Easy Keto Low-Carb Lemon Bars

These Easy, Keto Low-Carb Lemon Bars Dessert are a quick sugar-free and gluten-free recipe that uses almond flour and fresh lemons to make a delicious treat perfect for the keto diet. With only 3 net carbs per serving, enjoy these tarts completely guilt-free!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

The Keto Essential Cookbook is available NOW for FREE! For a hard copy, you only pay the shipping and handling. Get over 100+ scrumptious recipes with net carb, fat, protein, and calorie count for every recipe. Click here to purchase yours today!

I’m a huge fan of desserts that aren’t overly rich and decadent. Years ago, I made the Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bar recipe. I have not made it in quite some time. I also have a huge interest in lightening up the carbs in desserts, so I figured I would experiment with ways to modify the recipe.

Her recipe is made for a larger crowd, so I scaled it down some. Lemon bars are made to be tart AND sweet, with a buttery crust. Keep that in mind if you haven’t tried a lemon bar!

How to Make Keto Lemon Bars

1. You will need almond flour, confectioner’s sweetener, vanilla extract, room temperature eggs, melted butter, and lemons.
2. Use a zester to zest one lemon. Juice 3 lemons with a lemon squeezer. 
3. Combine the melted butter, almond flour, and confectioner’s sugar. Press the dough that forms into the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes. 
4.  Combine eggs, almond flour, lemons, lemon zest, confectioner’s sweetener, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the batter over the crust and bake an additional 25 minutes.

Never zested a lemon? Check out this post on How to Zest a Lemon.

Are Lemons Keto?

In moderation, lemons are fine for a keto lifestyle. They do have natural sugar, so you have to monitor your serving size closely when consumed.

What Type of Sweetener to Use

I use zero carb monkfruit sweetener. You will need to use powdered Confectioner’s sweetener for this recipe. With granular sweetener, you will notice a difference in the texture of the bars if used.

How to Convert All-Purpose Flour into Almond Flour

I get this question often. This is great to know if you have your favorite lemon bars recipe on hand, and you want to snatch it up a bit. Almond flour and all-purpose have 1:2 ratio, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour = 1 1/2 cups almond flour. Always cook almond flour at a lower temperature.

This is an approximation. You can read more about How to Convert All Purpose Flour to Almond Flour here.

How to Keep Lemon Bars From Falling Apart and Crumbling

You will need to use room temperature eggs in this recipe. Room temperature eggs will mix better in the batter and will rise easier. You can read more about Why to Use Room Temperature Eggs While Baking here.

If you are strapped for time, check out this post on How to Get Room Temperature Eggs Quickly.

Do not overbeat the filling batter. Overbeating the batter will lead to cracks in the top surface. Not all cracks can be prevented. I often experience them, too!

Allow the lemon bars to cool fully! Do not slice into the lemon bars until they have cooled for 30 minutes. Even after 30 minutes, the bars will firm up more the longer they sit.

You can choose to refrigerate them (a minimum of 30 minutes) or allow them to stand at room temperature. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. If you are too eager, you can expect them to fall apart.

Can You Substitute Coconut Flour for Almond Flour?

No, coconut flour is not interchangeable. It absorbs moisture much differently than almond flour.

How to Store the Bars

Store the bars covered and in the refrigerator, up to 4 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the bars. Make sure the bars at room temperature. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and store them inside a sealable plastic bag for up to a month.

Recipe Tips

• Use a silicone spatula to pat the crust down and to firm it up along the edges. This will result in evenly cut bars. 
• While cutting your lemon bars, wipe your knife off with a paper towel between EACH cut.
• Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Allow them to cool for an additional hour (optimal) after slicing to firm up.

More Keto Desserts

Keto Cheesecake
Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
Keto Avocado Brownies
Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Fat Bombs
Keto Pumpkin Spice Fat Bombs
Keto Pound Cake
Keto Chocolate Mug Cake
Keto Creme Brulee
Keto Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Popular Keto Recipes

Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Keto Shrimp Alfredo