When you start a keto diet, giving up sweet treats can feel tough. But good news! You don’t have to choose between staying in ketosis and enjoying tasty desserts.
I started keto three years ago and tried many dessert recipes. After lots of testing (and some kitchen fails!), I’ve found 15 keto desserts that taste great and won’t kick you out of ketosis. Best part? They’re all gluten-free too!
What is the Best Dessert to Eat on Keto?
The best keto desserts are low in carbs but high in healthy fats. They should taste good while keeping your blood sugar stable. My top picks are:
- Keto chocolate mousse (ready in 5 minutes)
- Keto cheesecake (tastes just like the real thing)
- Chocolate fat bombs (perfect for quick cravings)
For desserts to be truly keto-friendly, they need:
- Low net carbs: Under 5g per serving
- No added sugar: Only keto sweeteners allowed
- Good fats: The key to staying satisfied
- Moderate protein: Too much can affect ketosis
According to a 2018 review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, properly made keto desserts can actually help maintain ketosis by providing good fats while keeping carbs low.
The Best Keto Sweeteners
Not all sugar alternatives are created equal. Here are the top keto-friendly sweeteners to use in your desserts:
| Sweetener | Glycemic Index | Net Carbs | Best Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erythritol | 0 | 0g | Baking, general use | May cause cooling sensation |
| Monk Fruit | 0 | 0g | Any dessert | Often mixed with erythritol |
| Stevia | 0 | 0g | No-bake, beverages | Can have bitter aftertaste |
| Allulose | 0 | 0g | Caramelizing, ice cream | Closest to sugar behavior |
| Swerve | 0 | 0g | Baking | Erythritol blend with good texture |
“The key to successful keto baking is understanding how alternative sweeteners behave differently than sugar. They affect moisture, browning, and texture in unique ways.” – Maria Emmerich, bestselling author of “Keto Comfort Foods”
How Do I Satisfy My Sweet Tooth on Keto?
These quick, no-bake dessert recipes will help you satisfy cravings without kicking you out of ketosis:
1. Keto Chocolate Mousse
Net Carbs: 3g per serving | Ready in: 5 minutes
This silky mousse feels like a luxury dessert but takes just 5 minutes to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 3 tbsp powdered erythritol
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of salt
Steps:
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form
- Add other ingredients and whip until stiff
- Divide into 4 dishes and chill (if you can wait!)
2. Peanut Butter Fat Bombs
Net Carbs: 1.5g each | Ready in: 35 minutes (30 min freezing)
These bite-sized treats satisfy cravings and boost your fat intake.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
- Mix everything until smooth
- Pour into small silicone molds
- Freeze for 30 minutes until firm
- Keep in fridge
3. Two-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
Net Carbs: 4g | Ready in: 2 minutes
This warm, gooey cake cooks in your microwave in just 60 seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tbsp erythritol
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Mix dry ingredients in a mug
- Add wet ingredients and mix well
- Microwave for 60-75 seconds
- Let cool for 1 minute before eating
Is Cheesecake Keto?
Regular cheesecake isn’t keto because the crust contains flour and sugar. But with a few tweaks, cheesecake can be perfectly keto-friendly!
Our keto cheesecake recipe uses an almond flour crust and keto sweeteners to create a delicious dessert with only 3.5g net carbs per slice. The cream cheese provides the perfect high-fat, low-carb base for a keto-friendly dessert.
4. Keto Cheesecake
Net Carbs: 3.5g per slice | Prep time: 20 minutes
This creamy cheesecake with almond flour crust tastes just like traditional cheesecake.
Ingredients (Crust):
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients (Filling):
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered erythritol
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Heat oven to 325°F
- Mix crust ingredients, press into springform pan
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool
- Beat cream cheese and sweetener until fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, then other ingredients
- Pour over crust and bake 50-55 minutes
- Cool then chill for at least 4 hours
5. Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Net Carbs: 2g per cookie | Prep time: 15 minutes
These cookies have that perfect chewy center and crisp edges you crave.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup erythritol
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
- In another bowl, cream butter and sweetener
- Add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Drop rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden
Will One Dessert Ruin Ketosis?
