keto lemon bars

These Keto Lemon Bars Are So Addictive, You’ll Beg for More!

Unleash Your Sweet Tooth With These Guilt-Free Keto Lemon Bars Delights!

What Is the Recipe for Keto Lemon Bars?

👩‍🍳 KETO LEMON BARS RECIPE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Mix crust ingredients, press into pan, and pre-bake for 15 minutes. Whisk lemon filling ingredients, pour over crust, and bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool, refrigerate for over 3 hours, cut into squares, and serve chilled. Sprinkle sweetener and lemon zest on top. Serve and enjoy!

If you’re following a ketogenic diet but craving something sweet and tangy, keto lemon bars might be the perfect solution.

These delightful treats combine the refreshing flavor of lemons with a low-carb, high-fat composition that fits well within the guidelines of a keto lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll discover low-carb lemon bars — what they are, if they’re keto-friendly, how to make them, their nutritional value, and more.

So let’s dive into this keto lemon bar recipe!

Five lemon bars and slices of lemons served on a plate
Five lemon bars and slices of lemons served on a plate

Table of Contents

What Are Keto Lemon Bars?

Lemon bars with raspberries on top, served on a baking paper
Lemon bars with raspberries on top, served on a baking paper

Keto lemon bars are a modified version of the classic lemon dessert bars that have been adjusted to fit a ketogenic diet.

Typically, traditional lemon bars consist of a rich buttery crust and a luscious lemon custard filling. These are finished off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

In the keto version, the crust is made with low-carb ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour.

The filling is sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of regular sugar.

Are Lemon Bars Keto-Friendly?

Three lemon bars with slices of lemons on a white plate
Three lemon bars with slices of lemons on a white plate

A low-carb lemon bar can be considered keto-friendly.

By substituting high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives, a lemon bar has significantly reduced carb content while still offering the same tangy and satisfying flavors.

However, it’s important to note that portion control is crucial, as even keto-friendly desserts should be consumed in moderation to maintain ketosis.

Ingredients to Prepare

To make this keto lemon bars recipe, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients.

Here’s a list of the primary components:

  • Almond flour: This is a gluten-free alternative to regular flour. It provides a nutty flavor and a crumbly texture to the lemon bar crust. Remember to use blanched almond flour instead of almond meal. You can also use coconut flour as a substitute.
  • Erythritol: This is a sugar substitute that adds sweetness to the keto lemon bars recipe without the extra calories or carbs. Powdered erythritol is also necessary for sprinkling.
  • Butter: Used in the crust and filling, butter adds richness and a creamy texture to the lemon bars while enhancing the overall flavor. Consider melted coconut oil if you’re not a fan of butter.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving structure to the bars, eggs also contribute to the moistness and richness of the filling. Our article on the best eggs to buy can help you choose which one to purchase.
  • Salt: This is used to elevate the flavors of the other ingredients, helping to balance the sweetness and enhance the tanginess of the lemon.
  • Vanilla extract: This flavoring adds a subtle hint of warmth and sweetness to complement the tartness of the lemon, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Lemon juice: The star ingredient that provides a tangy, refreshing taste to the bars, lemon juice is the primary flavor component and gives these bars their signature zing.
  • Lemon zest: The finely grated outer peel of the lemon, lemon zest intensifies the lemon flavor and adds aromatic citrus notes to the bars, enhancing their overall freshness.

Ingredient Measurement

For a standard batch of keto lemon bars, you can use the following measurements:

For the Crust

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • ¼ cup erythritol
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • ⅓ cup erythritol
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Just add or reduce the amount of sweetener.

Equipment You’ll Need

To create these delicious lemon bars, you’ll require the following equipment:

  • Oven
  • 9-inch square pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Fork

Make sure you have these essentials ready before starting the baking process.

