Deliciously Tangy Keto Lemon Curd: Your Ultimate Sugar-Free Citrus Treat

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly tangy, this keto lemon curd offers a deliciously sweet and intensely citrusy experience without a single gram of added sugar. Crafted with just four simple ingredients, this delightful spread boasts a mere 1g net carb per serving, making it a perfect guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy it on its own for a quick treat or pair it with your favorite low-carb baked goods for an elevated dessert experience that truly shines.

3/4-angle view of a small glass of keto lemon curd, with a silver spoon lifting lemon curd out of the glass.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Keto Lemon Curd Recipe

Unmatched Versatility for Your Keto Lifestyle: This sugar-free lemon curd isn’t just a spread; it’s a culinary canvas for endless keto creations. Imagine it drizzled over fluffy keto French toast, as a vibrant filling for almond flour muffins, or even as the star component in a low-carb tart. Its bright flavor perfectly complements a wide range of desserts, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Beyond traditional baked goods, consider swirling it into your morning Greek yogurt, adding a spoonful to a keto mousse, or using it as a sophisticated topping for sugar-free pancakes or waffles. The possibilities are truly boundless, making this recipe a staple in any keto kitchen.
Guilt-Free Indulgence Without the Carbs: We understand the struggle – craving classic desserts while sticking to a ketogenic diet can be challenging. Many traditional spreads are loaded with sugar, carbs, and grains. But with this recipe, you can enjoy the vibrant, sweet-tart essence of lemon curd completely guilt-free. Our meticulously crafted keto version means you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture. In fact, many people can’t even tell it’s a keto-friendly alternative! If you prefer to forgo baked goods entirely, this lemon curd shines just as brightly on its own. Serve a generous dollop with a cloud of freshly whipped cream, a handful of fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries in moderation), and a sprinkle of crunchy keto granola for an exquisite, citrusy keto parfait that tastes like pure sunshine.
Perfect Texture and Flavor Profile: This recipe delivers a truly exceptional keto curd characterized by its luxurious, thick, and wonderfully gooey texture. It strikes the ideal balance between tangy and sweet, offering an intense citrus flavor that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Think of it as a richer, more concentrated version of a classic custard, bursting with vibrant lemon notes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only four core ingredients to achieve this incredible depth of flavor and velvety consistency. It’s a testament to how easily you can create gourmet-quality treats right in your own kitchen.

Overhead view of a glass of keto lemon curd with a spoon.

Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Lemon Curd

Choose the Right Sweetener for a Silky Smooth Finish: While granular keto sweeteners like Swerve or erythritol are commonly used in low-carb baking, they can sometimes leave a slightly gritty texture, even after being heated. For the smoothest, most luxurious lemon curd imaginable, we highly recommend using a powdered version of your chosen keto sweetener. Powdered sweeteners dissolve more completely, resulting in an impeccably silky finish. Alternatively, allulose is an excellent choice as it tends to melt beautifully and has a less pronounced cooling effect than erythritol, further contributing to a superior texture. Experiment to find your preferred sweetener, but remember that powdered forms will generally yield the best results for curd.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest – It’s a Flavor Powerhouse! While listed as an optional ingredient, we cannot stress enough how much fresh lemon zest enhances the flavor and brightness of this lemon curd. The zest contains essential oils that carry the most intense lemon flavor, adding a layer of aromatic complexity that lemon juice alone cannot achieve. Since you’ll already be using fresh lemons for the juice (which is also crucial for the best flavor, as detailed below), zesting them takes mere moments and dramatically elevates the curd from good to absolutely phenomenal. Learning how to properly zest a lemon is quick and easy. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Always Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Just like the zest, the quality of your lemon juice makes a significant difference. Bottled lemon juice, even if 100% juice, often lacks the vibrant acidity and fresh flavor of freshly squeezed lemons. The nuanced tang and bright aroma derived from fresh lemons are integral to the authentic taste of lemon curd. This small step ensures a superior flavor and contributes to the perfect balance of sweet and tart that defines a truly great lemon curd.
Clever Ways to Use Leftover Egg Whites: Don’t Waste Them! This recipe wisely calls for only egg yolks, leaving you with a handful of egg whites. Please don’t discard them! Egg whites are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous delicious ways. Consider making a batch of airy keto meringues, whipping up a light and fluffy egg white omelette for breakfast, or adding them to a protein-packed smoothie. You can even freeze them for later use in recipes like angel food cake (if you’re not strictly keto) or for clarified consommés. For more inspiration, explore our collection of egg white recipes.

