Keto Dessert Recipes Under 5 Carbs

Life is busy, right? Some days, you just want something sweet and yummy without a ton of fuss. For me, that day usually hits around 3 p.m. when I need a little pick-me-up. I remember when I first started eating low-carb, I thought all the treats I loved were gone forever. I missed brownies and cakes so much! I tried a few recipes that tasted like cardboard, and honestly, it was kind of sad.

But then, I found this little miracle: the easy keto dessert recipe I’m sharing with you today. I was skeptical at first—a cake in a mug in just a few minutes? No way! But my very first attempt was a total win. It came out warm, fudgy, and absolutely perfect. It felt like I had a secret superpower. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s my go-to for those rainy days or just when I need a quick hug in a mug. It’s the simplest, most delicious way to satisfy that sweet tooth without all the carbs. Trust me, you’ll be just as excited as I was.

What You’ll Need

This recipe is designed to be super easy, using things you probably already have in your kitchen if you’re eating keto or low-carb. The best part? It’s all mixed right in the mug!

• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (or your favorite keto sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option!)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Note on substitutions: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use 1/4 cup of coconut flour, but know that it soaks up a lot more liquid, so your cake might be a little different! You can also swap the melted butter for coconut oil if you don’t eat dairy. It works just as well.

Tools You’ll Use

• One large microwave-safe mug (12-16 oz works best)
• A small fork or spoon
• A microwave

How to Make It

Photo here: A photo of all the ingredients laid out nicely on a wooden counter.

Making this easy keto dessert recipe is as simple as it gets. You got this!

1. In your mug, add the almond flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir everything together with a fork until there are no clumps. This is important to get a smooth cake!
3. Crack the egg into the mug.
4. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
5. Mix everything with your fork. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and looks like thick brownie batter. Don’t worry if it looks a little runny at first, just keep mixing gently.
6. Clean off the sides of the mug with your spoon so all the batter is at the bottom.
7. Microwave the mug on high for 60 to 90 seconds. Microwaves are all a little different, so start with 60 seconds and check it. The cake should look moist but not be wet on top.
8. Let it cool for a minute. The cake will be super hot! Then, grab a spoon and dig right in.

Helpful Tip: Don’t overmix! Mixing too much can make your cake tough, and we want it to be light and fluffy. Also, if you like a gooey center, cook it closer to 60 seconds. For a more cake-like texture, go for the full 90 seconds.

Healthy Tips

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to miss out on treats. This quick keto dessert is a great example!

• Cocoa Powder: Did you know cocoa powder is full of good things called antioxidants? They’re like little helpers that protect your body and keep you feeling great. It’s also what gives this cake its yummy chocolate flavor!
• Almond Flour: Almonds are packed with healthy fats and fiber. Fiber is important because it helps your tummy feel full and happy. It’s also much lower in carbs than regular flour, which is why it’s perfect for this recipe.
• Make it healthier: Want to add more healthy stuff? Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds with the dry ingredients. They’ll add extra fiber and some healthy fats without changing the taste much.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 8g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Healthy Fats: 28g

A Practical Tip for Families: This recipe is so easy, it’s a great way to get kids into the kitchen! Let them measure out the ingredients and do the mixing. You can even make it a fun “make-your-own” dessert night with different toppings. You could also use small mugs and divide the batter to make two smaller cakes!

Make It Your Own

The best part about this quick keto dessert is how you can change it up. Add a few sugar-free chocolate chips to the batter before you microwave it. Or, when it comes out of the microwave, top it with a scoop of keto vanilla ice cream, some sugar-free whipped cream, or a few berries. This is a great base for a healthy low-carb treat. I always sneak in a few extra chocolate chips because… why not?

I hope this recipe brings a little bit of comfort and happiness to your day, just like it does for me.

Tell me how your chocolate mug cake turned out in the comments below! Did you add any fun toppings?