Keto Creamy Lemon Squares

Keto Creamy Lemon Squares


There’s something magical about lemon desserts — the way that bright, citrusy zing cuts through sweetness and makes every bite feel refreshing. For me, these Keto Creamy Lemon Squares are pure sunshine in dessert form. They’re light yet decadent, tangy yet creamy, and the best part is they’re low-carb and sugar-free, so you can indulge without the carb crash. Perfect for summer gatherings, a tea-time snack, or simply when you need a pick-me-up treat that fits your healthy lifestyle.


What makes these Keto Creamy Lemon Squares special

  • Tangy & creamy balance: The lemon filling is velvety smooth with just the right amount of tartness — not too sharp, not too sweet.
  • Almond flour crust upgrade: Instead of a standard shortbread crust, this one is keto-friendly, buttery, and nutty with a gentle crunch.
  • Guilt-free indulgence: Sugar-free and gluten-free, these squares fit into keto, low-carb, and even diabetic-friendly diets.
  • Meal-prep friendly: They store beautifully in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or weekly snacking.

Personal blogger note

When I first made these Keto Creamy Lemon Squares, I was honestly surprised at how close they felt to the ones my grandmother used to bake. The crust was buttery, the filling was lush and tangy, and no one guessed they were low-carb. Even my non-keto friends asked for seconds!


Equipment you’ll need (and why)

  • Mixing bowls (at least 2): One for the crust, one for the filling — keeping them separate helps with smooth layering.
  • Whisk: A simple whisk works wonders for blending the filling until creamy and lump-free.
  • Measuring cups & spoons: Precision matters here since almond flour and coconut flour absorb differently than wheat flour.
  • 8×8-inch baking pan: The perfect size for evenly thick bars. If you use a larger pan, the squares may bake thinner and cook quicker.
  • Parchment paper: Helps lift the squares out neatly for cutting — trust me, it makes serving so much easier.
  • Rubber spatula: Handy for pressing down the crust and scraping every bit of lemon filling out of the bowl.
  • Cooling rack: Lemon squares need to cool fully before slicing, or they’ll crumble.

Ingredients with substitutions

Crust

  • 2 cups almond flour – creates a tender, nutty base. Swap: finely ground sunflower seed flour for nut-free.
  • ¼ cup coconut flour – absorbs moisture, preventing a soggy crust. Swap: add 2 extra tbsp almond flour if avoiding coconut.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – rich flavor and helps bind the crust. Swap: coconut oil or ghee for dairy-free.
  • ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or monk fruit blend) – keeps it sweet but low-carb. Swap: allulose for a slightly softer texture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds warmth to the crust.

Lemon Cream Filling

  • 4 large eggs – thicken the filling and give structure. Swap: flax eggs for a softer, slightly earthier version.
  • ¾ cup powdered erythritol (or monk fruit blend) – balances the tart lemon.
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons) – the star of the show. Swap: bottled lemon juice if fresh isn’t available, but fresh is far better.
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest – enhances the citrus punch.
  • ½ cup heavy cream – makes the filling silky smooth. Swap: coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour – helps thicken the filling. Swap: 1 tbsp psyllium husk or omit if using extra eggs.

Step-by-step cooking process

Step 1 – Prepare the crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, sweetener, and vanilla.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan with a spatula or your hands.
  4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool while making filling.

Step 2 – Make the lemon cream filling

  1. In another bowl, whisk eggs, powdered sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream until smooth.
  2. Add coconut flour and whisk until no lumps remain. The mixture should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 3 – Assemble & bake

  1. Pour filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggles when moved.
  3. Let cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 4 – Slice & serve

  1. Lift out using parchment, cut into 12 squares, and dust lightly with powdered sweetener if desired.
Keto Creamy Lemon Squares

Health & nutrition insights

These Keto Creamy Lemon Squares are more than just dessert — they’re a smart indulgence:

  • Blood sugar friendly: With only a few net carbs per square, they won’t cause sugar spikes.
  • Protein support: Eggs in the filling give a boost of protein.
  • Healthy fats: Almond flour, butter, and cream provide satiating fats that keep you full longer.
  • Vitamin C bonus: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a natural source of antioxidants.

Serving & pairing ideas

  • With coffee or tea: The tartness pairs beautifully with hot black coffee or green tea.
  • As a refreshing dessert: Serve after grilled chicken or fish for a light keto-friendly dinner finish.
  • Party platter: Cut into mini bite-sized squares for a crowd-friendly keto dessert option.
  • Extra indulgence: Add a dollop of whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream.

Storage & meal prep tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze squares individually on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Meal prep hack: Make a double batch — one for now, one for the freezer.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these Keto Lemon Squares dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and coconut oil instead of butter.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

Q: How do I keep them from crumbling?
Let them cool completely and chill before slicing. Warm lemon squares will fall apart.

Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose all work. Each gives a slightly different texture.


Nutrition breakdown (per serving, 1 square of 12)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbs: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Net Carbs: 4 g

Recipe details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes + chilling
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Keto / Low-Carb / American
  • Servings: 12 squares
  • Calories: 210 kcal

Closing note

These Keto Creamy Lemon Squares are proof that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring. They’re light, zesty, and indulgent — perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Bake a batch, and let the sunshine of lemon brighten your keto journey. 🌞

Keto Creamy Lemon Squares
Alice

Keto Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

These Keto Creamy Lemon Squares are tangy, creamy, and low-carb, with a buttery almond crust and velvety lemon filling. Perfectly refreshing and guilt-free.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup powdered sweetener
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup powdered sweetener
  • ½ cup lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
  2. Mix crust ingredients, press into pan, bake 10–12 minutes.
  3. Whisk filling ingredients until smooth, pour over crust.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes until set.
  5. Cool fully, then refrigerate 2 hours before slicing into 12 squares.

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