These Keto Creamy Lemon Squares are a refreshing, citrus-packed dessert thatβs as zesty as it is guilt-free! With a buttery almond flour crust and a velvety lemon filling, each bite delivers sunshine-worthy flavor without the sugar crash. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, afternoon treats, or post-dinner indulgencesβall while keeping it keto.
π§Ύ Recipe Card β Quick Look
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
Dietary Info: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1Β½ cups almond flour
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ΒΌ cup powdered erythritol (or keto sweetener of choice)
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ΒΌ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling:
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1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 4β5 lemons)
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Zest of 2 lemons
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4 large eggs
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Β½ cup powdered erythritol
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ΒΌ cup heavy cream
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ΒΌ cup almond flour
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ΒΌ tsp xanthan gum (optional, for extra firmness)
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Pinch of salt
π Why You’ll Love These Lemon Squares
These lemon squares are sweet, tangy, and perfectly creamy with a melt-in-your-mouth crust. The real beauty? Theyβre keto-friendly and gluten-free, made with whole ingredients like almond flour and fresh lemons. I love serving these chilled on a hot day or alongside a cup of herbal tea. My husband even prefers them over traditional lemon barsβnow thatβs saying something!
π§βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
π₯ Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat to 325Β°F (160Β°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
π§ Step 2: Make the Crust
Mix almond flour, erythritol, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until crumbly dough forms.
π₯ Step 3: Press and Bake
Press dough into the pan. Bake for 12β15 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
π Step 4: Prepare Lemon Filling
Whisk lemon juice, zest, eggs, erythritol, cream, almond flour, xanthan gum (if using), and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
π Step 5: Bake Again
Pour lemon mixture over the baked crust. Bake for 20β25 minutes, or until just set in the center.
βοΈ Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let cool at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully firm.
πͺ Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into 12 squares. Dust with extra powdered erythritol or lemon zest for garnish, if desired.
π Ingredient Swaps & Notes
| Ingredient | Swap Ideas / Tips |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | Sunflower seed flour (nut-free alternative) |
| Powdered erythritol | Monk fruit, Swerve, or allulose |
| Heavy cream | Coconut cream (dairy-free option) |
| Xanthan gum | Optional, helps stabilize texture |
π‘ Tip: For smoother zest, use a microplane and avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
π§ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze in layers between parchment paper for up to 2 months
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Thaw: Let thaw in fridge overnightβdonβt microwave
βοΈ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 190
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Protein: 5g
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Net Carbs: 5g
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Sugar: 2g
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Cholesterol: 80mg
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Sodium: 50mg
β FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is best for that bright flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Q: Can I skip the xanthan gum?
A: Yes! It helps slightly with firmness, but isnβt essential.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutelyβuse a 9×13 pan and extend baking time by 5β10 minutes.
π¬ Kristy’s Kitchen Note
This recipe came out of a craving for something sweet but summeryβsomething that wouldnβt knock me off my W-W and low-carb goals. These bars are now a summer go-to in our house! Even my kids love them chilled with whipped cream on top. If youβre craving something refreshing, tart, and indulgent without the sugar hangover, youβll adore these.
π§ More Low-Carb Desserts to Try
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Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
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Low-Carb Strawberry Cream Punch
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Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
π£ Tried This Recipe?
Let me know in the comments below! Tag @KristyCookEats on Instagram with your lemon bar snapsβIβd love to see how yours turned out! ππ