations

    The fun thing about this keto cake is that it's almost a blank slate! You can change the flavor in so many fun ways. Here are a few ideas to make this one of your favorite recipes:

    • Swap the berries - The keto sponge recipe calls for raspberries but you can easily adapt the recipe using your favorite berry, or whatever is in season at the time. Frozen berries are an economical and easy option. I always have a few bags in the freezer.
    • Flavor the sponge - add lemon juice and lemon zest to your cake batter.
    • Swap the toppings - You can also top this keto sponge cake with some sugar-free whipped cream. Or make your own meringue topping with egg whites. Just whip your egg whites until stiff peaks form. Top the whipped cream with some lemon zest for a fresh-tasting low-carb sponge cake.

    Use any type of baking dish that you have; you will just have to adjust the baking time. Pour batter into muffin tins or a bundt cake pan for a different take.

    sliced berry keto sponge cake on a white cake stand
    Keto-friendly berry sponge cake.

    Storage

    Store this sugar-free vanilla cake covered at cool room temperature for up to three days.

    You can also store this coconut flour cake in the freezer. Wrap it up in a plastic wrap and place it in a resealable food storage bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.

    sliced berry keto sponge cake on a white cake stand

    FAQs about keto sponge cake

    Is coconut a nut?

    The FDA lists coconut as a tree nut but it's actually not one. Instead, coconut is a seed of a group of fruits known as drupaceous, which also includes cherries, dates, and apricots.

    The bottom line is that while most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut, it's important to speak to your doctor and follow their advice on this topic! Some people are allergic to both.

    Does coconut flour taste like coconut?

    Coconut flour is a common low-carb flour that is light, incredibly absorbent, and easily flavored. Most readers tell me that coconut flour does not taste like coconut.

    However, if you are sensitive to the coconut flavor, you can add a bit more vanilla extract to the flourless berry sponge recipe to help cover and hide the mild coconut taste.

    How do you make this cake recipe dairy-free?

    If you cannot tolerate dairy, you may wish to use coconut oil instead of butter, but add a pinch of salt and some extra flavoring as the butter does add a rich buttery taste to the flourless sponge recipe.

    Are almond flour and coconut flour 1:1 substitutes for each other?

    Even though people use both almond flour and coconut flour in dessert recipes for the low-carb diet, they are not exactly the same. They affect moisture content in the dessert in different ways, so it is important for you to follow the recipe.

    I wrote an entire article about why you can't swap almond flour and coconut flour if you'd like to learn more.

    Does the keto cake have to be vanilla?

    You can add any flavor you like to the low-carb keto cake. My favorite is to add lemon zest and lemon juice combined with the berries is incredible.

    Do I need to use organic eggs?

    Which eggs you use is up to you, and your budget.

    Why do some keto-friendly cakes use protein powder?

    Protein powder is often used in keto cakes and low-carb cakes to replace gluten that is found in wheat flour.

    Do I need to beat egg whites and

    Many cake recipes require you to whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form with an electric whisk. This is such a great recipe because none of that is needed.

    sliced berry keto sponge cake on a white cake stand
    Only 2.2 net carbs per slice

    More Sugar-Free Keto Recipes

    If you enjoyed this low-carb sponge cake, here are some more sugar-free recipes you should make next. They taste just as delicious as this cake recipe.

    • Best Keto Chocolate Cookies
    • Buttery Keto Shortbread Cookies
    • Keto Chocolate Lasagna
    • Quick and Easy Keto Macaroons
    • Double-Chocolate Keto Mug Cake
    collage of how to make a keto cake

    📖 Recipe

    whole berry keto sponge cake on a white cake stand

    Please rate this recipe.

