Here’s a healthy version of a timeless cake from New Zealand – Sugar-Free Gluten-Free Louise Slice!
It's a sweet shortbread crust, covered in sugar-free berry jam/jelly then covered in a sweet coconut baked layer.
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What is a Louise slice (Louise cakes)?
Louise cakes were rumoured to have been named after the daughter of Queen Victoria in the 1800s – Princess Louise of England. Others think it may have been named after Princess Louise's wedding cake.
Brought to New Zealand by British settlers, the recipe has been used throughout the centuries and is still being made in today’s kitchens – like mine!
What are the 3 layers in a Louise slice?
A Louise slice is typically made with a thin base layer of cake or biscuit crumbs topped with raspberry or plum jam, coconut meringue; then baked in a rectangular pan in the oven and cut into squares (hence why it’s called a “slice” rather than cake).
But in reality, families across New Zealand will have made their own special recipe for years, and all these different versions in the long span of time make the cake slices all the more special.
You can enjoy this sugar-free gluten-free Louise slice for any occasion like anniversaries and parties – and you can even pack a square or two in your lunchboxes for school and work!
And of course, Louise slice is always to be found at a school bake sale - so bring a healthy sugar-free gluten-free Louise slice instead.
Making a sugar-free gluten-free Louise slice – or of any dish, for that matter – was far from the imaginations of its originators, but I bet that they would enjoy this healthier version nonetheless.
Grain free vs gluten-free?
As well as being sugar-free, this delicious Louise slice recipe is also gluten-free! If you are new here you may wish to read Gluten free vs Grain Free.
What is gluten? Gluten is a type of protein that can be found in many grains and flour which is avoided when on a low-carb diet or keto diet.
Although gluten aids in maintaining the elasticity of the food it’s in and makes them chewier, it is worth giving it up entirely due to the effect gluten has on bloating, stomach pain, and your ability to absorb some nutrients.
Giving up on grains (and therefore gluten) greatly improves your digestive health and helps with healthy weight loss and appetite control, for starters.
And because grains (and gluten) can be found in so many ultra-processed and unhealthy junk food, you’ll be sure to eventually eliminate these nasty products from your kitchens when living low-carb.
More sugar-free baking recipes
Like my other desserts such as no-bake lemon cheesecake and low-carb carrot cake, this healthy low-carb Louise Slice has no added sugar – without having to skimp on taste! Just because a cake is sugar-free doesn’t mean that it takes excitement and taste from it.
📖 Recipe
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Sugar-free Louise slice recipe
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Ingredients
Gluten-Free Pastry Base
- 150 g (1.5 cups) almond meal/flour
- 50 g (0.5 stick) butter melted
- 2 tablespoon granulated sweetener, of choice or more to your taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 eggs - medium medium
Sugar-Free Chia Jam
- 125 g (1.25 cups) berries fresh or frozen
- 5 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon granulated sweetener of choice or more to your taste
- 80 ml (0.3 cups) water
Sugar-Free Coconut Topping
- 200 g (2 cups) desiccated/shredded coconut unsweetened
- 2 tablespoon granulated sweetener of choice or more to your taste
- 4 tablespoon coconut oil melted (see recipe notes)
Instructions
I would suggest making the sugar-free chia jam the night before, or at the beginning of this recipe, so it has time to swell and thicken.
Gluten-Free Pastry Base
- Mix all the ingredients together. Press into a square baking dish (20x20cm, 8x8inch) that has been lined with baking parchment.
- Bake at 180C/350F for 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Sugar-Free Chia Jam
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Allow to set for 20-30 minutes. Chia seems to vary considerably so it may take a little longer to set, or may require an extra tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Gently spread the sugar-free chia jam over the cooled cooked base. Place in the fridge to set further.
Sugar-Free Coconut Topping
- Mix the coconut, sweetener and melted coconut oil together in a bowl. NOTE: Depending on how much moisture is in your shredded/desiccated coconut, you may require an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to ensure the coconut layer sets. To test, squeeze a little handful together. It just needs to hold together for a second, it will set hard in the fridge. But if it is completely crumbly, add extra coconut oil which is the binding agent.
- Spread gently the coconut layer on top of the chia jam layer. Place in the fridge to set completely.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- May be frozen as individual squares in an airtight container which has been lined with baking paper.
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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.
Susan Hylton
I made this with a coconut flour/cassava flour mix. Worked great. I did add a packet of Stevia ( with inulin not erithrital sp? Also I made a second batch where I mixed the coconut into a homemade whipped cream. ( sugar free as well!)
Fabulous! Thanks for the recipe
Angelique
Looks delicious! Do you have any suggestions for a similar base, but nut free? I can pack it in school lunches if it has no nuts 🙂
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I'm afraid I don't a have a similar recipe to this that is nut free, but I do have an entire list of coconut flour recipes or recipes that have their adaptation instructions to use coconut flour instead. Click here to take a look.
Leah
Do you think coconut flour could be substituted for the almond flour?
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Coconut flour and almond flour work in completely different ways. You may want to read this Ultimate Guide To Coconut Flour vs Almond Flour.
Mary Ann
I made this last night. We are enjoying it with our coffee today. I only got 9 squares from the 8x8 dish. Next time I will add a bit more swerve to the fruit/chia layer and use less coconut on top. It is a tasty treat.
Denise
This sounds amazing. Will make it this weekend. Have you heard of Australian "Lamingtons"? They are a little square yellow cake which are then dipped in melted chocolate and then in shredded coconut?
Hoping you have, and you would consider remaking this long-time loved sweet from all my birthday parties in Sydney.
Thanks for your inspiration every day!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Ooooh, being a kiwi, of course, I know Lamingtons - what a brilliant suggestion. Watch this space!!! 🙂
Denise
My husband complains about the chia seeds getting stuck in his gums. Is there a substitute I could use?
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
If you have a good brand of sugar-free jam, use that instead. I personally have never found one that has quality sweeteners. And yes, those darn chia seeds. Alternatively, you could use ground chia seeds, they are less problematic in teeth ?
Mia
I found sugar free chia jam at the store. What is the equivalent for store bought instead of home made?
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I can't really give you an accurate measurement as I don't know how thick or spreadable your chia jam is. Be guided by your baking instinct. The jam is the filling, so enough for flavour, not too much so the layers don't stick together.
mary
50 g
8ml
what are this meaasure ????
thanks y
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I'm sorry, I don't quite understand your question. If you prefer not to use metric measurements, there are buttons below each recipe where you can switch between metric and cups. There is nothing that is 8ml in this recipe. Hit reply and let's see if I can figure this out for you.
Mari Hannan
50g means 50 grams and 80ml is 80 mililitres or if you change the measurements you will see it is equivalent to 1/3 cup.
Hope this clarifies.