Keto Pumpkin Cake – Low Carb and Gluten-Free

How to Make Keto Pumpkin Cake
I won’t lie. The first time I made keto pumpkin cake, I was sure I was doing something illegal. It felt way too easy for how good the cake turned out. You just mix your dry stuff, then wet stuff, smush together, bake, and try to not eat it too soon. The aroma will torture you.
Here’s my weird ritual: I stick my nose by the oven vent and just inhale. But back to basics—combine almond flour, pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, trust me, it’s not the same), your fave keto-friendly sweetener, a splash of vanilla, eggs, spices, baking powder, and a bit of salt. I know, simple.
Bake it in a regular pan (loaf, round, whatever—you’re the boss). Usually about 25–30 minutes, but keep an eye. If a knife comes out mostly clean, you’re golden. Frost if you want, or just dust with cinnamon. It’s flexible.
And listen, if it’s not perfect the first go? That’s okay. Mine sank in the middle once and still tasted like five-star restaurant quality if you ask me.
“My family didn’t even realize it was keto. They just thought it was super moist and delicious. I’m turning into that person who brings mystery desserts—and gets begged for the recipe.”
Keto Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients You Need
I get it if ingredient lists make you break out in hives. This one won’t hurt. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Almond flour (fine, no clumps)
- Pumpkin puree (not the pie mix. Read the label, or you’ll get something weird.)
- Eggs (room temp is nice, but honestly, I never remember)
- Sweetener (like erythritol, monk fruit, or whatever low-carb blend floats your boat)
- Butter or coconut oil (butter is good, oil works if you’re dairy-free)
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Pumpkin spice blend (or just cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—all good)
- Salt (just a tad, but don’t forget it)
- Optional add-ons: walnuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, or toss some seeds on top if you’re fancy
Don’t overthink substitutions. Most of this stuff lives in any keto pantry, really. If not—borrow, trade, improvise. It works. Forget complicated.
Keto Pumpkin Cake
Variations on the Keto Pumpkin Cake
Maybe you’re feeling experimental or just don’t have everything. Totally fair. I swap something nearly every time I bake. If I’m out of almond flour, a hazelnut mix worked once—super nutty, like a whole different cake.Coconut flour instead? You can, but use less. It’s thirsty and will make the cake dense if you’re not careful (start small, add a drop of milk if you must).
For extra zing, sometimes I stir in a handful of toasted pecans or sugar-free white chocolate chips. Even cream cheese dollops on top before baking will make it like pumpkin cheesecake. No joke, it’s magic.
Don’t eat dairy? Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a non-dairy frosting. Heck, don’t even frost it. Warm cake by itself? Still amazing.
One wild time, I tossed some unsweetened coconut flakes on top. Gave it a tropical twist. No one complained.
Keto Pumpkin Cake
Expert Tips for Baking Success
Here’s where you get insider knowledge, all my “learned the hard way” stuff. Number one: don’t overmix the batter. You want it just combined. If you stir the life out of it, the cake denses up and isn’t that the worst letdown?
Two, watch the oven, not the timer. All ovens lie a little. If the top looks crackly and a toothpick nearly comes out clean, you’re probably ready.
Cool it at least 15 minutes before diving in unless you like molten cake lava. (I mean, who are we kidding—I’ve risked it before, but you know.)
A sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice on top before baking gives it this extra bakery effect. Simple, but tastes like a pro move.
Please, do not forget—use the right kind of pumpkin. That pie filling stuff? Loaded with sugar. Get the pure pumpkin, trust me on this.
Keto Pumpkin Cake
Common Questions about Keto Pumpkin Cake
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can. I usually let it cool, wrap it up tight, and even freeze slices. For mornings when coffee and a quick breakfast sound better than cooking, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Mostly yes. It’s got real pumpkin and eggs, so fridge is safer, but honestly, it rarely sticks around long in my kitchen.
Q: How can I make it more moist, or less “eggy”?
Try adding a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Cuts egginess, adds a little moisture. Works wonders.
Q: Can I use sweetener other than what’s listed?
For sure! Use any low-carb granulated sweetener that won’t upset your stomach. I switch it up all the time, depending on what’s hanging out in my pantry.
Keto Pumpkin Cake
Serving Suggestions
- Slice thick and serve warm with butter—so simple, so right.
- Add a spoon of sugar-free whipped cream for dessert vibes.
- For breakfast, toast a piece and spread on almond butter.
- Crumble over yogurt for a cheerful parfait.

If you’re a cake lover (guilty here), you might want to try this 5-step healthier purple velvet cake recipe too. Variety is the spice, right?
So, when you want the perfect fall-kissed treat without breaking your low-carb plans, keto pumpkin cake really delivers. You get pumpkin spice comfort, and you don’t have to compromise. Plus, you don’t need crazy skills or hours in the kitchen.
If you’re itching for even more pumpkin goodness, this Keto Pumpkin Spice Cake – Low Carb will totally double your options. And if you want a quick, easy strawberry treat, check out these 5-star strawberry shortcake bars recipe easy delicious guide. Pretty sure your next dessert will be legendary.
Keto Pumpkin Cake
PrintKeto Pumpkin Cake
A cozy, low-carb pumpkin cake that is easy to make and perfect for fall.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup keto-friendly sweetener
- 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice blend
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional add-ons: walnuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice blend, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), sweetener, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or low-carb chocolate chips. The cake can also be served with sugar-free whipped cream or almond butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg