Keto Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake

This Keto Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake is perfect for any holiday get-together or when you want to impress your non-Keto friends. It’s rich and full of cinnamon flavor!

Fresh Zucchini makes an excellent ingredient for cakes and baked goods due to its high water content. It naturally makes baked goods moist, but without weighing them down. And with its neutral flavor – you won’t taste it in the final result.

The fresh zucchini will start drying out as soon as you cut it, so to keep all the moisture in, shred the fresh zucchini right before adding it to your mixture.

You’ll notice that Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener is added to three parts of the cinnamon swirl zucchini cake (cake batter, the cinnamon swirl later, and the glaze that goes on top).

Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener is replacing the sugar that you would find in regular, high-carb versions of a cinnamon swirl zucchini cake. If you’re not familiar with Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener, it is a low-carb, no-calorie sugar substitute.

Here is what they say on their website:

Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener is the only zero-calorie, zero-glycemic sweetener that is just like sugar. It is made from monk fruit which was used for centuries in eastern traditional herbalism to increase chi and well-being, earning it the nickname “The Immortals’ Fruit”. We still grow and harvest monk fruit for Lakanto in the same pristine area and according to traditional and environmental methods.

Lakanto uses a blend of monk fruit extract and the sugar alcohol erythritol. What I love about it – apart from it being zero-calorie and super low-carb – is that the texture is very much like sugar, and it can be used as a 1:1 replacement for sugar.

If you haven’t used erythritol before, introduce it to your diet slowly. For some people, it can cause stomach upsets if too much is consumed too quickly.

This is a great ‘anytime cake’ – meaning you can have it for breakfast, as a tea-time snack, as after school snack, or as dessert. Really – anytime you feel like cake.

It is delicious, but not overly rich. And will kill any cravings for those sugary, unhealthy, cinnamon buns.

Is Zucchini Keto Friendly?

If you’re following a ketogenic diet, you may be wondering if you can include zucchini in your meals. The good news is that zucchini is a great vegetable to eat on a keto diet. Here are a few reasons why:

Low in Carbs

One of the primary concerns of a keto diet is keeping your carb intake low. Zucchini is a great choice for this, as it is very low in carbs. One cup of sliced zucchini contains only 3 grams of carbs, with 1 gram of fiber, which means that it has only 2 grams of net carbs.

Rich in Fiber

Fiber is an important nutrient that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied while following a keto diet. Zucchini is a great source of fiber, with 1 gram of fiber per cup of sliced zucchini. This means that zucchini can help you reach your daily fiber goals while keeping your carb intake low.

High in Nutrients

In addition to being low in carbs and high in fiber, zucchini is also a great source of nutrients. It contains vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, which can be especially important on a keto diet.

When you are following a keto diet, your body excretes more electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which can lead to imbalances. Consuming foods that are high in potassium, like zucchini, can help maintain proper electrolyte balance.

Versatile and Delicious

Zucchini is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be spiralized into noodles, sliced and grilled, or used as a base for a low-carb pizza. Additionally, zucchini is very mild in flavor, which makes it a great base for a variety of sauces and spices.

Why Would I Put Zucchini In My Dessert?

Zucchini is a versatile and healthy vegetable that is often used in savory dishes such as soups, stews, and stir-fries. However, many people are unaware that zucchini can also be used in desserts.

In fact, zucchini is a great ingredient to add to desserts because it has a mild flavor and a high water content, which can help keep baked goods moist and tender. In this blog post, we will explore how zucchini can be used in desserts and the benefits it provides.

1. Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a classic dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Zucchini is grated and mixed with all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and spices to create a moist and flavorful bread.

Zucchini bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and it can be topped with cream cheese or melted butter for added flavor.

Zucchini bread is a popular way to use up an abundance of zucchini during the summer months when this versatile vegetable is in season. The Zucchini bread is typically baked in a loaf pan.

Zucchini bread has a moist, tender crumb and a slightly sweet, slightly savory flavor. The addition of zucchini not only adds moisture to the zucchini bread but also boosts its nutritional value, as zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Zucchini bread is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your preferences. For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use less sugar, or replace the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt.

You can also add your own mix-ins such as chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to add some texture and flavor to the zucchini bread.

2. Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini muffins are another great dessert that can be made with this versatile vegetable. They are similar to zucchini bread but are smaller and easier to grab and go.

Zucchini muffins can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices, and they can be topped with a streusel or crumb topping for added texture.

3. Zucchini Brownies

Zucchini brownies are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional brownies. Zucchini is grated and mixed with flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and other ingredients to create a moist and fudgy brownie that is low in calories and high in nutrients. Zucchini brownies can be topped with chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and crunch.

4. Zucchini Cake

Zucchini cake is a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for special occasions or as a dessert for a family dinner. Zucchini is grated and mixed with flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to create a light and fluffy cake that is topped with a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Benefits of Using Zucchini in Desserts

1. Low in Calories

Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy ingredient to add to desserts. By adding zucchini to baked goods, you can reduce the overall calorie count while adding nutrients and flavor.

2. High in Nutrients

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, and folate. By adding zucchini to desserts, you can increase the nutritional value of your baked goods and provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Moisture and Texture

Zucchini has a high water content, which can help keep baked goods moist and tender. By adding zucchini to desserts, you can create baked goods that are light, fluffy, and moist.

Why You Need More Zucchini In Your Diet on Keto

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is packed with nutrients and health benefits. It is a type of summer squash that is typically green in color, although some varieties may be yellow or even striped.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and nutritional content of zucchini.

Benefits of Zucchini:

1. Low in Calories: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, which makes it an ideal addition to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One cup of sliced zucchini contains just 19 calories, making it an excellent choice for snacking or as a side dish.
   
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Zucchini is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your body against damage from free radicals. These antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
   
3. Good for Digestion: Zucchini is high in fiber, which makes it an excellent food for digestion. Eating zucchini can help to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
   
4. May Lower Blood Sugar: Some studies have shown that zucchini may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This is because zucchini is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
   
5. Boosts Immune System: Zucchini is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Eating zucchini can help to boost your body’s natural defenses against infections and diseases.

Nutritional Content of Zucchini:

Zucchini is an excellent source of several essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C: One cup of sliced zucchini contains 35% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
• Vitamin A: Zucchini is also rich in vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision and skin.
• Potassium: One cup of sliced zucchini contains 10% of the recommended daily intake of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure.
• Folate: Zucchini is a good source of folate, which is important for pregnant women as it can help to prevent birth defects.
• Magnesium: Zucchini contains magnesium, which is important for healthy bones and muscles.

HOW TO MAKE A KETO cinnamon swirl zucchini CAKE

1. GATHER ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS

This keto cinnamon swirl zucchini cake recipe uses simple but keto-friendly ingredients.

Almond Flour

Almond flour is a popular low-carb alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is made by grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder and is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Almond flour is often used in keto and gluten-free baking and provides a nutty flavor and tender texture to baked goods.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise and become fluffy. It works by reacting with acidic ingredients such as cream of tartar, lemon juice, or buttermilk, to produce carbon dioxide gas. Baking soda is a common ingredient in cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is a leavening agent that is commonly used in baking to help cakes and other baked goods rise. Baking powder is made up of a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and starch (usually cornstarch).

When baking powder is combined with moisture and heat, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the batter or dough to rise. Baking powder is often used in recipes that do not contain acidic ingredients like buttermilk or lemon juice, which are required for baking soda to work. It is an essential ingredient in many baking recipes, including cakes, muffins, and quick breads.

Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient in baking that enhances flavor and helps to balance the sweetness of the cake. It also helps to activate the baking soda and other leavening agents, which helps the cake rise.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fragrant spice that adds warmth and depth of flavor to baked goods. It pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients and is often used in fall and winter recipes. Cinnamon has also been shown to have health benefits, such as improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is often used in baking and cooking. It has a tangy and creamy flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. In this wonderful recipe, cream cheese is used as a filling to add richness and creaminess to the cake.

Keto Sweetener

A keto sweetener is a low-carb sweetener that is used in place of traditional sugar. There are several options for keto sweeteners, including stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract. These sweeteners do not raise blood sugar levels and are often used in low-carb and keto baking.

Eggs

Eggs are a staple ingredient in baking and provide structure and moisture to the cake. They also help to bind the ingredients together and provide a fluffy texture.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a classic flavoring agent that adds sweetness and depth of flavor to baked goods. It pairs well with other flavors such as cinnamon and cream cheese and adds a comforting aroma to the cake.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a plant-based oil that is a great source of MCTs, which are easily digestible fats that provide a quick source of energy. In this wonderful recipe, coconut oil is used as the fat source and provides a subtle coconut flavor to the cake.

Can you use vegetable oil?

Vegetable oil is not always the best choice for keto recipes and cakes because many vegetable oils are high in polyunsaturated fats, which can be inflammatory and unhealthy when consumed in excess. Additionally, many vegetable oils are highly processed and may contain added chemicals or preservatives.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a dairy-free milk alternative that is low in carbs and calories. It is made by blending almonds with water and straining out the solids. Almond milk is often used in low-carb and keto recipes as a substitute for dairy milk.

It adds moisture and creaminess to the cake and helps to create a fluffy texture. In this wonderful recipe, I used the almond milk to make the glaze.

