Creamy, tangy, and delicious, this keto lemon pie will have your tastebuds singing. With a simple low carb press in pie crust and a rich sour cream filling, it’s sugar-free pie happiness.
This keto lemon pie is one of those desserts you dream about. Perfect creamy lemon filling in an easy low carb pie crust. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
There are some desserts that just stick with you. And I don’t mean this in a bad way, as in making you too full or uncomfortable, or sticking to your hips or thighs or love handles. I mean it in the sense that it was so delicious, you can’t stop thinking about it.
You carry it around on your brain rather than your body, wishing you still had some and wondering when you can get around to making it again.
For me, that’s usually a rich chocolate dessert of some sort, but this time that honour goes to lemon. Specifically this keto lemon sour cream pie. So so good. Did I say it was good? I mean it was so SO good!
I have a lot of great keto pie recipes. Like my Keto Pecan Pie and my Strawberry Cream Pie. But this lemon pie recipe definitely ranks up there near the top. And since it’s such a fan favorite, I decided it needed a new instructional video too!
See how easy it is to make!
How To Make Keto Lemon Pie
Being such a dessert fanatic, I am always on the lookout for recipes that I think will convert well to a healthier version. I spied this pie from Ashlee Marie quite some time ago and saved it in my Pinterest folder for makeover recipes. It looked creamy and refreshing and perfect for a spring dessert.
Plus I have a bit of a thing for sour cream in sweet recipes these days, including my Low Carb Cranberry Muffins. That tanginess plays particularly well with fruity flavours and I knew it would make a great low carb pie.
The crust, obviously, needed to be revamped so I used my easy almond flour pie crust. It’s a delightfully simple press-in crust that takes only a few moments to make. And in this cake, you are pre-baking it, since it’s a cold no-bake filling.
But I know my keto foods and so I also knew I would have to work a little harder to get the filling to set properly.
In a recipe such as this, sugar has the effect of thickening and setting a filling, and it goes without saying that I am not about to use sugar. So I used one extra egg yolk and some xanthan gum, as well as replacing the milk with heavy cream.
As with any custard-like filling, you need to watch it carefully. Don’t walk away while it’s cooking. Just hang out there right by your stove, whisking and watching. It will take less than 10 minutes.
I also did something a little different than I’ve done in the past and that was to add the sweetener to the custard AFTER it had been cooked.
One of the tricky parts with working with erythritol-based sweeteners like Swerve is that it wants to recrystallize and I’ve found that heat accentuates this property. So when Swerve gets cooked along with the other ingredients in a smooth custard-like recipe, you sometimes get that funny little grittiness as it cools and recrystallizes.
I have been testing out this new method a bit for creamy fillings and I find that if you can add the sweetener at the end, you get little to no grittiness (for some recipes, it still makes sense to add the sweetener along with everything else).
I do recommend the Swerve confectioner’s in this lemon pie recipe. Because Swerve contains oligosaccharides, a prebiotic fiber, it helps the filling set properly. If you do choose to use another sweetener, you may want to add a little additional xanthan gum.
This is where you need a little patience. A custard based pie like lemon sour cream pie needs to set for a long while. At least 4 hours, if not more. So be forewarned. If you are planning on making this for an event, make it at least a day ahead!
The end result? Oh friends, if you like creamy lemon desserts, you are going to go nuts for this keto lemon pie. It was so smooth, so tangy, so lemony and delicious. It’s one that will stick with you. But being a low carb recipe, at least it won’t stick to your hips!
Want more Keto Lemon Desserts?
Lemon Sour Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1 recipe press-in pie crust baked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup butter chilled and cut into pieces
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1/4 tsp xanthan
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
- 1 cup full fat sour cream
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes (but watch carefully, you do not want it to curdle).
- Remove from heat and add butter and lemon extract. Sprinkle with xanthan gum and whisk quickly to combine. Stir in sweetener to taste (I like mine rather tart).
- Whisk in sour cream until no lumps remain. Pour into pie shell and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set - the longer, the better, so overnight is best if you can wait that long. (It's also awesome if you pop it in the freezer for an hour after being refrigerated).
- Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Vicki L says
Love your recipes. Planning to make this one for my family. Thank you for all your research and work.
Carolyn says
Thanks, I love doing it so it’s a win-win!
Lauri Watts says
This recipe was amazing I was so surprised had how good the crust was, I think I will either eliminate the extract or cut it in half, it was a little over powering, but definitely a winning recipe, the whole family ate it up and there are only a few of us doing keto!
Erica says
This is the best keto dessert I have ever had! Very easy to make too. Thank you so much for sharing.
Cheri says
This LOOKS 👏🏼♥️Thank You For Sharing!!! WONDERFUL!And I LOVE the hints everyone gave. Can’t Wait to Try Try It! Lemon IS my Husbands FAVORITE! G-d♥️Bless 😊
Cindy says
Ohhhhh man, I cannot wait to try this one. I love lemon and your press-in pie crust recipe looks incredible too.
Edith says
How many lemons would the recipe need? Thanks! HUG!
Carolyn says
3 to 4, depending on how juicy they are.
