Okay, let’s be real for a second, my friends. Dessert on the carnivore diet? Mamma Mia, it sounds like a joke, right? Like pineapple on pizza (don’t @ me!). My Nonna Rosa would probably pinch my cheek and ask if I was feeling okay if I told her I was making a “cake” with just meat, eggs, and cheese products. But you know me, I hear about these crazy things in online foodie groups, and my inner pantry wizard gets curious! This “carnivore cake with cream cheese” has been popping up everywhere, and honestly? I had to try it. My kids, Luca and Mia, looked at me like I had three heads when I told them the ingredients, and my goofy husband Mike just asked if it came with a side of steak (ha!).
Spoiler alert: It’s not cake like Nonna made. Not even close. BUT… is it surprisingly delicious? Is it a fantastic way to satisfy that craving for something a little different, a little decadent, when you’re sticking to mostly animal products? You betcha! We’re using some clever tricks here to create something rich, satisfying, and ridiculously easy. So, put away the flour and sugar, grab your butter and eggs, and let’s dive into this wild world of carnivore “baking”!
What IS Carnivore Cake, Anyway? Embracing the Unconventional
Alright, let’s clear the air. When we say “carnivore cake,” we’re definitely stretching the definition of cake! Think less fluffy birthday cake, more like a very rich, dense, almost savory custard or a super-eggy cheesecake without the crust. It’s built entirely on animal-based goodness.
The magic comes from a simple but powerful trio:
- Eggs, Eggs, Eggs!: The workhorse! They provide structure, richness, color, and hold everything together. Like the foundation of a good frittata!
- Butter (or Brown Butter! Mamma Mia!): Hello, flavor and moisture! Using good quality butter adds that richness. Browning it first? Next level nutty deliciousness!
- Cream Cheese: This is where the “cake-like” idea comes in. It adds tang, creaminess, and a dense texture that feels more substantial than just eggs and butter.
From this base, you can add little extras depending on how strict you’re being. A splash of vanilla (technically not carnivore, but many allow it), maybe some cinnamon if you’re feeling wild, or even unflavored collagen for extra protein. It’s definitely unique, high in fat and protein, low-carb (obviously!), and a fun conversation starter at your next carnivore potluck (is that a thing?). It proves you can still get creative, even with dietary restrictions! If you’re looking for other low-carb, high-fat ideas (though not strictly carnivore), you might find inspiration in desserts like my Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, focusing on the filling!
Carnivore Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe: Simple and Satisfying
Okay, brace yourselves for how ridiculously easy this is. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool! Feel free to tweak the optional ingredients based on your preferences and how strict you are with your carnivore journey.
Yields: Depends on your pan! (Makes about 6-8 servings in a small cake/loaf pan) Prep time: 5 minutes flat! Cook time: 25-45 minutes (pan size matters!)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of butter, room temperature: That’s two whole sticks! Use good quality butter – salted or unsalted works, just adjust seasoning slightly if using salted. ( Pro Tip: I browned my butter first for extra nutty flavor, let it cool slightly – highly recommend! )
- 8 oz of cream cheese (1 brick), room temperature: Crucial it’s softened so it blends smoothly! Leave it out on the counter for an hour or so.
- 8 whole eggs: Yep, EIGHT! This is basically the structure of your “cake”.
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: If you allow vanilla on your carnivore plan, it adds a nice familiar warmth.
- (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Again, only if you’re including spices! Adds a nice touch.
- (Optional) 1 scoop Equip Foods Vanilla Collagen powder: Totally optional, adds a protein boost and slight vanilla flavor. ( Note: The original article might have an affiliate link here – keep it if it exists )
Supplies:
- Blender: A high-powered one like a Vitamix or Blendtec works best to get it really smooth, but a regular one will do!
- Rubber spatula: For scraping down those blender sides!
- Glass baking dish of choice: A small round cake pan (like 6-inch), a square pan (8×8), or a standard loaf pan all work! Glass heats evenly.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but makes cleanup SO much easier. Highly recommend!
Instructions:
- Oven On!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend It Up!: Place the softened butter, softened cream cheese, all 8 eggs, and any optional ingredients (vanilla, cinnamon, collagen) into your blender.
- Whizz!: Blend on high speed until everything is super smooth and well combined. Stop and scrape down the sides with your rubber spatula once or twice to make sure no chunks of cream cheese or butter are hiding out.
- Prep Your Pan: Line your chosen glass baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides like little handles. This is your ticket to easily lifting the “cake” out later!
- Pour It In: Pour the smoothly blended mixture from the blender into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake Time: Pop it in the preheated oven! Baking time depends on your pan size: Small cake pan (6-inch) or 8×8 square pan: Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Loaf pan (9×5): Bake for about 40-45 minutes. It’s done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. It might puff up a bit and get golden on top.
- Cool Your Jets!: Let the carnivore cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice or serve. It needs time to fully set up.
Tips and Variations
- Brown Butter Magic: Seriously, try browning the butter first! Melt the butter in a saucepan, then continue cooking (swirling the pan) until it foams, smells nutty, and turns golden brown with little browned bits at the bottom. Let it cool slightly before adding to the blender. It adds SO much amazing flavor! More on the magic? Epicurious talks about browning butter here.