I also used 2 medium shredded zucchini in this cinnamon swirl zucchini recipe.

2. MIX THE INGREDIENTS

In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together the cream cheese and sweeteners using a hand mixer or kitchen aid. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and coconut oil. Mix until incorporated. 

Slowly mix the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Fold in the shredded zucchini.

3. MAKE THE CINNAMON SWIRL MIXTURE

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sweetener. Set aside.

Cinnamon Swirl is a great addition to keto desserts like Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake for a few reasons.

First, cinnamon itself is a keto-friendly spice that is known for its numerous health benefits. It has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.

Additionally, cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to baked goods, which can help to satisfy cravings without adding extra carbs or calories.

Second, the swirl in Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake is typically made with a mixture of cinnamon and keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. These sweeteners have little to no impact on blood sugar levels and are safe to consume in moderation on a keto diet.

Finally, the addition of the cinnamon swirl to a keto dessert like zucchini cake can help to add flavor and texture without relying on high-carb ingredients like sugar or all-purpose flour. By using keto-friendly ingredients and spices, you can enjoy delicious desserts while still staying within your daily carb limits.

Can you use cinnamon sugar?

Cinnamon sugar is a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. It is often used as a topping for baked goods, like cinnamon sugar toast or cinnamon sugar donuts.

However, since sugar is not keto-friendly, cinnamon sugar cannot be used in keto recipes. Instead, keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia are used to make a similar cinnamon mixture that is lower in carbs and safe for the keto diet.

The cinnamon swirl is a keto-friendly way to add a cinnamon flavor and a marbled effect to baked goods.

4. TRANSFER THE BATTER TO A BUNDT CAKE PAN

In this cinnamon swirl zucchini recipe, I used a bundt cake pan instead of a loaf pan. While a loaf pan can certainly be used to make Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake, using a bundt pan can help to elevate the presentation and create a more impressive dessert.

Additionally, the bundt pan allows for even distribution of the batter, which can help the cake bake more evenly and rise properly. This is particularly important for a cake with a cinnamon swirl, as it can be difficult to get the cinnamon swirl to stay in the center of the loaf pan if it’s not baked evenly.

Lastly, a bundt pan can make it easier to serve the cake. Instead of slicing individual pieces from a loaf pan, the bundt cake can be cut into slices and served on a platter, making it easy to share with friends and family.

Okay, let’s go back into baking.

Don’t forget to grease and flour the bundt pan before pouring the batter.

Pour half of the batter into the bundt pan. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter on top of that. 

5. BAKE AND LET COOL COMPLETELY

Preheat the oven to 350º before preparing the batter.

Bake for 40-60 min until the toothpick comes out clean.

6. MAKE THE CINNAMON GLAZE

Make the glaze while the cake is baking.

Combine sweetener, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond milk in a bowl. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick. 

7. TOP THE CAKE WITH THE GLAZE

When the cake is completely cool, flip the cake over and pour the glaze on top.

Garnish with chopped Pecans or Walnuts

8. SERVE AND ENJOY

Serve this delicious cinnamon swirl zucchini cake with a cup of tea.

How Do I Store & Freeze This Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Cake?

If you’ve made a large batch of this cake and you want to store and freeze it for later, here’s how you can do it.

Storage:

1. Let the cake cool completely: Before storing the cake, make sure it has cooled completely. If you store the cake while it’s still warm, it can create condensation and cause the cake to become soggy.
2. Wrap the cake tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap the cake tightly. This will help prevent the cake from drying out and keep it fresh for longer.
3. Store in the refrigerator: The best way to store this cake is in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Before serving, you can microwave it for a few seconds to make it warm.

Freezing:

1. Let the cake cool completely: Just like storing the cake, make sure it has cooled completely before freezing it.
2. Cut the cake into portions: Cut the cake into portions before freezing it. This will make it easier to thaw and serve later.
3. Wrap each portion separately: Wrap each portion of the cake separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the cake from getting freezer burn.
4. Label and date the portions: Use a marker to label and date each portion of the cake. This will help you keep track of when you froze it and how long it has been in the freezer.
5. Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped portions of the cake in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer. The cake will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Thawing:

1. Remove from the freezer: Take the cake out of the freezer and remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Thaw at room temperature: Let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave it for a few seconds to make it warm.
3. Serve and enjoy: Once the cake has thawed, you can serve it and enjoy it!

Are you looking for more zucchini recipes? Check out my Clean Keto Chocolate Zucchini Cake and Keto Walnut Zucchini Muffins. You’ll be going to love them!

More Keto Recipes to Try:

1. Keto Garlic and Rosemary Dinner Rolls
2. 20-Minute Keto Bagel
3. Italian Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
4. Harissa Salmon with Kale
5. The Best Keto Snack Recipes