How to Make Keto Lemon Bars

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the best keto lemon bars!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Dessert bar crust pressed firmly on a rectangular metal pan
Dessert bar crust pressed firmly on a rectangular metal pan
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper hangs over the sides.
  • Lightly grease the paper with butter then set it aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the crust.
  • Stir the mixture until it becomes crumbly but not dry. It should hold together when pressed. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter.
  • Pour the crumbly crust mixture into the prepared pan and firmly press it down evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to prick the almond flour crust.
  • Pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes until it turns golden brown and develops a crispy edge.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

A small pot filled with lemon curd with a wooden spoon
A small pot filled with lemon curd with a wooden spoon
  • Combine all ingredients for the lemon filling in a mixing bowl and whisk until the elements are well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake and Chill

Lemon bars, sieve, and slices of lemon on a parchment paper
Lemon bars, sieve, and slices of lemon on a parchment paper
  • After baking the shortbread crust, take the pan out of the oven and promptly pour the luscious lemon filling onto it.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until the filling sets on top. It must retain a slight jiggle in the center. Avoid overbaking, as it may result in a dry filling.
  • Allow the pan to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up, then cut it into squares.
  • Prior to serving, you may sprinkle powdered sweetener on top if desired, and garnish with extra lemon zest for added flavor.

Keto Lemon Bars Nutrition

These low-carb lemon desserts are not only delicious but also offer a favorable nutritional profile.

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per bar of this keto lemon bar:

  • Calories: 152 kcal
  • Fat: 14 grams
  • Net carbs: 2.5 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams

These values demonstrate that sugar-free lemon bars can be enjoyed as a guilt-free indulgence within the context of a keto diet.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Keto Lemon Bars

To ensure your keto-friendly lemon bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

  • When zesting your lemons, ensure you only zest the bright yellow rind and avoid the bitter white pith.
  • Use a box grater with small holes for best results.
  • Opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice for superior flavor. Take a moment to juice the lemons you’re zesting to enhance the lemony goodness.
  • While cooking the lemon curd, whisk gently and consistently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and lightens in color.
  • When assembling the bars, add the filling to the crust immediately and bake it right away to prevent seepage.
  • Be aware that some cracking may occur during cooling, but it won’t affect the taste. For crack-free bars, consider baking them in a water bath.

Follow these expert tips to create the ultimate keto lemon bars every time.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Lemon bars on top of each other with three raspberries as toppings
Lemon bars on top of each other with three raspberries as toppings

These keto lemon desserts can be enjoyed on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments to create a delightful dessert experience.

Here are a few serving and pairing ideas:

  • Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy and rich element to the tangy lemon bars.
  • Garnish with fresh berries: Top your lemon bars with a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of vibrant color and additional freshness.

Feel free to experiment with different serving options to find the combination that suits your taste buds the best.

How to Store Keto Lemon Bars

If you have any leftover lemon bars, you can store them properly to maintain their freshness.

First, place the lemon bars in a sealable container, and always store them in the refrigerator. This cool environment will help preserve their texture and taste.

You can expect refrigerated bars to maintain their quality for a span of about two weeks. If you wish to extend their storage life further, it’s best to freeze lemon bars.

Transfer the bars to a ziplock bag and place them in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the frozen lemon bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Remember, homemade treats are always best enjoyed fresh, so try to savor them as soon as possible for the ultimate taste experience.

More Keto Dessert Recipes You Can Make at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Eat Lemons on Keto?

Yes, lemons can be consumed on a keto diet. While lemons do contain natural sugars, the overall carbohydrate content is relatively low.

Does Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Have Carbs?

Since it contains natural sugars, freshly squeezed lemon juice does contain a small amount of carbs.

How Many Lemons Can You Have On Keto?

The number of lemons you can have on keto depends on your individual carbohydrate allowance. According to USDA, one lemon contains around 3 to 5 grams of net carbs.

Final Thoughts

Keto lemon bars offer a delightful combination of zesty lemon flavor and a guilt-free, low-carb composition.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to create these scrumptious treats that fit perfectly within your keto lifestyle.

Whether you enjoy them as an occasional dessert or a special treat, keto lemon bars are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your dietary goals.

So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and embark on a delicious keto baking adventure with these tangy delights.

If you like this blog, check out our website for more keto recipes!