One keto-friendly dessert won’t ruin ketosis as long as it fits your daily carb limit (usually 20-50g net carbs). The dessert recipes in this article all have under 5g net carbs per serving.
However, even keto desserts should be eaten in moderation. Too many keto sweets can trigger cravings and slow weight loss for some people. If you notice stalled progress, try cutting back on keto treats.
6. Keto Vanilla Ice Cream
Net Carbs: 2g per ½ cup | Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
This churned ice cream is amazingly creamy and scoopable, even after freezing overnight! The secret is using allulose as your sweetener, which research shows creates better texture in frozen desserts than other keto sweeteners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup allulose
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
- Warm cream, almond milk, sweetener, and salt
- Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl
- Slowly add some warm cream to yolks while whisking
- Return mixture to pan and cook until slightly thickened
- Add vanilla, cool completely, then churn in ice cream maker
- Freeze for 2 hours before serving
7. Fresh Berry Popsicles
Net Carbs: 3g per popsicle | Prep time: 10 minutes (plus freezing)
These refreshing popsicles are perfect for summer and packed with antioxidants. Research from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that berries contain some of the highest antioxidant levels among fruits, with blackberries and raspberries being particularly beneficial.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour into popsicle molds
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
Celebration-Worthy Keto Desserts
These showstoppers are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. According to a 2020 survey by the International Food Information Council, 60% of Americans report that they look for low-carb or keto options for special occasions, showing a growing demand for celebration-worthy alternatives.
8. Keto Chocolate Layer Cake
Net Carbs: 4.5g per slice
This decadent chocolate cake is so good, no one will believe it’s sugar-free and grain-free.
Ingredients (Cake):
- 2 ½ cups almond flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups erythritol
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients (Frosting):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered erythritol
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two 9-inch cake pans
- Mix dry cake ingredients
- Add wet ingredients and blend until smooth
- Divide batter between pans and bake 20-25 minutes
- Cool completely
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy
- Frost between layers and outside of cake
9. Keto Tiramisu
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
This Italian classic gets a keto makeover with a special ladyfinger alternative.
Ingredients (Keto Ladyfingers):
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup erythritol, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients (Filling):
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp rum (optional)
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
- Make ladyfingers: Beat egg whites with half the sweetener until stiff peaks form
- Beat yolks with remaining sweetener, fold in dry ingredients
- Fold in egg whites, pipe onto baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes
- Cool completely
- Beat mascarpone, cream, sweetener, and vanilla until fluffy
- Dip ladyfingers in coffee/rum mixture and layer in dish
- Spread half the cream mixture, repeat layers
- Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate 4+ hours
What is Lazy Keto Menu?
“Lazy keto” means tracking only carbs (staying under 20-50g net carbs daily) without counting calories, protein, or fat. It’s simpler than strict keto but still effective for many people.
A lazy keto dessert menu might include:
- Store-bought keto ice cream
- Dark chocolate (85%+)
- Simple fat bombs
- Ready-made keto cookies
- Quick keto mug cakes
Our mug cake recipe (see above) is perfect for lazy keto since it uses few ingredients and takes just 2 minutes to make.
