Sugar Free Lemon Cake Sliced with Iced Glaze Recipe: A Guilt-Free Citrus Classic

There’s something magical about the bright, tangy flavor of lemon in cake form — and when you can enjoy that same flavor without the sugar, it’s a win-win. This sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe is light, fluffy, and beautifully tart with a glossy, sweet finish — all without a gram of refined sugar.

At Recipes of Kitchen, we believe healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Whether you’re living sugar-free, managing diabetes, or just looking to cut back on processed ingredients, this recipe is proof that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Free Lemon Cake

The Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet

Lemon cake is already a classic — but this sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe takes it to a whole new level. You still get:

  • A soft, tender crumb
  • Fresh lemon flavor in every bite
  • A bright, zesty glaze that clings flawlessly to every curve.

But what you won’t get is a sugar crash or a spike in blood glucose. That’s because this version is made with natural, low-glycemic sweeteners that still deliver delicious results.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This cake isn’t just for people avoiding sugar — it’s for anyone who wants:

The best part? You can slice it thin or thick, dress it up with berries, or enjoy it plain with tea. Either way, this sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe becomes a go-to for guilt-free indulgence.

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sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe

Sugar Free Lemon Cake Sliced with Iced Glaze Recipe: A Guilt-Free Citrus Classic


  • Author: Lidia Bellacci
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x

Description

A moist and zesty lemon loaf cake made without refined sugar, finished with a naturally sweetened lemon glaze—perfect for slicing and sharing.


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup coconut flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener

3 large eggs

1/3 cup melted coconut oil or light olive oil

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh)

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered erythritol

12 tbsp lemon juice (fresh, adjust for consistency)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and sweetener.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted oil, applesauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

5. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. In a small bowl, mix powdered erythritol with lemon juice to make a glaze.

9. Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle glaze over the top.

10. Slice and serve.

Notes

Make sure the loaf is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

This cake also freezes well—wrap slices individually for a quick treat.

Use Meyer lemons for a naturally sweeter flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: sugar free lemon cake, keto lemon loaf, glazed lemon cake, low carb baking

Key Benefits of a Sugar-Free, Glazed Lemon Cake

Health Perks of Going Sugar-Free

Why choose a sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe over a traditional version? For many, it’s about wellness without sacrifice. Here are a few reasons why this sugar-free version might be your new favorite:

  • Supports blood sugar control – especially for those managing diabetes
  • Fewer empty calories – ideal for low-calorie diets
  • Reduces inflammation – processed sugar is often linked to joint pain and skin issues
  • Better energy balance – no sugar spikes means no sugar crashes
  • Supports weight management – lower in carbs, higher in nutritional value

And thanks to natural sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia, this cake stays flavorful — not flat or bitter.

sugar free lemon cake healthy ingredients
Healthy ingredients for sugar free lemon cake

Benefits of Lemon Zest and Juice in Baking

The flavor isn’t the only reason to use lemon in this cake. Fresh lemon adds:

  • Antioxidants from vitamin C
  • Natural acidity that reacts beautifully with baking soda for a fluffy texture
  • Digestive support and subtle detox properties
  • Bright aroma and depth that makes the cake feel gourmet

A good sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe doesn’t just replace sugar — it builds a whole new flavor profile around the lemon itself. The zest, in particular, adds an incredible fragrant punch that enhances every bite.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

Sugar Substitutes That Actually Work

When baking a sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe, not all sugar substitutes are created equal. You want sweeteners that not only replace sugar’s taste — but also its texture and structure in the batter.

Here are the best choices:

SweetenerWhy It WorksNotes
ErythritolBakes like sugar, crisp edgeSlightly cooling taste
Monk Fruit BlendClean, no aftertasteGreat for glazes & cakes
Stevia (liquid or granulated)Concentrated, naturalUse in moderation; can taste bitter
AlluloseMoist texture, caramelizes wellGreat for soft cakes

For most balanced results, use a 1:1 sugar-free baking blend that includes erythritol and monk fruit — it mimics the texture of sugar without spiking your blood sugar.

Flour Options for a Soft, Sliceable Crumb

Your choice of flour makes a huge difference in a sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe. For a soft, moist cake with clean slices, these are the top options:

  • Almond flour: Moist, nutty, gluten-free, and rich in protein
  • Coconut flour: Absorbs more moisture, so use less and combine with other flours
  • Gluten-free all-purpose mix: Balanced results, ideal for beginners
  • Oat flour: Heart-healthy and mild, perfect when blended with almond flour

Tip: If using coconut flour, reduce the amount (½ cup instead of 1 cup) and increase the eggs or liquid for moisture.

The Role of Eggs, Yogurt, and Lemons

These three ingredients help balance moisture and flavor:

  • Eggs: Bind the batter and give the cake structure, ensuring a perfect rise even without gluten.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: Add richness and help keep the cake moist
  • Fresh lemon zest + juice: Build bright, natural lemon flavor and react with baking soda for lift

Together, these ingredients create a perfectly tender sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe—staying moist and delicious without a grain of sugar.

Step-by-Step Sugar Free Lemon Cake Sliced with Iced Glaze Recipe

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for this soft, citrusy sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe:

IngredientAmount
Almond flour (or GF flour blend)1½ cups
Baking powder2 tsp
Baking soda½ tsp
Salt¼ tsp
Eggs3 large
Greek yogurt or sour cream½ cup
Unsweetened almond milk⅓ cup
Lemon zest1 tbsp
Fresh lemon juice3 tbsp
Sugar-free sweetener (monk fruit blend)½ cup
Vanilla extract1 tsp

Baking Instruction

  1. Preheat & Prep
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring clean, effortless slices every time.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking until evenly blended for a perfectly balanced texture.
  3. Blend Wet Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs until smooth, then blend in the yogurt, almond milk, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, vanilla, and your preferred sugar-free sweetener, creating a lusciously smooth, fragrant wet mixture.
  4. Combine & Stir
    Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix — just until smooth.
  5. Bake
    Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden.
  6. Cool & Slice
    Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps the texture set, especially in a sugar-free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe.
sugar free lemon cake batter in pan
Pouring lemon batter into loaf pan

Making the Perfect Sugar-Free Iced Glaze

What Kind of Icing Goes on Lemon Cake?

