Craving a bright, zesty dessert that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? This Instant Pot Orange Almond Cake is your answer! It features a nutty, tender crust and a rich, citrus-infused custard-like filling, all steamed to perfection in the pressure cooker. The result is an incredibly moist and flavorful cake that’s both elegant and ridiculously easy to make. Say goodbye to dry, complicated keto baking and hello to your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 45 MIN| Serves: 6)
• For the Crust
• ¾ cup / 84g almond flour
• ¼ cup / 60ml coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp / 8g almonds, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp orange zest, freshly grated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup / 20g unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup / 96g Swerve or other erythritol sweetener
• 1 tsp orange extract
• For the Instant Pot
• 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prepare your pan by brushing a 7-inch round cake pan with oil and lining the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, chopped almonds, orange zest, and vanilla extract to form the crust. Transfer this mixture to the prepared cake pan.
4. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a flat, compact layer.
5. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, shredded coconut, Swerve, and orange extract until well combined. For an extra citrus kick, feel free to add more orange zest.
6. Pour the egg filling mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the cake pan. Tightly wrap the top of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent condensation from dripping in.
7. Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet at the bottom and carefully set the foil-covered cake pan on top of it.
8. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
9. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid and remove the cake pan using the trivet handles.
10. Remove the foil and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Per Serving: Calories 167 | Total Fats 15.7g | Net Carbs: 1.2g | Protein 5.3g | Fiber: 0.9g
Pro Tips
• For the best texture and cleanest slices, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour after it has cooled to room temperature.
• Ensure the aluminum foil covers the cake pan tightly. This is crucial to prevent water from the Instant Pot’s steam from making the cake soggy.
• For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the chopped almonds and shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before using them in the recipe.
• Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a keto-friendly yogurt to complement the cake’s rich, citrusy flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different low-carb sweetener
A: Yes, you can substitute Swerve with other erythritol-based sweeteners or allulose in a 1:1 ratio. Using a different sweetener may slightly alter the final taste and texture of the cake.
Q: Why is the texture of this cake so moist and dense
A: This cake is designed to have a rich, custard-like filling rather than a light, spongy texture. The steaming method in the Instant Pot and the egg-based filling create an incredibly moist, almost flan-like consistency that is unique and delicious.
Q: What can I do to prevent my cake from getting soggy
A: The most crucial step is to wrap the top of your cake pan very tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a strong seal that prevents condensation from the Instant Pot’s steam from dripping onto the cake’s surface and affecting its texture.
Q: Can I make this cake without an Instant Pot
A: This recipe is specifically developed for the moist, steamed environment of an Instant Pot. While you could try baking it in an oven using a water bath (bain-marie), the cooking time, temperature, and final texture would be significantly different.
