Want a truly delicious and tangy low carb lemon ice cream? Look no further than this delicious Lemon Curd Ice Cream recipe. All the great lemon flavor without the carbs. Sugar-free and keto-friendly.
This lemon ice cream recipe has been updated to be easier and better than ever! And I have a few tricks for keeping it soft and scoopable, even days later.
There’s no question that I get obsessed with certain foods from time to time. I like to say that it’s an occupational hazard of being a food blogger who really does dream about food all day. Like a catchy tune, sometimes a flavor or a food item will just get stuck on replay in my head, going around and around until I have to find a new way to use it. Lemon curd has been the tune I’m singing of late, ever since I made some for an Easter brunch with friends. It’s so sweet and tangy, and so…so…lemony, it just screams spring. But here in New England, we skipped over spring entirely and went straight into summer. So my head has also been playing the tune of ice cream and other frozen treats. It wasn’t much of a leap to combine the two and churn up some low carb Lemon Curd Ice Cream.
I’ve seen lemon ice cream made with lemon curd before on other blogs and food sites, and it was pretty easy to figure out how it should be made. Lemon curd takes a lot of eggs as it is, so I knew it wouldn’t be necessary to add more to create a custard-based ice cream. I also really wanted the tang of the lemon curd to come through and not get swallowed up by the cream and the sweetener. I’ve seen some recipes that add a lot more sugar after adding the curd, which is plenty sweet in my opinion. But I kept my additional sweetener to a minimum, to allow for a tangy, creamy frozen treat.
How To Make Lemon Ice Cream
- This recipe now uses my updated low carb lemon curd. And I have to say, it’s all the better for it. The new lemon curd uses whole eggs, so you won’t have any lonely and unused egg whites hanging around.
- Be sure to cook your lemon curd in a glass or ceramic bowl. I find that metal bowls react a bit with the lemon juice to leave a funny metallic tang.
- If you’ve ever made lemon curd before, you know that it’s about getting the eggs and yolks to just the right temperature so that they are cooked through. It will thicken up quickly and suddenly, so make sure you keep your eyes on it at all times!
- Let the curd cool in the fridge before mixing with the whipping cream. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap so it doesn’t develop a skin.
- Once your curd is nicely chilled, you just need to mix in the other ingredients and plop it into your ice cream maker!
Keeping Low Carb Ice Cream Soft
Okay guys, I have been messing around with ice cream lot this summer, trying to figure out the trick to keeping it soft. And I’ve found that my best trick is to use a combo of Swerve Sweetener and Bocha Sweet. Bocha Sweet is a sweetener derived from the kabocha squash, and it’s a pentose sweetener. Xylitol is also a pentose sweetener, so it appears to be similar to that although it’s not toxic to animals according to the website.
I would love to tell you that I am sold on Bocha Sweet as the perfect low carb sweetener. But I am not entirely. So far, it does not seem to affect my blood sugar that much and I have several diabetic readers who’ve recommended it to me and say it works for them. But for some people it can cause some severe stomach upset (at least according to the Amazon reviews!) and while I haven’t experienced that, I am reluctant to try it full strength. It’s also quite expensive – even more so than other low carb sweeteners.
It’s also not a perfect sugar replacement. I tried using it in some low carb meringues and they were a disaster! They never firmed up at all, staying sticky and gooey.
However, I am finding it useful in keeping keto ice cream scoopable and soft. I made one batch of vanilla with just Bocha Sweet and to be honest, it was almost TOO soft and slightly goopy. So then I tried a batch that was half Swerve and half Bocha Sweet and it was firmer but not rock hard. I am still playing with the ratios here but I think a 50/50 or even a 60/40 (in favour of the Bocha Sweet) seems to work well.
So for this keto lemon curd ice cream, I recommend one of two things. Either make your lemon curd with Bocha Sweet and then add some powdered Swerve when you add the whipping cream. Or vice versa: make your lemon curd with Swerve and then add Bocha Sweet as the additional sweetener. The first option will probably give you the softest results.
If you don’t have Bocha Sweet or prefer not to use it, your ice cream will freeze pretty hard but it will soften nicely with a few minutes on the counter. The added vodka can really help.
Want more delicious low carb lemon recipes?
Creamy, dreamy and tangy low carb lemon curd ice cream. This sweet keto dessert is perfect for all of your summer activities!
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup Bocha Sweet or powdered Swerve Sweetener
- Full recipe Lemon Curd chilled
- 2 tbsp vodka optional (helps decrease iciness)
In a large bowl, whisk together whipping cream, Bocha Sweet or powdered Swerve, and lemon curd until well combined. Whisk in the vodka, if using.