The most classic pairing is a lemon icing glaze: bright, sweet, and thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to set. For sugar-free cakes, you want a glaze that complements the flavor without overpowering it.

How to Make Sugar-Free Lemon Drizzle

Basic Sugar-Free Glaze:

IngredientAmount
Powdered erythritol (or monk fruit blend)¾ cup
Fresh lemon juice1–2 tbsp
Vanilla (optional)¼ tsp

Instructions:

  • Sift the powdered sweetener into a bowl
  • Add lemon juice gradually, stirring until you reach a pourable consistency
  • Drizzle over cooled cake using a spoon or piping bag

This simple topping elevates the sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe into something bakery-worthy — and it sets beautifully when chilled.

Flavor Variations

Want to change it up? Try these glaze variations:

  • Lemon cream cheese glaze: Add 2 tbsp softened cream cheese
  • Coconut-Lemon Glaze: For a tropical flair, whisk in 1 tablespoon of rich coconut milk—it adds creamy depth while keeping the glaze luxuriously smooth.
  • Lemon poppyseed glaze: Add ½ tsp poppy seeds for texture and visual flair

Check out our Lemon Pastry Strain if you’re a fan of creative lemon pairings in unexpected places.

Slicing & Serving the Cake for Maximum Presentatio

Cooling, Slicing, and Plating Tips

To make every slice picture-perfect:

  • For clean, perfect slices: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack—this ensures the structure sets while keeping every bite tender.
  • Use a serrated bread knife for even, clean cuts
  • Wipe the blade between slices to avoid tearing
  • Slice thick for breakfast, thin for dessert trays

What to Serve with Sugar-Free Lemon Cake

This sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe is versatile and works for any time of day. Try serving it with:

  • A hot cup of green tea or chamomile
  • Whipped coconut cream and berries
  • Toasted almonds for a nutty crunch
  • Final flourish: Add a delicate drizzle of fresh glaze just before serving for an extra burst of citrus sweetness and a glossy finish.

It’s a cake that suits baby showers, brunches, holiday tables, or your weekly meal prep.

sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe
Sliced lemon cake served with tea and berries

Don’t miss the Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss, designed to support your weight loss goals.

Troubleshooting – Dry Cakes, Flat Texture & Bitter Lemon

Common Baking Problems & How to Fix Them

Even experienced bakers run into issues. Here’s how to rescue your sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe if something goes wrong:

ProblemLikely CauseFix
Dry CakeToo much flour, overbakingMeasure flour by spooning into cup, not scooping
Flat TextureOld baking soda/powder or overmixingUse fresh leaveners, fold batter gently
Crumbly SlicesNot enough binder or moistureAdd another egg or 2 tbsp yogurt next time

Avoiding Bitterness in Lemon Zest

Zesting the right way makes all the difference:

  • Only zest the yellow part — avoid the white pith underneath
  • Use a microplane for fine zest that distributes evenly
  • Zest before juicing — it’s easier and keeps flavor fresh

With fresh zest and just the right amount of lemon juice, your sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe gets all the brightness with none of the bite.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftover Cake

This sugar-free lemon cake stores beautifully:

  • For best texture: Store covered at room temperature; enjoy within 48 hours for peak freshness.
    Pro tip: The glaze stays glossy and the crumb tender when stored properly (airtight, 2 days max).
  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–6 days
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months

Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

Freezing Sliced Lemon Cake with Glaze

Yes, you can freeze this sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe — even with the glaze on:

  • Let glaze set completely
  • Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then foil
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving

Perfect for planning ahead: Ideal for stress-free brunch prep or satisfying those sudden sweet cravings—indulge without compromise, anytime.

Sugar-Free Baking for All Seasons & Occasions

When to Serve This Cake

This cake fits right in with:

  • Spring brunches or Mother’s Day
  • Tea parties, wedding showers, and baby showers
  • Healthy holiday desserts
  • Meal prep snacks for the week

With its tender crumb, zesty glaze, and clean ingredients, this sugar free lemon cake sliced with iced glaze recipe becomes a go-to favorite.

Customize It With Add-Ins

Put your personal spin on this recipe by adding a few creative touches:

  • Blueberries or raspberries folded into the batter
  • Lavender or rosemary for an herbal twist
  • A dash of turmeric for color and antioxidants
  • For a tropical twist, swap the glaze with a luscious coconut cream drizzle.

FAQ Section About Sugar Free Lemon Cake Sliced with Iced Glaze Recipe

What kind of icing goes on lemon cake?

Lemon cakes shine with a delicate lemon glaze, rich cream cheese frosting, or a sugar-free powdered alternative. For this recipe, we recommend a light and zesty glaze made with lemon and powdered erythritol—it’s the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.

How to make sugar-free lemon drizzle?

Mix powdered erythritol with fresh lemon juice and stir until smooth. Adjust the thickness with more juice or more sweetener as needed.

What is the glaze for lemon drizzle cake?

Traditionally, it’s a sugar-based lemon glaze. In this sugar-free version, we use monk fruit or erythritol for a nearly identical taste and glossy finish.

How to sweeten a cake without sugar?

Use natural alternatives like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. These sweeteners mimic sugar’s sweetness and structure without affecting blood sugar.