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Net Carbs: 3g per bar | Prep time: 20 minutes
Fall’s favorite flavor in perfectly portioned bars. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that compounds in pumpkin may help improve glucose tolerance and insulin regulation, making it an excellent choice for those on a keto diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp erythritol
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup erythritol
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Heat oven to 325°F
- Mix almond flour, butter, and 2 tbsp sweetener; press into lined 9×9 pan
- Bake crust 10 minutes, cool
- Beat cream cheese and sweetener until smooth
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well
- Pour over crust and bake 35-40 minutes
- Cool then refrigerate 2+ hours
11. Keto Eggnog
Net Carbs: 1g per serving | Prep time: 15 minutes
This holiday favorite gets a keto makeover without losing any richness. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that high-fat dairy products, like those used in keto eggnog, can actually have beneficial effects on metabolic health when consumed as part of a low-carb diet.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Bourbon to taste (optional)
Steps:
- Whisk egg yolks and sweetener until pale
- Heat cream, almond milk, spices on low heat
- Slowly add hot mixture to egg yolks while whisking
- Return to pot and cook until slightly thickened
- Strain, add vanilla and bourbon if using
- Refrigerate until coldsp sweetener; press into lined 9×9 pan
- Bake crust 10 minutes, cool
- Beat cream cheese and sweetener until smooth
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well
- Pour over crust and bake 35-40 minutes
- Cool then refrigerate 2+ hours
11. Keto Eggnog
Net Carbs: 1g per serving
This holiday favorite gets a keto makeover without sacrificing the rich, creamy texture. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that high-fat dairy products, like those used in keto eggnog, can actually have beneficial effects on metabolic health when consumed as part of a low-carb diet.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Bourbon to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk egg yolks and sweetener until pale
- Heat cream, almond milk, spices on low heat
- Slowly add hot mixture to egg yolks while whisking
- Return to pot and cook until slightly thickened
- Strain, add vanilla and bourbon if using
- Refrigerate until cold
Keto Desserts for Special Diets
These options accommodate additional dietary needs beyond keto:
12. Dairy-Free Keto Chocolate Mousse
Net Carbs: 2.5g per serving
For those avoiding dairy but still wanting a rich, creamy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup powdered erythritol
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until completely smooth
- Divide into 4 servings and refrigerate 1+ hours
13. Nut-Free Keto Coconut Bars
Net Carbs: 2g per bar
These bars are perfect for those with nut allergies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until well combined
- Press into a parchment-lined 8×8 pan
- Refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours)
- Cut into 16 squares
Super Simple Store-Bought Options
When you don’t have time to make something from scratch:
14. Keto-Friendly Dark Chocolate
Net Carbs: Varies (typically 2-4g per serving)
Look for chocolate with:
- 85% or higher cocoa content
- No added sugar
- Sweetened with erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit
Recommended Brands:
- ChocZero
- Lily’s
- Lindt Excellence 90% (in moderation)
15. Keto Ice Cream Brands
Net Carbs: Varies (typically 2-5g per serving)
When you need a ready-made frozen treat:
Recommended Brands:
- Rebel
- Enlightened Keto Collection
- Halo Top Keto Series
Tips for Successful Keto Dessert Making
After countless trials (and occasional failures), I’ve learned these key lessons:
- Don’t substitute 1:1: Sweeteners, flours, and fats all behave differently than their high-carb counterparts. Follow keto-specific recipes.
- Cool completely: Many keto desserts need to fully cool to achieve the right texture.
- Watch serving sizes: Even keto desserts should be enjoyed in moderation. Track your macros.
- Expect different textures: Almond flour will never behave exactly like wheat flour. Enjoy these desserts for what they are, not as exact duplicates.
- Balance your day: If you’re planning a keto dessert, keep the rest of your day’s carbs lower to compensate.
“The most common mistake in keto baking is expecting alternative ingredients to behave exactly like traditional ones. It’s about creating delicious new versions, not perfect duplicates.” – Carolyn Ketchum, creator of All Day I Dream About Food
The Bottom Line
Sticking to a keto diet doesn’t mean giving up dessert forever. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy sweets that actually support your health goals instead of derailing them. The key is finding desserts that satisfy your cravings without triggering sugar addiction or kicking you out of ketosis.
A 2020 review in the journal Nutrients found that properly formulated ketogenic diets can be maintained long-term when they include satisfying alternatives to traditional high-carb foods, suggesting that including occasional keto desserts may actually improve dietary adherence.
Have you tried any of these keto desserts? Do you have a favorite recipe that didn’t make the list? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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