Pour mixture into canister of an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s directions.
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, 2 to 3 hours.
Any leftover ice cream will freeze quite hard, but will soften nicely again if left at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes
Diane says
April 25, 2012 at 12:22 pmOh yum! I wonder if I could make this dairy free? I have added it to my "must try" to make allergy free list! Thanks for the great recipe!
Monet says
April 25, 2012 at 1:38 pmThis looks just delicious. Like you, I also get obsessed with certain foods. And it is easy to see how this could become a new obsession! Thank you for sharing. I'm glad I visited your blog this morning. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!
Brian says
April 25, 2012 at 2:31 pmWell, i'm in love… it looks absolutely fantastic and creamy!
shruti says
April 25, 2012 at 4:04 pmlove how refreshing it looks 🙂 lemons are my favorite
Diane says
April 25, 2012 at 6:25 pmoh my this looks delicious!!!
Russell says
April 25, 2012 at 9:11 pmYummy! What a recipe!
stephday says
April 26, 2012 at 1:20 amLove this ice cream! I am in love with lemony desserts and I especially love ice cream!
healthyfoodie says
April 26, 2012 at 2:17 amMmm, this looks so creamy! I can just taste this 🙂 Beautiful recipe.
shockinglydelicious says
April 26, 2012 at 3:22 amWowser! I love lemon curd, and this looks like a fabulous use for it!
Looking forward to meeting you at Camp Blogaway!
Kathy - Panini Happy says
April 26, 2012 at 5:42 amMmm…I love the sound of lemon ice cream right now! That looks so fabulously creamy.
jamielifesafeast says
April 26, 2012 at 9:05 amOh this is a great post! I love lemon everything and love making lemon curd but why did I never think to make ice cream with it? Stunning! And what a wonderful recipe. The ice cream looks perfect!
JillColonna says
April 26, 2012 at 10:01 amWhenever I saw your title, Carolyn, I was a taker. I've never been a fan of lemon sorbet but THIS is definitely my kind of creamy heaven. Love your photos, as always!
Alison Lewis says
April 26, 2012 at 3:02 pmomg so pretty and lovely! Your recipes rock!
Renee says
April 26, 2012 at 4:08 pmLemon curd ice cream? Oh my! This sounds absolutely wonderful. I LOVE lemon-y desserts and cannot wait to try this.
kita says
April 26, 2012 at 5:46 pmMy step mom would love you forever if she saw this post. She is a lemon fanatic and lemon curd – in ice cream! omg.
Jen says
April 26, 2012 at 6:07 pmI do the same thing on occasion – right now I'm obsessed with everything key lime on the planet I think! And I lay in bed at night thinking of ways to use it and other flavors to pair it with!
Erin @ Dinners, Dish says
April 26, 2012 at 6:53 pmGreat post Carolyn! Love the use of lemon curd, too bad I used all of my already 🙁
[email protected] Me, Seymour says
April 27, 2012 at 1:12 amLemon curd is my absolute favorite thing. Ice cream is my second! so this dessert is absolutely perfect for me! I can't wait to try it!
food_dreamer says
April 27, 2012 at 9:27 amWow, I don't know, but if you can manage it, please let me know. I'd love to hear about it!
torviewtoronto says
April 29, 2012 at 2:34 pmdelicious looking ice cream
Liz says
April 29, 2012 at 8:29 pmOh, gosh, Carolyn, this ice cream looks incredible! Lemon curd???? It's a must try flavor…now I just need a heat wave 🙂
Nancie McDermott says
April 29, 2012 at 11:28 pmLovely post and what an idea: lemon curd into ice cream. I already adore it, not having even tried it yet. Sometimes we just KNOW!. Wonderful photographs. I thought ice cream was very difficult to photograph, but you make it look cool, bright, and lovely. Maybe you'll share some tips when we meet at Camp Blogaway!
Carrie Dickson says
June 18, 2012 at 8:22 pmHow long do you think the lemon curd will keep? I’m making lemon curd cupcakes for a wedding this weekend and if I can make this a couple of days in advance, that is my preference. 160 paleo-esque cupcakes is a pretty huge undertaking. 🙂 Also, THANK YOU! You’re awesome.
Carolyn says
June 19, 2012 at 6:12 amThe lemon curd will keep for 3 or 4 days, I should think. I had some in a jar for about that length of time. I wouldn’t try to keep it too much longer, with the eggs in it!
Carrie Dickson says
June 25, 2012 at 11:35 pmThis worked beautifully. I doubled the recipe and it worked super well. It actually saved the day!
Carolyn says
June 26, 2012 at 6:03 amGlad to hear it!
Judith Robertson says
January 15, 2013 at 9:49 pmbut need the carb count for the lemon curd ice cream please.
Jill says
February 25, 2014 at 4:07 pmCarolyn, I believe this just may be the most perfect thing ever!! This is going to be amazingly refreshing in the summer. I cannot wait to try this! We’re still in induction, so it’ll have to wait a while, but by that time, we will be super ready.
thank you!!!
Randi says
April 27, 2014 at 7:31 pmHas anyone ever subbed coconut cream or anything else non dairy for the whipping cream? I would love to try it dairy free.
Carolyn says
April 28, 2014 at 5:32 amI haven’t tried that but I should give it a go! It might work.
Malainie says
June 1, 2015 at 1:23 pmThe heat is on here in New Mexico, and I’m looking for cold recipes! I love lemon and this looks wonderful! I make my Hollandaise in a blender with hot, bubbling butter. Then, if it’s too thin, I put it in the microwave for 30 second increments at half power, stirring well with a fork after each time until it’s thickened to my liking. It remains smooth. I wonder if that would work for making this lemon curd? I think I’ll try it, since the ingredients are so similar to my Hollandaise sauce.
Meloney says
April 2, 2019 at 11:23 pmDid you do it?
Peggie says
June 15, 2015 at 3:57 pmI had lemon/lavender sugar cookies quite a few years ago and the flavor was incredible and one that I remember so well. I HAVE to make this and add the lavender. Thanks for the recipe!
Veronica says
February 25, 2016 at 6:00 pmWould granulated splenda or stevie work in this recipe instead of erythritol?
Carolyn says
February 25, 2016 at 6:33 pmIt should!
Leesa says
May 13, 2016 at 4:47 pmHoly crap Carolyn, I made the custard yesterday and I finished off the ice cream early this morning. I just took some out of the freezer and tried it for the first time and it is the most amazing ice cream I’ve ever had. I don’t have an ice cream churn so I actually just put it into little cups and put it in the freezer and it worked out just fine. Thank you so much for this recipe I’m going to be making it for everyone I know.
Carolyn says
May 13, 2016 at 9:03 pmSo glad you liked it!
Kay says
July 17, 2016 at 8:40 amI wonder if I used canned coconut milk to replace the heavy cream, if it would turn out. I suddenly have to avoid all dairy, but I certainly would enjoy some ice cream again………….
Annah Isenberg says
August 30, 2016 at 10:26 amDo I need the stevia extract, or can I make it with only erythritol?
Carolyn says
August 30, 2016 at 11:04 amYou can do all erythritol.
Lisa says
July 16, 2017 at 2:34 pmI have made this several times now and love it. I had lines I needed to use and did line curd then used coconut milk for part of the cream and added shredded unsweetened coconut at the end. You know, you put the lime in the coconut! Delicious! Plus so many ways to use the curd. That alone is amazing. Thank you.
Amy says
July 20, 2017 at 6:29 pmThis is maybe the most delicious low carb dessert I’ve ever had. Thank you so so much!
Becky says
September 28, 2017 at 1:39 pmMade this yesterday. OMG, soooooo delicious. Lemon is one of my favorite flavors. Thanks for the recipe!
Shelley says
December 29, 2017 at 8:14 pmThis ice cream is AMAZING. My first try at low carb ice cream – well – any ice cream. It will be difficult for other recipes to live up to the creamy deliciousness of this. Thank you!
TK says
January 15, 2018 at 2:36 amThis looks so yummilicious! Would honey or agave work as a sugar substitute? For curd and/or ice cream recipes…
Carolyn says
January 15, 2018 at 9:27 amI don’t use either of those but you could probably do a google search and get some good advice.
TK says
April 27, 2018 at 11:01 amThis was absolutely delicious!! I used organic honey and also added a raspberry swirl. My daughter and I tasted it after churning and could barely wait for it to freeze! Not to mention it made the kitchen smell yummy, as well. Thank you for a great recipe!
Jen says
February 10, 2018 at 11:18 amMmm, delicious. I used Meyer lemons. I did add a bit of lemon oil to the custard and a little vodka before freezing. I addd a tablespoon, and it is taking a bit to freeze, so hopefully that wasn’t too much. It tastes great though. I want to make some lemon shortbread cookies to add in.
