Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese

Sophie
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Get ready to dive into a truly delightful low-carb treat! These keto blueberry lemon bars with cream cheese are an absolute dream for anyone looking to satisfy a sweet craving without straying from their keto lifestyle. They’re bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a wonderfully creamy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese 16

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a spontaneous weekend baking session. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these satisfying and delicious dessert bars.

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Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese


  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9-16 bars 1x

Description

These keto blueberry lemon bars with cream cheese are a delightful low-carb treat, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a wonderfully creamy texture. They are straightforward to make, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without straying from a keto lifestyle.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup erythritol or preferred keto sweetener, divided
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, half of the erythritol (¼ cup), and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

    2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.

    3. Add the remaining erythritol (¼ cup), eggs, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

    4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the berries.

    5. Pour the cream cheese and blueberry filling evenly over the partially baked crust in the prepared pan.

    6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly. The top should be lightly golden.

    7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cool, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the bars to fully set.

    8. Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 9 or 16 squares, depending on your desired serving size.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
    • Category: dessert
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bar

    Keywords: keto, low carb, blueberry, lemon, cream cheese, dessert, bars, sugar free, gluten free, easy

    What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

    You’ll adore this recipe because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy families and anyone new to keto baking. It’s a fantastic solution when you want a homemade dessert that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. These bars are ideal for a light after-dinner treat, a refreshing addition to a brunch spread, or even a healthier option for a potluck. The combination of bright lemon and sweet blueberries, all nestled in a creamy, low-carb base, is simply irresistible and appeals to a wide range of palates, even those not strictly following a keto diet.

    Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

    Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll find most of these items are pantry staples for keto cooking, and any specialized ingredients are widely available.

    INGREDIENTS:

    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese 17
    • 1 ½ cups almond flour
    • ½ cup erythritol or preferred keto sweetener, divided
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup fresh blueberries

    For your keto sweetener, erythritol is a great choice as it bakes well and has a mild flavor. However, you can also use a blend of erythritol and monk fruit if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile. When choosing almond flour, opt for super-fine blanched almond flour for the best texture in your crust. For the cream cheese, make sure it’s full-fat and softened to room temperature, which will help prevent lumps in your filling. Fresh lemon juice and zest are highly recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

    Time Needed From Start To Finish

    Preparing these delightful keto blueberry lemon bars is a relatively quick process, making them perfect for when you need a delicious dessert without a long wait.

    • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
    • Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
    • Chilling Time: 2 hours (minimum)
    • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)

    How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese 18

    Follow these simple steps to create your delicious keto blueberry lemon bars. The key is to ensure your cream cheese is soft and your ingredients are well combined for the best results.

    1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, half of the erythritol (¼ cup), and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
    2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling Base: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
    3. Combine Filling Ingredients: Add the remaining erythritol (¼ cup), eggs, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
    4. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the berries.
    5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese and blueberry filling evenly over the partially baked crust in the prepared pan.
    6. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly. The top should be lightly golden.
    7. Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cool, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the bars to fully set.
    8. Slice and Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 9 or 16 squares, depending on your desired serving size.

    Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

    These keto blueberry lemon bars are wonderfully versatile! For a different flavor profile, consider swapping out the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries, or even a mix of all three. If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling. For a touch of elegance, dust the cooled bars with a sprinkle of powdered erythritol before serving. These bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a few extra fresh berries on the side. They make a lovely dessert for a family dinner, a refreshing treat for a summer picnic, or a satisfying snack any time of day. Kids will love the sweet and tangy combination, making them a great option for school lunchboxes (if kept cool) or after-school snacks.

    Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

    Even simple recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help ensure your keto blueberry lemon bars turn out perfectly every time.

    • Not Softening Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese isn’t at room temperature, it will be difficult to beat smooth, resulting in a lumpy filling. Plan ahead and take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start.
    • Over-Baking the Crust: Baking the crust for too long can make it dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as it’s lightly golden. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
    • Over-Mixing the Filling: While you want the filling ingredients well combined, over-mixing, especially after adding the eggs, can incorporate too much air, leading to a cracked top. Mix until just combined.
    • Not Chilling Long Enough: This is crucial for the bars to set properly. If you slice them too soon, they’ll be too soft and messy. Resist the urge and allow them to chill for the full recommended time.
    • Crushing Blueberries: When folding in the blueberries, be gentle. If they burst too much, they can tint the entire filling purple and make it slightly watery.

    How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

    These keto blueberry lemon bars are excellent for making ahead, and they store beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them for several days.

    Storage: Once completely cooled and set, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent them from sticking if stacking.

    Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Once fully chilled and cut into individual servings, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Then, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw individual bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

    Make Ahead: These bars are an ideal make-ahead dessert. Prepare them a day or two in advance, keep them chilled in the refrigerator, and simply slice and serve when you’re ready. This allows the flavors to meld even more, often making them taste even better on the second day.

    Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

    Here are some common questions that often come up when making these delicious keto blueberry lemon bars.

    • Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can! Do not thaw them before adding them to the filling, as they can release too much water. Gently fold them in while still frozen.
    • Is there a dairy-free option for the cream cheese? While this recipe relies on traditional cream cheese for its texture, you could experiment with a keto-friendly dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
    • Can I use a different sweetener? Any granulated keto-friendly sweetener (like allulose or monk fruit blend) can be used as a 1:1 substitute for erythritol. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
    • Why is my crust crumbly? A crumbly
    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
    Keto Blueberry Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese 19

    FAQs

    • Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
    • How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
    • Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
    • Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.

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