B: Today, we’ll be introducing a dessert that has been receiving growing attention among those who enjoy sweets, but are also looking for lighter and healthier options. It’s the salted egg sponge cake, recreated in a keto-friendly version by baker Thu Van in Hanoi.

A: Soft, mildly sweet, and topped with the rich savory of salted egg yolk, this cake has made its way into bakeries and home kitchens across the country. But for people who are reducing sugar, managing weight, or following a low-carb diet, enjoying this cake in its traditional form can be difficult.

B: That’s why baker Thu Van has spent time experimenting to adapt the recipe, maintaining the comfort and pleasure of the original while making it more suitable for people with specific dietary needs.

Keto salted egg sponge cake (Photo: Thu Van)

A: But creating a keto version of a soft sponge cake requires more than just removing sugar. It means understanding how ingredients work together to create texture and flavor.

“For the keto and diabetic-friendly version of salted egg sponge cake, I don’t use wheat flour or regular sugar. Instead, I substitute them entirely with almond flour and sugar alternatives. Skipping granulated sugar does affect the cake’s structure a little, but by carefully whipping the egg whites and balancing the amount of almond flour, the cake comes out soft, moist, and delightfully tender,” Van said. 

A: Almond flour has a natural richness, and without gluten, maintaining volume depends heavily on technique. By carefully aerating the batter and balancing moisture, she preserves the delicate softness that defines this cake.

B: And then comes the sauce, often the heart of this dessert. Traditionally creamy and sweet, it needed to be reimagined in a lighter form while keeping its satisfying flavor.

“As for the sauce, rather than using egg yolks with heaps of sugar and oil, I combine egg yolks with sunflower oil, a touch of sugar substitute, and a bit of cheese to create a light, creamy texture. Each cake is carefully portioned and labeled with its calorie content, so customers can enjoy it in moderation. With only 2 to 3 grams of carbs per serving, people can indulge without worrying about their weight or blood sugar,” Thu Van again. 

A: One of the aspects that makes Thu Van’s cakes stand out is the meticulous attention to carb content.

B: For anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, knowing exactly how many carbs they consume is crucial. It’s not just about enjoying a dessert, it’s about being able to indulge mindfully, without worrying about breaking their diet or spiking blood sugar levels.

A: And while these calculations give reassurance, the true magic is in the taste. The cake is light, tender, and just creamy enough, making it easy to forget it’s actually low-carb.

“At first, some customers notice that the flavor is a little different from the traditional version. But very quickly, they’re pleasantly surprised, it’s light, enjoyable, and doesn’t leave a heavy feeling after eating. Many of them come back for more. This cake works especially well for people who are just starting a keto or low-carb diet, because the taste is familiar and easy to love. It doesn’t feel unusual or difficult to get used to, like some other keto desserts can. As a result, the salted egg sponge cake has become one of the most popular items in my shop,” Thu Van said. 

A: Thu Van’s salted egg sponge cake shows that enjoying healthier desserts doesn’t mean giving up sweetness or pleasure. With careful planning and creativity, it’s possible to indulge without compromising your diet.”

B: This cake is a great example of how mindful eating can still be delicious and satisfying.

A: We hope today’s story inspires you to enjoy food in a way that’s both joyful and balanced. Enjoy your meal and bon appétit!