Angela S. says
April 15, 2018 at 7:57 pmWe tried this recipe, but the whole family commented that it was too much butter. 6 Tablespoons does seem like a lot. Would it be ok to omit butter? I’d like to try this again with some tweaks. The recipe did work great with granulated Stevia!
Carolyn says
April 16, 2018 at 8:29 amLemon curd doesn’t work without butter.
JV says
April 22, 2018 at 6:11 pmHey Carolyn, I’ve made this several times now. Works like a charm. But every time I forget to measure how much 1 batch makes. Do you happen to remember off the top of your head? Thanks.
Carolyn says
April 22, 2018 at 10:06 pmNo, I don’t know exactly.
Simon Hungerford says
April 30, 2018 at 6:38 amHow long does it take to harden?, My batch has been in the freezer a few hours and is Still liquid
Carolyn says
April 30, 2018 at 7:50 amIf you churned it properly, it should not be liquid when you put it in the freezer.
Simon Hungerford says
April 30, 2018 at 9:20 pmThe Recipe says, 3 eggs and 3 egg yokes, is that 6 eggs but only 3 egg whites, or does it mean just only 3 eggs and separating the eggs and egg whits and then mixing them back together?
Stacia says
July 9, 2018 at 9:26 amI had already whipped up a batch of keto lemon curd when I found this recipe plus I doubled it! So how much lemon curd does your recipe make, so I can add the correct amount to the ice cream?
BTW, I love your recipes and recommend your blog to everyone who asks me about keto. I especially love that you use the less costly coconut flour a lot! I really like the texture it adds to almond flour heavy recipes.
Carolyn says
July 9, 2018 at 11:38 amIt makes about 1 1/2 cups
Phoebe Perryman says
July 31, 2018 at 8:05 amI have an ice cream recipe book that uses Konjac Root powder (Glucomannan) to keep the ice cream soft. The ice cream
doesn’t become “brick hard”.
Your lemon curd ice cream sounds delicious.
Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you have brought into my low carb lifestyle.
Lisa says
July 31, 2018 at 9:32 amI’ve used ‘Just Like Sugar’ for 1/3 to half the sweetener and this will keep your ice cream soft. In fact, if you use too much it will stay like soft serve and never harden. Another trick I learned from the Keto Diet App website is to use 2-4 tablespoons of food grade vegetable Glycerine blended into the ice cream. This also keeps it scoopable, however too much will keep it like soft serve. I’ve never tried Vodka though and I don’t know what impact Glycerine might have on sensitive digestive systems. I’ve never found a carb count for it, for some reason it’s not listed anywhere that I can find.
Unterderlaterne says
July 31, 2018 at 2:57 pmHow about adding some glycerine . I think you mentioned that some time ago. I have a bottle waiting in my pantry !
Carolyn says
July 31, 2018 at 5:05 pmYou can certainly try that. My biggest issue with glycerin is that there is little to no info on the nutritional values so I am not sure what to tell my readers. Also I do find that it can spike my blood sugar and I didn’t find it all that useful in keeping the ice cream that soft unless I used a fair bit of it.
Roo says
August 12, 2018 at 11:52 pmThat was absolutely delicious! Thank you for another hit recipe! You’re amazing!
Aimee says
January 8, 2019 at 9:57 pmWow!!! This ice cream was absolutely delicious!! I used Meyer lemons (which are sweeter than regular lemons) and added a little extra joice to the ice cream custard. I used xylitol for the lemon curd and for the ice cream custard. I gently heated 1/3 cup of the cream with the xylitol so that it would dissolve. I also used a little xantham gum to make it soft. This is one of the best ice creams I have ever had. Thanks!!
nicole says
January 13, 2019 at 5:59 pmI made your lemon curd recipe few months ago. It had wonderful flavor however, the curd got lumpy and re-crystallized next day in the fridge. I used granulated erythritol and drops stevia extract which the recipe called for. I normally read all the comments before I start a new recipe but I didn’t see anyone had same issue. I really want to try this recipe but worry that will happen again. Do you or anyone had that happened to you/them? Thank you so much for sharing good recipes
Carolyn says
January 14, 2019 at 9:56 amOkay I am really confused since my updated lemon curd, which I updated last spring, doesn’t take granulated erythritol and stevia.
nicole says
January 18, 2019 at 1:24 amMINI LEMON BUNDT CAKES WITH LEMON CURD FILLING
https://ALLDAYIDREAMABOUTFOOD.COM/MINI-LEMON-BUNDT-CAKES-WITH-LEMON-CURD-FILLING-LOW-CARB-AND-GLUTEN-FREE/
Lemon Curd:
1/4 cup granulated erythritol