Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Craving something tangy, creamy, and perfectly sweet—without the carb overload? This Keto Lemon Curd recipe is your go-to solution. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this luscious lemon spread brings the zing without the guilt. It’s rich, smooth, and versatile—ideal for topping desserts, stirring into yogurt, or eating straight off the spoon (we won’t judge!). Plus, it’s made with clean, keto-friendly ingredients that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
Looking for more low-carb citrus ideas? Check out our old-fashioned blueberry lemon bundt cake for another keto-approved twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 1.5g net carbs per serving
- Ready in 15 minutes with just 5 ingredients
- No refined sugar—completely keto-friendly
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Bursting with fresh, natural lemon flavor
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Net Carbs (per serving) | 1.5g |
| Main Ingredients | Eggs, lemon juice, butter, erythritol, lemon zest |
| Best For | Low-carb breakfast or dessert |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Keto Lemon Curd
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or your favorite keto sweetener)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
Optional: pinch of salt for enhanced flavor
How to Make Keto Lemon Curd (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Whisk the Base
In a small saucepan (off heat), whisk the egg yolks with powdered erythritol until the mix becomes smooth and slightly pale. This forms the rich, creamy base of your Keto Lemon Curd.
Step 2: Add the Lemon Elements
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. These give the curd its bright, zesty flavor. Keep whisking until everything’s fully combined.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Place the saucepan over low heat and whisk constantly. Don’t rush this—patience is key. After 7–10 minutes, the mixture will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.
Step 4: Finish It Off
Remove from heat and add cubed butter one piece at a time, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. For the silkiest curd, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Let cool, then store in a jar in the fridge.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Recipe
- Low heat is key to avoid scrambling the eggs
- Use powdered erythritol for a smooth texture
- Whisk constantly to prevent clumps
- Strain for the silkiest finish
- Chill before serving for a firmer, custard-like texture
Flavor Variations
- Lemon-vanilla curd: Add 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Berry lemon curd: Blend in pureed strawberries or raspberries (keto-friendly in moderation)
- Ginger-lemon curd: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger for a spicy kick
- Coconut lemon curd: Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option
Serving Suggestions
- Spread on keto-friendly toast or muffins
- Swirl into Greek yogurt or chia pudding
- Layer into parfaits or keto cheesecakes
- Use as filling for keto lemon tarts or fat bombs
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare a double batch and portion it for weekly snacks or desserts
FAQs About Keto Lemon Curd
Is lemon curd high in carbs?
Traditional lemon curd usually contains sugar, which drives the carb count up. But not this one. Keto Lemon Curd swaps out sugar for low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, bringing the net carbs down to just about 1.5 grams per serving. So yes, it’s totally keto-approved when made right.
Does lemon affect ketosis?
Not at all—lemons are low in carbs. One tablespoon of lemon juice has less than 1 gram of carbohydrate, making it perfectly safe for your keto goals. As long as you’re using lemon in moderation, like in this recipe, it won’t knock you out of ketosis.
Is curd allowed in the keto diet?
Yes, curd (or full-fat yogurt) is totally fine on keto—just be sure it’s unsweetened and full-fat. While this lemon curd recipe doesn’t contain yogurt-style curd, the term “curd” here refers to the creamy, custard-like lemon spread made from eggs, butter, and lemon juice—all keto staples.
Is lemon curd healthy for weight loss?
Definitely. Our Keto Lemon Curd is not only low in carbs but also high in healthy fats and completely free of added sugars. That combo helps keep you fuller longer, satisfy cravings, and maintain a steady energy level—all key for weight loss on a ketogenic diet.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Lemon Curd is proof that you don’t have to give up bold, sweet flavors on a low-carb diet. It’s refreshing, tangy, and creamy—perfect for any time you need a quick, satisfying keto treat. Whether you serve it with berries, spoon it onto pancakes, or just dig in with a spoon, this recipe is a keeper.
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Keto Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or keto sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
Whisk the Base:
- In a saucepan off the heat, whisk together the egg yolks and powdered erythritol until smooth and slightly pale.
Add Lemon Elements:
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Whisk until fully combined.
Cook Low and Slow:
- Place over low heat and whisk constantly for 7–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil.
Finish It Off:
- Remove from heat. Whisk in the butter cubes until smooth. For the silkiest texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Let cool, then store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Store in the fridge up to 7 days
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months
- Use in keto tarts, cheesecakes, pancakes, or enjoy by the spoon!
- Don’t skip the straining step for a smoother finish
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil
