This keto lemon curd is incredibly easy to make at home with just 4 simple ingredients! It’s perfectly sweet with a hint of tartness, smooth, and super creamy.
Enjoy it on its own by the spoonful or use it as a topping for cakes, tarts, scones, or pancakes. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb spread, a filling for desserts, or a sweet treat, this sugar-free lemon curd is the perfect choice!

I absolutely love making homemade sauces and spreads, and after sharing my keto Nutella and ranch dressing recipes, I knew I had to share this easy keto lemon curd too!
Made with fresh lemon juice, sweetener, eggs, and butter, this smooth and creamy spread has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s fancy enough for elegant desserts but simple enough to enjoy on keto toast, pancakes, or straight from the spoon!
- 1 Is Lemon Curd Keto?
- 2 Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Lemon Curd Recipe
- 3 Keto Lemon Curd Ingredients
- 4 How To Make Keto Lemon Curd
- 5 How to Know If Lemon Curd Is Ready
- 6 Tips For Making The Best Keto Lemon Curd
- 7 Storing Instructions
- 8 How To Use Lemon Curd
- 9 More Keto Lemon Recipes
- 10 Keto Lemon Curd
Is Lemon Curd Keto?
No, traditional lemon curd is not keto-friendly because it’s made with regular sugar, which is high in carbs.
But the good news? You can easily make a keto version that tastes just as delicious! This sugar-free lemon curd has less than 1g net carb per tablespoon, making it a perfect low-carb alternative for spreading, filling, or enjoying by the spoonful.
Now you can enjoy all the tangy, creamy goodness of lemon curd—without the extra carbs!
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Lemon Curd Recipe
- Super Smooth & Creamy – The perfect buttery, silky texture with a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Only 4 Simple Ingredients – Made with fresh lemon, eggs, butter, and a keto-friendly sweetener—nothing complicated!
- Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 10 minutes, so you can whip up a batch anytime.
- Low-Carb & Sugar-Free – With just 1g net carb per serving, you can enjoy it guilt-free on keto or any low-carb diet.
- Versatile & Delicious – Use it as a filling for desserts, a topping for pancakes, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful.
Keto Lemon Curd Ingredients
The secret to the best sugar-free lemon curd is using freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor and high-quality ingredients for a smooth, creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs – You’ll need 3 large whole eggs to create a rich, silky consistency.
- Sweetener – Choose a keto-friendly sweetener like Erythritol, Allulose, or Monk Fruit for the perfect balance of sweetness without the carbs.
- Lemons – Juice 3-4 fresh lemons to get about ½ cup of lemon juice. You can also add lemon zest for an even stronger citrus kick.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter to give the curd a creamy, luscious texture and a subtle richness.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a warm, slightly sweet note that balances the tartness of the lemon beautifully.
How To Make Keto Lemon Curd
Making homemade keto lemon curd is quick and easy! Follow these simple steps to get a smooth, creamy, and perfectly tart lemon curd every time:
- Whisk the Eggs & Sweetener – In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sweetener, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until frothy and well combined.
- Cook Over Low Heat – Place the saucepan over low heat and add the lemon juice, butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk constantly for 7-8 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain for a Smooth Texture – Pour the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, giving it a silky, creamy consistency.
- Cool & Store – Let the curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving—it will continue to thicken as it chills.
How to Know If Lemon Curd Is Ready
- Coats the Back of a Spoon – Dip a spoon into the lemon curd, then run your finger through it. If the curd holds the line and doesn’t run back together, it’s ready!
- Thick & Creamy Texture – The curd should look smooth, glossy, and thick, but still pourable. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Temperature Check – For the best results, lemon curd should reach 175°F (80°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Tips For Making The Best Keto Lemon Curd
- Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice can be too acidic and affect the flavor. Fresh lemon juice gives the best natural, bright citrus taste.
- Cook on Low Heat – Be patient! Cooking on low heat prevents the eggs from scrambling and keeps the curd smooth and creamy.
- Whisk Constantly – Keep whisking the entire time until you remove the pan from the heat. This ensures an even texture and prevents lumps.
- Use a Double Boiler If Needed – If your stove runs hot, use a double boiler to gently cook the curd and avoid overheating the eggs.
- Let It Cool Completely – Lemon curd thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little thin when you take it off the heat—it will firm up in the fridge!
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator – Store homemade keto lemon curd in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to keep it fresh longer.
- Freezer – Transfer the cooled lemon curd to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Pro Tip: If your lemon curd thickens too much after freezing, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or lemon juice to bring back its silky texture.
How To Use Lemon Curd
This creamy, tangy lemon curd is so delicious on its own, but there are so many ways to enjoy it! Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Serve with scones, muffins, waffles, keto pound cake.
- Topping for this almond flour cake.
- Top it with homemade keto whipped cream.
- Mix it in yogurt, cottage cheese, or drizzle on ice cream.
More Keto Lemon Recipes
- The Best Keto Lemon Bars – Only 4g Carbs
- Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Easy Keto Blueberry Bread with Lemon Cheesecake Frosting
- Keto Blueberry Dump Cake
Keto Lemon Curd
Description
Ingredients
- 3 eggs large
- 3/4 cup sweetener granulated
- 3 lemons juiced and zested
- 6 tbsp butter unsalted, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the Eggs & Sweetener – In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sweetener, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Cook on Low Heat – Place the saucepan over low heat and add the lemon juice, butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk constantly until the mixture starts to thicken. Once it begins to simmer, immediately remove it from the heat.
- Strain for a Smooth Texture – Pour the lemon curd through a fine sieve to remove any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency.
- Cool & Store – Let the curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving—it will thicken as it chills.
Notes
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
1 comment
I made this yesterday, then used half of it to make cottage cheese “ice cream”. I have T2 as does my mom and I can’t wait for her to try it. I can forsee myself having to make this a couple of times a week.