Keto Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Celebrate the holidays with a guilt-free dessert! This Keto Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a rich, moist, and festive treat that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Infused with deep chocolate flavor and a refreshing hint of peppermint, this cake is topped with a velvety keto-friendly ganache or frosting and crushed sugar-free peppermint candies. It’s an indulgent dessert that allows you to enjoy the holiday spirit without breaking your diet goals.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups almond flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure it’s low-carb)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• ½ cup keto-friendly sweetener (like erythritol or monk fruit)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

Optional Topping:

• Keto chocolate ganache or frosting
• Crushed sugar-free peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or two smaller pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, and sweetener until well combined.
• Stir in the peppermint extract and almond milk.

4. Mix the Batter

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
• The batter will be slightly thick but pourable.

5. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Decorate

• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
• Top with keto chocolate ganache or a light peppermint cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with crushed sugar-free peppermint candies for a festive touch.

Optional Keto Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the heavy cream over low heat until steaming (don’t boil).
2. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
3. Add the peppermint extract and let the ganache cool slightly before spreading over the cake.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Chocolate Peppermint Cake

1. Choose Quality Ingredients:
   • Use high-quality almond flour for the best texture and unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
2. Peppermint Extract:
   • A little goes a long way. Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and add more if needed.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
   • Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a fluffy texture.
4. Crush Sugar-Free Peppermint Candies Just Before Use:
   • This prevents them from becoming sticky and preserves their festive crunch.
5. Add Depth with Coffee:
   • For even richer chocolate flavor, substitute almond milk with cooled strong coffee.
6. Cooling is Crucial:
   • Let the cake cool completely before decorating to ensure the frosting or ganache sets perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 6g

Conclusion

This Keto Chocolate Peppermint Cake combines the indulgent flavors of chocolate and peppermint while keeping carbs to a minimum. It’s moist, rich, and perfect for those on a low-carb diet who don’t want to miss out on holiday treats. Serve it at your next festive gathering, and even non-keto guests will enjoy it!