lemon squares

Finally!  A keto dessert I actually enjoy!  Over the past few weeks, I have experimented with keto desserts that have produced less than stellar results.  Sometimes I would end up chucking the dessert into the garbage.  What a waste I would say to myself or complain to Mr. S about the failure.  And then I came across I Breathe I’m Hungry.  Initially, I was attracted to her recipe on keto crab rangoons but while scrolling through the site, I noticed lemon squares.  They looked like the real deal!  It reminded me of my non-keto lemon tart.  After so many failed attempts to find a dessert that was keto-friendly and edible, I decided to try one more time.  I am happy to report these lemon squares are delicious.

For the Crust

6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups superfine blanched almond flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (Swerve, Erythritol, or Monkfruit)
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

For the Filling

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (Swerve, Erythritol, or Monkfruit)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated lemon zest
6 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder

Preheat the oven to 350f (180c).

For the crust

Grab an 8×8-inch square pan and line with parchment paper. In a bowl combine butter with the almond flour, sweetener, and lemon zest. Press the dough evenly along the bottom and a bit up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool while you prepare the filling.

For the filling

Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sweetener, lemon juice, and lemon zest until dissolved. Whisk in the egg yolks and return to the stove over low heat.  Continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from the heat. Stir in the xanthan gum and gelatin until dissolved. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread out evenly. Bake 15 to 20 minutes (or until crust is golden brown) then remove and allow to cool.

The Culinary Chase’s Note:

If cut into 2″x 2″ squares, each square is 2g of net carbohydrates. Enjoy!