Keto Lemon Cream (Lemon Keto Pudding) — Light, Fresh & 3g Net Carb

Keto Lemon Cream is the perfect combination of refreshing citrus flavor and rich, velvety texture — all while staying completely low-carb and sugar-free. It takes just minutes to prepare and needs only simple keto-friendly ingredients, making it ideal for a quick dessert, meal prep, or an elegant after-dinner treat. This pudding is light, airy, and naturally tangy thanks to fresh lemon zest and juice, while cream cheese and heavy cream create a smooth, mousse-like consistency. It’s versatile enough to serve on its own, layer into parfaits, or use as a filling for keto cakes and pastries.

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  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 10 min
  • Cook time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: Keto / Low Carb
  • Method: No-Bake / Mixing
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto

Ingredients for Keto Lemon Cream

Ingredients for Keto Lemon Cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia-style)
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream (33%+)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1–1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 tsp powdered erythritol (or stevia, to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Beat the cream cheese: Add the cream cheese, sweetener, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a medium bowl. Beat for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully combined. Using a hand mixer helps create a much lighter texture compared to mixing by hand. If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before mixing — this prevents lumps and gives the pudding a silky texture.
  2. Adjust the flavor: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or lemon intensity. If you want a brighter lemon flavor without adding carbs, increase the amount of zest rather than adding more juice. A pinch of salt enhances the citrus notes and balances the sweetness.
  1. Whip the heavy cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Proper whipping is important — underwhipped cream will make the pudding runny, while overwhipped cream can turn grainy or begin to separate.
  1. Fold gently: Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture in 2–3 additions. Move slowly with upward motions to keep the texture airy. Do not mix vigorously — the goal is to combine without deflating the whipped cream,creating a light, mousse-like texture.
  2. Check the consistency: Once fully combined, the pudding should look smooth, pale, and fluffy. If it seems too thick, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of heavy cream. If it’s too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before spooning into cups.
  3. Portion the pudding: Divide the mixture evenly into 4 serving glasses, jars, or ramekins. Using transparent glasses works great for presentation — the pale yellow color looks elegant and refreshing.
  4. Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. During this time, the fats in the cream and cream cheese firm up, giving the pudding its stable, spoonable texture. Longer chilling (2–3 hours) enhances the flavor even more.
  1. Serve: Enjoy straight from the fridge. Optionally top with a few fresh berries, coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for color and aroma.

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

CaloriesFatProteinNet Carbs
≈ 260–300≈ 26–28 g≈ 4–5 g≈ 2–3 g

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💡 Tips & Variations

  • Add extra lemon zest for a stronger flavor without increasing carbs.
  • For a mousse-like texture, chill the cream cheese for 10 minutes before mixing.
  • Add 1 tbsp mascarpone cheese for a richer, thicker pudding.
  • For an extra-smooth texture, blend the cream cheese mixture before folding in the whipped cream.
  • Add a tiny pinch of turmeric for natural color (optional).
  • Use powdered erythritol to avoid graininess.

🔥 Flavor Variations (Choose Your Style)

  • Lemon–Coconut: Add 1 tbsp coconut cream and top with unsweetened coconut flakes.
  • Berry Lemon: Mix in 1–2 mashed raspberries or strawberries for natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Custard Style: Add 1 tsp extra vanilla extract and slightly reduce the lemon juice.
  • Almond Lemon: Add 1–2 drops almond extract for a bakery-style aroma.

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding too much lemon juice — can thin the mixture and add carbs.
  • Using cold cream cheese — leads to lumps.
  • Overbeating the whipped cream — creates grainy texture.
  • Not chilling long enough — pudding won’t set properly.
  • Using granulated sweetener — can stay crunchy.

Storage & Meal Prep 🧊

  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month — thaw 20 minutes before serving.
  • Great for meal prep: portion into small glass dessert jars for grab-and-go desserts or elegant presentation.
  • Can be used as a filling for keto cakes, crepes, or pastries.

What to Serve With 🥄

FAQ

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Keywords

keto lemon pudding, keto lemon cream, sugar free lemon dessert, low carb pudding, cream cheese mousse keto

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