    3.9 from 49 votes

    Flourless Berry Sponge Recipe (coconut flour)

    This popular keto sponge cake (keto Victoria sponge) is soft and delicious, sprinkled with sugar-free sweetener, and served with whipped cream or yogurt. An easy flourless cake that's sugar-free cake and diabetic-friendly.
    Servings: 10
    NET carbs: 2.2g
    Author: Libby Jenkinson
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Category: Cakes and desserts. Lunch boxes. Snacks
    Diet: Diabetic. Gluten Free. Vegetarian
    Gluten Free. Grain free. Keto. LCHF. Low Carb. No Sugars. Wheat Free
    Review Recipe Print Pin Email

    Calculate ingredients

    Adjust servings: 10
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 110 g (1 stick) butter melted
    • 50 g (½ cup) coconut flour
    • 4 tablespoon granulated sweetener of choice or more, to your taste
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 8 eggs - medium
    • 100 g (1 cup) frozen berries

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Mixing bowls
    • Parchment Paper

    Instructions

    • Mix the melted butter, coconut flour, sweetener, vanilla, and baking powder together until smooth.
    • Add the eggs one by one, mixing in between each addition.
    • Pour into a prepared baking dish, I use a silicon cake dish.
    • Press each frozen berry evenly into the cake. This allows the berries to be evenly distributed and not clump together. It also stops the cake from turning pink!
    • Bake at 180C/350F for 20-25 minutes until cooked in the centre.
    • Serve with whipped cream or yogurt and berries.
    © Copyright Ditch The Carbs

    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK

    .

    mockups of 5 Ingredients (Or Less) Low-Carb Cookbook on devices and printed cookbooks
    Nutrition Facts
    Flourless Berry Sponge Recipe (coconut flour)
    Serving Size
     
    1 slice (makes 10)
    Amount per Serving
    NET carbs
     
    2.2
    g
    Total Carbohydrates
     
    4.6
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    2.4
    g
    10
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    5.4
    g
    11
    %
    Fat
     
    13
    g
    20
    %
    Sodium
     
    131.8
    mg
    6
    %
    Potassium
     
    108.5
    mg
    3
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    468.3
    IU
    9
    %
    Vitamin B1
     
    0.02
    mg
    1
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.1
    mg
    5
    %
    Vitamin B12
     
    0.3
    µg
    5
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    2.6
    mg
    3
    %
    Vitamin D
     
    0.7
    µg
    5
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    0.7
    mg
    5
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    1.7
    µg
    2
    %
    Calcium
     
    42.5
    mg
    4
    %
    Folate
     
    19
    µg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    0.8
    mg
    4
    %
    Magnesium
     
    6.9
    mg
    2
    %
    Selenium
     
    10.9
    µg
    16
    %
    Zinc
     
    0.5
    mg
    3
    %
    % Daily Value*
    -
    Calories
    158.3
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    YOUR HOLIDAY PANTRY & GIFT GUIDES

    .

    images and mockups for Amazon seasonal holiday shop

    Approximate nutrition information is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. For the most accurate nutritional data, use the actual ingredients and brands you used in your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Baking 101 (tips & charts)

    collage of baking conversion charts
    • How to measure butter (5 easy methods)
    • Egg conversion charts (and the best egg substitutes)
    • Baking pan conversion charts (cake tin conversions)
    • Air fryer cheat sheets (temperature charts)
    • Kitchen conversion charts (pounds, grams, ounces, cups)
    • Should you cook by cups or weight?
    Finally a flourless berry sponge that is nut free!! Yes, no almond flour here, just simple easy coconut flour, eggs and berries. | ditchthecarbs.com

    More ... The Best Low-Carb Keto Cakes, Cookies, and Dessert Recipes

    • The Best Keto Cheesecake Recipe (4 Topping Flavors)
    • Best Chocolate No-Bake Cookies (Without Peanut Butter) Sugar-Free
    • 47 Delicious Sugar-Free Cakes For Diabetics (You Must Try)
    • Best Sugar-Free Birthday Cake Recipe (Keto Friendly)
    8969 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    mockups of low-carb meal plans and templates
    Libby Jenkinson in her garden

    I'm Libby Jenkinson MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners.