Explore More Keto Sweet Treats

Keto Peach Cobbler
Easy Keto French Toast Sticks
Keto Bread Pudding
Gooey Keto Lemon Bars
Keto Whipped Cream
Keto Creme Brûlée

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

Once you’ve made your luscious keto lemon curd, the fun truly begins with all the ways you can enjoy it! Beyond simply eating it by the spoonful (which is highly recommended!), here are some fantastic ideas:

Keto Parfaits: Layer with sugar-free whipped cream, fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries in moderation), and a sprinkle of keto granola.
Topping for Baked Goods: Dollop over keto pancakes, waffles, muffins, or slices of keto pound cake.
Tart or Pie Filling: Use as the star filling for a low-carb lemon tart or pie crust for a show-stopping dessert.
Yogurt Swirl: Stir into plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy breakfast or snack.
Dessert Shots: Serve in small shot glasses with a touch of whipped cream for an elegant, portion-controlled treat.
As a Glaze: Slightly thin it out with a tiny bit of water or additional lemon juice and use it as a glaze for keto cookies or cakes.

How to Store Your Keto Lemon Curd

Proper storage ensures your delicious lemon curd stays fresh and delightful for as long as possible. Once prepared and completely chilled, transfer the curd to an airtight container or jar. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in your fridge. While not ideal for long-term freezing due to potential texture changes upon thawing, you can freeze it in small portions for up to a month if you plan to use it in baked goods rather than as a smooth spread.

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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Keto Lemon Curd

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Chill: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 25 minutes

Bright, citrusy, and perfectly sweet without any sugar, this creamy keto lemon curd is a rich and tangy sweet treat that’s fantastic on its own or as an elegant accompaniment to your favorite keto pound cake, parfaits, and other low-carb desserts.

Sam Guarnieri Sam Guarnieri

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4 servings

Ingredients

▢ water
▢ 4 large egg yolks at room temperature for best results
▢ ½ cup Powdered Swerve Sweetener or other powdered keto sweetener like erythritol or allulose
▢ ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal flavor and texture
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest highly recommended for intense lemon flavor
▢ 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces

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Equipment

medium saucepan
large heat-safe glass bowl, should sit snugly on saucepan, creating a double-boiler effect without touching the water
whisk
refrigerator-safe jar or bowl
Plastic Wrap

Instructions

Fill a medium saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water. Place it over high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Carefully place a large heat-safe glass bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring it creates a double-boiler effect. Note: It is crucial that the bottom of the glass bowl does not touch the surface of the simmering water; there should be a small gap to allow the steam to gently cook the curd.
In the large heat-safe bowl positioned over the simmering water, add the egg yolks, powdered Swerve (or your chosen keto sweetener), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh lemon zest (if using). Vigorously whisk the mixture continuously without stopping for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture has significantly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. The consistency should be similar to that of a thin pudding.
Once thickened, carefully remove the bowl from the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot lemon curd mixture and whisk thoroughly until the butter has completely melted and is fully incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, adding it in 1-tablespoon increments and ensuring each piece is fully melted and whisked into the curd before adding the next. This gradual addition creates a smooth, emulsified, and velvety texture.
When all the butter is fully incorporated and the lemon curd is smooth and glossy, carefully transfer the mixture to a clean, refrigerator-safe jar or bowl. Cover the surface of the lemon curd directly with plastic wrap, gently pressing the wrap against the top to prevent a skin from forming. This step is crucial for maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.
Place the covered lemon curd in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely cooled and has set to a firm, luscious consistency. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade, perfectly tangy keto lemon curd!

Notes

Temperature Control is Key: Ensure your heat remains low when cooking the curd in the double-boiler. If the water boils too vigorously or the heat is too high, the egg yolks can scramble, leading to a lumpy, undesirable texture. Gentle heat and constant whisking are essential for a smooth curd.
Freshness Matters for Lemon Juice: For an unparalleled taste and texture, always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, authentic flavor and acidity that makes homemade lemon curd truly shine.
Sweetener Adjustments: The amount of sweetener required can vary significantly based on the type you choose and your personal preference for sweetness. If you’re using allulose, you might need a slightly higher quantity compared to erythritol or Swerve, as it’s less sweet. Conversely, if using highly concentrated sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia, you will likely need less. Taste and adjust as needed, starting with the recommended amount.
Storing Leftovers: Your delicious keto lemon curd can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best quality, always keep it covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Troubleshooting Thin Curd: If your curd isn’t thickening after the recommended cooking time, it might be due to insufficient heat or not whisking vigorously enough. You can gently return the bowl to the double-boiler (over low heat) and continue whisking until it reaches the desired thickness. Be patient, as it will also thicken considerably as it chills.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.