- “French Toast” Fun: If you bake it in a loaf pan, the cooled slices are apparently amazing dipped in beaten egg and pan-fried in butter until golden brown – like carnivore French toast! Mamma Mia, I need to try this!
- Serving Suggestions: It’s surprisingly good plain! But a dollop of homemade, unsweetened whipped heavy cream takes it up a notch. A drizzle of melted butter is also delicious. If you’re bending the rules slightly , a few berries on top are lovely (but technically not carnivore!).
Navigating the Carnivore Landscape: Is Cream Cheese Really Okay?
Okay, let’s tackle the big question floating around the carnivore community: What about cream cheese? Is it really okay? Well, amici, like many things in nutrition, the answer is… it depends!
If you’re aiming for super strict, zero-carb carnivore (think only meat, salt, water), then technically cream cheese, being dairy, has some naturally occurring milk sugars (lactose) and might be off-limits. However, many people following a carnivore or keto lifestyle find that full-fat dairy, especially fermented options or cream cheese (which is relatively low in lactose compared to milk), fits perfectly well into their plan and doesn’t cause issues.
My philosophy? Listen to your body! If full-fat cream cheese feels good and helps you enjoy your way of eating, then go for it in moderation. If you’re unsure about the carnivore diet specifics, this guide from Healthline gives a good overview. Ultimately, you’re the boss of your plate!
Carnivore Cake with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Blender (high-powered recommended)
- Rubber Spatula
- Glass Baking Dish (6-inch round, 8×8 square, or 9×5 loaf pan)
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 8 oz Unsalted Butter 2 sticks, room temperature (See Notes for browning option)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese 1 brick, room temperature (must be soft)
- 8 whole Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Optional, if allowed on your plan
- ½ tsp Cinnamon Optional, if spices are allowed
- 1 scoop Equip Foods Vanilla Collagen powder Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the softened butter, softened cream cheese, all 8 eggs, and any optional ingredients (vanilla, cinnamon, collagen) into a blender.
- Blend on high speed until super smooth and well combined. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula once or twice to ensure no lumps remain.
- Line your chosen glass baking dish (small 6-inch round, 8×8 square, or standard 9×5 loaf pan) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Pour the blended mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake according to pan size: 25-30 minutes for a small cake pan or 8×8 square pan; 40-45 minutes for a 9×5 loaf pan. The ‘cake’ is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It may puff and get golden.
- Let the carnivore cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial for setting.
Notes
Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 days 0 hours 45 minutes
Total Time: 0 days 0 hours 50 minutes
Courses: Dessert, Snack
Cuisines:
Keywords: carnivore cake, carnivore dessert, cream cheese cake, keto cake, low carb cake, zero carb dessert, egg loaf, blender cake, easy keto dessert, high protein dessert, butter cake, crustless cheesecake
Diet: Keto
Calories: 430 kcal Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients used, optional additions, and serving size. For accurate values, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
Answering Your Carnivore Cake with Cream Cheese Questions
Let’s clear up some common questions about this unique creation:
>Can I have REAL cheesecake on a carnivore diet?>
Mamma Mia, no. Traditional cheesecake has a crust made from grains (like graham crackers) and a filling loaded with sugar – definite no-gos on carnivore. This ‘carnivore cake’ is the closest you’ll get using only animal-based ingredients, offering that rich, creamy satisfaction!
>What CAN you have for dessert on the carnivore diet?>
Options are definitely limited compared to standard diets! Besides this ‘cake,’ many enjoy things like pork rinds dipped in melted butter, homemade unsweetened whipped cream, beef jerky (check for sugar!), or simply enjoying the richness of fatty cuts of meat as a satisfying end to a meal. Some also include eggs and dairy if tolerated.
>Why is red velvet cake always paired with cream cheese frosting?>
Ah, a classic combo! While not carnivore, the tangy, slightly salty cream cheese frosting provides the perfect balance and contrast to the mild sweetness and subtle cocoa flavor of a traditional red velvet cake. It cuts the richness and makes the whole thing sing!
>Does this actually taste like cake?>
Let’s be honest, it doesn’t taste like a fluffy vanilla sponge cake! It’s much denser, richer, and more savory-leaning due to the eggs and cream cheese. Think of it more like a crustless, slightly tangy, baked custard or a very dense cheesecake-frittata hybrid. It satisfies a craving for something rich and ‘dessert-like’ in texture, but manage your expectations – it’s its own unique thing!
Your Carnivore Cake Adventure Awaits: Embrace the Meat Sweets!
So, this carnivore cake with cream cheese ? It might sound totally bonkers, like something my kids Luca or Mia would invent! But honestly, it’s a surprisingly tasty and satisfying way to get a little creative and enjoy something ‘dessert-like’ while sticking to an all-animal way of eating. It’s rich, it’s simple, and it definitely gets people talking! Mike even admitted it was “better than expected!” – high praise indeed! Just remember, even carnivore treats are best enjoyed in moderation. Listen to your body and savor the unique experience!
Go on, give it a try if you’re curious! Fire up that blender and embrace the unconventional! Let me know what you think! Buon appetito (or should I say, Buon Carnivoro?)!
