Sugar-Free Creamy Lemon Squares
Sugar-Free Creamy Lemon Squares
Silky baked lemon cheesecake on a buttery shortbread crust — sugar-free and make-ahead
These sugar-free creamy lemon squares are mini cheesecakes in bar form: a buttery almond-flour shortbread crust topped with a silky baked lemon cheesecake filling, finished with fresh lemon zest.
Each square has 5 g of protein and only 4 g net carbs — and they slice beautifully after chilling.
Why you'll love these squares
- 5g protein per square — dessert with substance
- Only 4g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Silky cheesecake filling on buttery crust
- Makes 16 squares — perfect for sharing
- Better made ahead — flavors deepen overnight
- Glossy, bakery-pretty lemon top
Health notes
- Sugar-free: Powdered sugar-free sweetener — no added sugar.
- Low carb: Just 4g net carbs per square.
- Gluten-free: Almond-flour crust is naturally gluten-free.
- Protein: Cream cheese and eggs add 5g protein each.
Key element — press the crust firmly with a glass
Pack the crust mixture into the pan with the flat bottom of a glass. A firmly packed crust holds together when you cut the squares.
Ingredients
Shortbread crust
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Creamy lemon filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks), softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Swaps
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt.
- Lime: Swap lime juice and zest for a lime version.
- Blueberry: Swirl 2 Tbsp sugar-free blueberry jam through the filling.
- Coconut crust: Replace ½ cup almond flour with shredded coconut.
Instructions
| 1 | Prep. Heat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang. |
| 2 | Bake the crust. Stir the crust ingredients, press firmly into the pan with the bottom of a glass, and bake 10 minutes until lightly golden. |
| 3 | Beat the cream cheese. Beat the softened cream cheese with the sweetener until completely smooth, scraping the bowl twice. |
| 4 | Build the filling. Beat in the eggs one at a time on low — don't overmix. Then beat in the sour cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until silky. |
| 5 | Bake. Pour over the warm crust. Bake 22–25 minutes until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly. |
| 6 | Chill and cut. Cool on the counter, then refrigerate at least 3 hours. Lift out, cut into 16 squares, and garnish with lemon zest. |
Pro tips
- Room-temperature cream cheese is essential for a lump-free filling.
- Beat the eggs on low — overmixing whips in air that causes cracks.
- Don't overbake — the center should jiggle slightly; it sets as it cools.
- Run a knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean squares.
- These taste even better the next day once the flavors meld.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per square (16) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Net carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Estimates per square (16 per pan), based on almond flour, butter, cream cheese, eggs, and sugar-free sweetener.
Variations
Lime squares
Swap lime juice and zest for the lemon for a tangy lime version.
Blueberry swirl
Swirl 2 Tbsp sugar-free blueberry jam through the filling before baking.
Coconut
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the filling before baking for a tropical top.
Extra-tangy
Add 1 tsp citric acid to the filling for a bolder lemon punch.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Cover tightly; flavors improve by day 2 |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze squares on a tray, then bag; thaw in fridge |
| Room temp | Not recommended | Keep chilled for best texture |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about these lemon squares
1. Protein per square?
2. Net carbs per square?
3. Why press the crust with the bottom of a glass?
4. What temperature do the squares bake at?
5. How long must the squares chill before cutting?
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