Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie is a refreshing twist on traditional lemon desserts, offering a luscious, creamy texture with a vibrant lemon punch. It’s sweetened naturally with keto-friendly sweeteners and thickened with glucomannan, making it both satisfying and diet-compliant. Plus, it uses a simple, no-bake sour cream filling that sets quickly, making it ideal for a quick yet impressive dessert.

Ingredients

6 tbsp (91 g) powdered sweetener
2 to 4 tbsp allulose, or xylitol
1/2 tsp (0.25 tsp) glucomannan (can substitute xanthan gum, see notes)
3/4 cup (177.44 ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup (118.29 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 large egg yolks
3 tbsp (42.61 g) butter, chilled and cut into pieces
3/4 tsp (1 tsp) lemon extract
1 cup (230 g) full fat sour cream
1 press-in pie crust, fully baked

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the powdered sweetener, allulose (or xylitol), and glucomannan.
Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks to the saucepan, mixing until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the chilled butter pieces and lemon extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then fold in the sour cream gently until combined.
Pour the filling into the fully baked press-in pie crust, smoothing the top evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours

Variations

Berry Twist: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries on top before chilling for a fruity touch.
Coconut Cream: Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a subtle tropical flavor.
Zesty Ginger: Add a pinch of ground ginger or freshly grated ginger for an extra zing.
Nutty Crust: Use an almond flour-based crust for extra crunch and keto-friendliness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This pie is best enjoyed chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods. Do not freeze, as the sour cream filling may separate and lose its creamy texture upon thawing.

FAQs

What can I use instead of glucomannan?

You can substitute glucomannan with xanthan gum in equal amounts; both act as thickening agents suitable for keto recipes.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use your preferred keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit, but adjust quantities to taste.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

The egg yolks are cooked gently in the saucepan, which should be sufficient to eliminate risk, but always use pasteurized eggs if concerned.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

How do I make the crust keto-friendly?

Use an almond flour or coconut flour-based crust recipe designed for keto diets.

Can I prepare this pie in advance?

Yes, prepare the pie up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

You can omit the lemon extract; the fresh lemon juice and zest will provide plenty of lemon flavor.

How do I know when the filling is thick enough?

The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line drawn through it when it’s ready.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger pie dish and adjust chilling time accordingly.

What if my filling cracks after chilling?

Gentle stirring before pouring and not overheating the mixture can prevent cracking; cracks won’t affect taste.

Conclusion

Keto Lemon Sour Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that delivers bright citrus flavor with creamy, tangy smoothness, all while fitting perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free sweet treat. Whether for a special occasion or a regular indulgence, this pie is sure to become a keto favorite.