Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars: A Perfect Keto-Friendly Treat

Have you ever craved something sweet after dinner but didn’t want to derail your low-carb lifestyle? That’s exactly how I felt when I created these Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars. After a long day of meetings, I wanted something that would satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. The bright citrus aroma that fills your kitchen while these Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars are baking is almost as rewarding as the first bite—almost.

What makes these Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars special is the perfect balance between the zesty orange flavor and the nutty richness of almond flour. They’re incredibly moist with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, yet they contain no sugar and are gluten-free. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for healthier dessert options, these bars deliver gourmet flavor without the carb overload.

Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

• ✅ Easy Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars recipe ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish
• ✅ Perfect keto-friendly orange almond cake bars with less than 4g net carbs per serving
• ✅ Gluten-free Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars that taste like the real thing
• ✅ Sugar-free orange almond cake dessert bars that won’t spike your blood sugar
• ✅ Healthy Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars for snacks that keep well for days
• ✅ Moist Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars that even non-keto friends will love
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works as breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat

Ingredients for Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

For the Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (I used non-dairy butter for a dairy-free option)
• ¾ cup xylitol (or other granulated sugar substitute like erythritol or allulose)
• 1 tsp pure liquid stevia (helps enhance sweetness without added carbs)
• 1¼ cups fine-ground almond flour (the finer the grind, the better your texture)
• ½ cup coconut flour (helps absorb moisture for the perfect consistency)
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp orange extract (for concentrated flavor without added carbs)
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ⅛ tsp salt

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup powdered xylitol (I powdered mine in a spice grinder)
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb milk alternative)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Equipment Needed

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spice grinder (optional, for powdering sweetener)
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars – Step by Step

Preparing the Batter

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, xylitol, and liquid stevia until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars.

Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange and almond extracts until fully incorporated.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars dense.

Baking the Cake

Step 6: 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7:

 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: 

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Topping

Step 9: 

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered xylitol, almond extract, orange extract, and almond milk until smooth.

Step 10: 

Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Step 11:

 Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before cutting into 16 bars.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

• For extra orange flavor, add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the batter. This significantly enhances the citrus profile in your Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars without adding carbs.
• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and even baking.
• The key to perfectly moist Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars is not to overbake them. They might seem slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they continue cooking as they cool.
• For a more pronounced almond flavor, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the topping.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze for your sugar-free orange almond cake dessert bars, simply reduce the amount of almond milk.
• These bars can be made ahead of time and actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Variations of Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

• Lemon Almond Bars: Substitute lemon extract for orange extract for a different citrus twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted sugar-free chocolate to the top for chocolate-orange almond cake bars.
• Coconut Variation: Mix in ¼ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
• Berry Addition: Fold in ¼ cup of fresh raspberries or blackberries for fruity Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars.

Best Ways to Serve Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

These versatile Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars shine in multiple settings:

• Serve with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream for an elegant dessert
• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
• Enjoy alongside some fresh berries for a balanced breakfast
• Stack in a clear glass container for a beautiful party display
• Warm slightly and top with a small scoop of keto-friendly vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert

Storage & Leftovers

These almond flour Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars store beautifully:

• Counter Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cool temperature actually enhances the texture of these moist Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars.
• Freezer: Individually wrap bars and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information for Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars

Per serving (1 bar):

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
• Net Carbs: 3.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar Alcohols: 11g (not counted in net carbs)

These keto-friendly orange almond cake bars are perfect for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake while still wanting to enjoy a sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main ingredients for Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars?

The main ingredients are almond flour, coconut flour, eggs, butter (or dairy-free alternative), sugar substitutes (xylitol and stevia), and orange and almond extracts for flavoring.

2. How do you store Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. Can I substitute any ingredients in Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars?

Yes! You can use different sugar substitutes like erythritol or monk fruit instead of xylitol. For dairy-free versions, use coconut oil or plant-based butter alternatives. You can also use lemon instead of orange for a different flavor profile.

4. How many carbs are in Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars?

Each bar contains approximately 3.5g net carbs, making them suitable for most low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Conclusion

These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars prove that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious treats. The bright citrus flavor paired with rich almond notes creates a dessert that’s sophisticated yet simple to make. Whether you’re strictly keto or just looking for healthier alternatives to traditional desserts, these bars deserve a place in your recipe collection.

Next time you’re hosting friends for coffee or just need a sweet pick-me-up that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, remember these easy Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars. They’re the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition in every bite.

Have you tried making these Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars? What variations have you experimented with? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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