    Learn more about me →

    low-carb and keto cookbooks

    Recent Posts

    • The Best Keto Pizza Casserole (made with cauliflower)
    • Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers (Keto-Friendly)
    • 3-Ingredient Keto Tortilla Chips Recipe (Air Fryer or Baked)
    • The Best Keto Coffee Creamer Recipe (5 flavors)
    • Easy Low-Carb Keto Oatmeal Recipe (5-Ingredients)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please leave a COMMENT. Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. EJ

      November 08, 2022 at 6:44 am

      5 stars
      I made this cake today. It is surprisingly good for a cake without traditional flour! I envision using this recipe as a base for a low carb holiday trifle, with berry compote and custard. Trifle has always been my favorite dessert for Christmas. So I am thrilled to have a viable option that will not knock me off my low carb journey. Thank you so much for this gift!!!

      Reply
      • Libby Jenkinson

        November 08, 2022 at 2:49 pm

        5 stars
        I'm happy to help you on your low-carb journey and I am delighted that you love this coconut flour cake. I often use the basic recipe for other low-carb desserts such as keto tiramisu too.

        Reply
    2. Debra

      October 01, 2021 at 5:27 am

      4 stars
      I just made and sampled this delicious sponge cake! I used 5 large eggs and fresh blackberries and baked it in a square 8x8 pan lined with parchment. Took about 30 min to cook and I cut it into 9 equal squares. It is delicious and will be a regular treat for me from now on.

      Reply
    3. Linda

      July 11, 2021 at 5:38 am

      Don't know if you'll see this, since it's been a while since the recipe posted. But I think I know what the issue is with people complaining about the egg issue. Your recipe calls for "8 eggs-medium". In America, the standard sized egg is "large". So if people are using 8 large eggs, it would be too much liquid and way too eggy. You'd need 5-6 large eggs. I'm not sure exactly how many because the conversion chart I found didn't go up as high as 8 medium eggs. If I were making the recipe, I'd do a more thorough search to get a more exact conversion.

      Reply
      • Libby Jenkinson

        July 13, 2021 at 7:38 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you, Linda. Yes, this is exactly why I stipulate the size of eggs that I use so depending on which country you live, and which size eggs are standard, everyone can calculate (or guesstimate) how many eggs to use. It's not an exact science, and even eggs from the same chicken can vary form week to week, but hopefully, it will help make successful baking results.

        Reply
    4. Gin

      September 14, 2019 at 2:07 am

      1 star
      I don't usually review recipes but had to do this one, it was absolutely revolting, this is baking gone wrong. Too many eggs it's practically a sweet omlette with berries. Disgusting.
      And as a baker I do know what tastes go together and none of these do. Minimum amount of coconut flour and ridiculous amount of eggs is vile.
      Would not recommend this to anybody and god forbid serve it to family and friends, it went straight in the bin !

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        September 16, 2019 at 12:52 pm

        Thank you for the honest and frank review. Have you used coconut flour before? The ratio of eggs to coconut flour is correct. Coconut flour is brilliant because you use so little and it swells and expands with the addition of moisture.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    mockup of low-carb keto cookbooks

    • Low-Carb And Keto For Beginners (Start Here)
    • The Best Low-Carb Keto Recipes
    • Low-Carb Keto Shop - Cookbooks, Sweeteners, Meal Plans, Coaching
    • Low-Carb Keto Cookbooks

    ☕️ BUY ME A COFFEE ☕️

    Footer

    ^ BACK TO TOP ^

    mockups of cookbooks
    mockups of featured websites

    Start Here

    • New Here
    • Sweetener Guide
    • Flours Guide
    • Recipe Index
    • Macro Calculator

    Connect

    • FREE Meal Plan
    • 50 Keto Snacks
    • Find a Dr
    • About
    • Affiliates

    ☕️ Buy me a coffee ☕️

    Services

    • 4-week QUICKSTART
    • Get Cookbooks
    • Get Meal Plans
    • Starter Pack

    Ditch the Carbs is a participant in Amazon Services, LLC. Associates Program. We earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
    Privacy Policy - T&C
    Copyright © 2023 Ditch The Carbs

    keto diet app logo
    • 2465