Looking for a moist, nutty, and boldly citrus-flavored cake bar that brings all the elegance of Mediterranean desserts—without sugar or unnecessary carbs? These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars are exactly what you need. With their soft almond flour base, vibrant orange zest, and rich buttery finish, this low-carb treat delivers all the richness of traditional Middle Eastern baklava or Italian ricotta cake—in a keto-approved, gluten-free format.
Perfect for holiday baking , weekend brunches , or when you’re craving something sweet but staying in ketosis, these cake bars use simple ingredients like ground almonds, erythritol-sweetened glaze, and fresh orange juice to bring bold seasonal flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re doing strict ketosis , following a low-carb lifestyle , or simply love creamy citrus desserts with depth and richness, these orange almond cake bars will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these perfect keto-friendly orange almond cake bars from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars
These aren’t just any old muffin—they’re a nutty, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold texture and taste together beautifully—in under 40 minutes!
Here’s why they stand out:
- 🍊 Bold orange flavor : Made with real zest and juice for natural moisture and brightness.
- 🥣 Easy to make : Just mix, pour, and bake—no fancy tools needed!
- 🧈 Buttery depth : Adds richness and moisture without being heavy.
- 🍵 Great for gifting or storing
- ⏱️ Ready in under 30–40 minutes
- 🧁 Dairy-free option available
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup : One bowl and one tray = easy prep!
Whether you’re making them for yourself after dinner, packing for lunch, or sharing at a holiday party, these keto orange almond cake bars will quickly become a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
Optional: Add 1/2 tsp cardamom or lemon zest for exotic flair
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sweetener
- 1 tbsp orange juice or water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Tip: Crushed pistachios or edible gold dust for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) . Grease an 8×8-inch square pan or line with parchment paper for easier removal.
Pro Tip: Use a silicone loaf pan for even easier release and clean-up.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sweetener
Mix well until evenly incorporated.
Note: Coconut flour is highly absorbent—measure carefully and sift if possible.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the dry mixture, add:
- Melted butter or oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh orange zest and juice
Stir until smooth and slightly thick—but still scoopable.
Pro Tip: The batter should be firm but moist. Add more egg whites or cream if too thick.
Step 4: Pour Into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle extra orange zest on top before baking (optional).
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Moist
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (with just a few moist crumbs).
Let cool completely before slicing.
Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together:
- Powdered sweetener
- Orange juice or water
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Drizzle over cooled cake once set.
Let harden in the fridge or freezer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into small squares or wedges and enjoy every soft, citrusy bite of your Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars !
Pair with black coffee, herbal tea, or a glass of unsweetened almond milk for the ultimate treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 8 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~16 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~6 g |
| Cholesterol | ~40 mg |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~2 g |
| Net Carbs | ~4 g |
| Protein | ~6 g |
Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.
Tips for the Best Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars
- Use high-quality oranges – Freshly zested and juiced ones give the best flavor and color.
- Don’t skip cooling time – Keeps the cake firm and prevents crumbling during slicing.
- Add moisture as needed – If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of cream or almond milk.
- Make ahead and store – Flavors intensify overnight; keep refrigerated.
- Double the batch for future meals – Great for freezing and reheating later.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Chocolate Orange Bars
Mix in 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
Lemon Almond Version
Replace orange with lemon zest and juice for refreshing contrast.
No-Bake Energy Bars
Chill the mixture in the freezer and slice into raw bites for grab-and-go snacks.
Vegan Option
Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), vegan butter, and maple-based sweetener.
Orange Cheesecake Swirl
Layer with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese filling for creamy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only ~4g net carbs per bar , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use regular flour or sugar?
Not recommended—standard flour and sugar will increase carb count significantly.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Freeze for longer storage.
What kind of orange works best?
Look for navel or blood oranges —they’re naturally sweeter and richer in flavor.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Fill greased muffin tins ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes .
Why This Recipe Works So Well
These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars work because of their perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The orange gives a soft, fruity finish , mimicking classic citrus cakes without sugar spikes.
- The almond flour gives body and depth , while keeping it grain-free and keto-approved.
- And the powdered sweetener blends in seamlessly , giving a classic sugary finish without the crash.
It’s the kind of baked good that makes eating seasonal produce feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your keto orange almond cake bars beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
In Lunchboxes
Pack with cheese sticks, nuts, or veggies for a balanced keto lunch.
At a Kids’ Party
Cut into mini cubes and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer bites.
With Coffee or Tea
Pair with espresso, black coffee, or herbal tea for a midday pick-me-up.
Gift-Worthy Packaging
Wrap individual pieces in clear cellophane and tie with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Over Greek Yogurt
Crush a piece and sprinkle over full-fat yogurt for parfait-style dessert.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Oranges
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants—supports immune function and digestion.
Almond Flour
Packed with vitamin E and magnesium—great for brain function and energy.
Coconut Oil / Butter
Provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—important for hormone production and digestion.
Even though this is a cake, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Treat for Citrus Lovers
These Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars prove that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on bold, comforting desserts. With its silky texture, deep nut notes, and bright citrus finish, it’s the kind of cake that turns a simple bar into something magical—even without sugar or grains.
Whether you’re new to keto baking, looking for a weekend brunch idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, these orange almond cake bars deserve a spot in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share them with friends, or savor them solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
Print
Low Carb Orange Almond Cake Bars – Moist, Zesty & Perfectly Keto-Friendly!
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
These bars are a delightful blend of almond and orange flavors!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup xylitol
1 tsp. pure liquid stevia
1 1/4 cup finely-ground almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
4 large eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. orange extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1/8 tsp. salt
TOPPING: 1/4 cup powdered xylitol 1/4 tsp. almond extract 1 tsp. orange extract
1 tbsp. milk (unsweetened almond milk) 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Using a quarter-size cookie sheet, place parchment in it without greasing the pan and set aside.
In a mixer, whip the butter until fluffy, then pour in the sweetener.
Add half the flour. Once that is incorporated into the butter, continue adding in all other ingredients.
When the batter is finished, it will have the consistency of whipped cream cheese or whipped butter. Thick, but soft.
Scrape the dough out onto your cookie sheet and use a recessed spatula to spread the dough out evenly over the cookie sheet to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
Bake for 20 minutes.
While that bakes, prepare the topping. (I used chopped almonds because I didn’t have any sliced.)
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sweetener, extracts and about 2 tbsp. of whatever milk you’d like to use (I used unsweetened almond milk).
When the bars are done baking, transfer the bar dough to a cutting board and allow to cool completely. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
Mix together the topping ingredients except for the almonds. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sweetener to fully dissolve in the almond milk.
With a spoon, drizzle the icing over the bars and finally, top with almonds.
Slice the dough in thin strips.
Serve with low carb hot chocolate! Yum!
Store in freezer until ready to serve. These are on the softer side, much like cake. Best eaten with a fork.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 28 bars
- Calories: 84g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g