Tim says
I got by with 1.5
Lani says
Carolyn, this reminds me of a Key Lime Pie recipe I have been wanting to try that uses sour cream. I have egg yolks I need to use and want to try this today! I like to make my pies in sheet form so they can be cut into smaller servings. Do you think if I double the crust and keep the filling the same, that would work in a 9×13 pan? Thanks!
Carolyn says
I think so, although you will have less filling to crust, obviously.
Lani says
Carolyn, I made your pie in a 9×9 pan with a removable bottom after seeing how much volume I was dealing with. It turned out great and was received well by all! Perfect on a warm summer day. 🙂 Thanks for posting!!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Kelly says
Could you use gelatin in place of xanthan gum?
Carolyn says
Yes, but you’re in for a much different consistency for the filling.
Nicola says
I use so many of your recipes!!! I love them!!! I noticed Swerve occasionally gives me a funny taste in the back of my throat so I only use it in some recipes. Could I use truvia in this recipe? I would use 12-18 packets.
Oh, on another note!!! I USD to use Bobs Red Mill Almond flour but finally ordered Honeyville super fine. Wow!!!! Enormous difference. So fluffy and delicious!!!
Carolyn says
Well, guess what? Bob’s is coming out with a superfine almond flour and I had a chance to try it. Works beautifully and less expensive than honeyville! And yes, you could use Truvia here. Not sure how many packets.
Unter der Laterne says
Wonderful news, w need a break Almonds were in abundance in 2015(California) and yet the prices of Almonds and related products did not go down ! So I am look forward to
Bob’s new almond flour.
Thank you Caroline.
nii says
Is there a way to go by without using extract? How much more juice/zest would I have to add?
Carolyn says
I’d add another tbsp zest at least and maybe a few more tbsp juice.
Karen says
I used 1 tsp zest instead of the extract. It was good but not nearly tart enough for me so I think 1 Tbs would work great.
PDX Girl says
Why don’t you have a show on the Food Network? Every show on that channel makes food that is not good for anyone, way to high in calories, and carbs, even that Giada makes everything way to sweet. And she claims California healthy.
Carolyn says
Thanks! <3
linda says
Food Network desperately needs a Low Carb cooking show. Your recipes are wonderful and have added much eating pleasure and success to my low carb life. Would you be open to doing a show and if so, how do we get the Food Network provide a show for us who live low carb?
Carolyn says
Of course I would do a show…but your second question is the kicker! 😉
pdxgirl says
I think we are going to have to find a way to get you on tv.
Cindy says
George Stella had a low carb cooking program on the Food Network but from what I remember of it, there weren’t a lot of episodes dedicated to low carb dessert baking from scratch. Carolyn’s expertise would contribute enormously.
Betsy Stokes says
You should start with a YouTube channel! Like Hannah Hart.
Darlene says
So true!
Deborah says
Oooh… this looks like one I’m going to love, I love lemon… I was just thinking that you haven’t done a lemon tart… this is close! I’ve been using your crust from your lemon meringue pie recipe in all kinds of recipes (I just omit the sweetener when I want to make a quiche). What would you say are the differences between that pie crust and this one? Particular reasons to use one over the other? Also very excited to find out Bob’s Red Mill is making a superfine almond flour! I have to ship my stuff via vitacost or iherb, and they don’t ship Honeyville, so I can only get that when I have a family member visiting America… but they ship Bob’s Red Mill!
Tracy says
Just saw Bob’s super fine almond flour at local store yesterday. This recipe looks delish. I too thank you for the work you put into these recipes.
Ashlee says
So glad you were inspired! Looks like creamy perfection!!!!
Carolyn says
🙂 Thanks for it!
Denise S. says
This filling is so good! I just made it as a custard and skipped the crust. I’m glad I only added 1/4 cup of swerve, this was sweet enough for me. It’s very tart but tastes perfect. Thank you for the recipe. A bite of this here and there will help curb my sweet cravings this week.
Carolyn says
I think you did what I would do with it too! I love pie and I love my almond flour crust, but that filling…
Kapu says
We are in lemon heaven. My all carb husband loved it. He had seconds. I left a pic of it on your FB page. We used essential lemon oil in place of the extract. Yum!
Carolyn says
So glad everyone liked it!
Amanda says
How much essential oil did you use?
Debra Beard says
This is definitely our new favorite!
Sooo good!
Thx Carolyn!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Deborah says
Made this last night and just ate a slice. This pie is lemon perfection! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Cindy says
I made this yesterday and we all had a slice last night for dessert. THIS IS A WINNER! The sweet/tart was perfect. Son and hubby (who both live for carbs) also gave it 2 thumbs up.
I had never cooked a custard from scratch before and I had a little problem determining at what point it had thickened enough. I was pretty sure that by the time the 8 minutes cooking time were up and I had added the sweetener, and xanthan gum (but not the sour cream), that it wasn’t thickened enough so I turn the burner on and heated it more, watching and whisking. I was glad I did because I would have ruined a beautiful pie shell because the custard never would have set. But it all turned out perfectly and next time, I’ll know what I’m looking for as far as the thickness of the custard.
The only problem was getting the slices out of the pie plate, because it stuck so the presentation was not pretty.
Thanks for a great lemon pie recipe.
Stephanie Deal says
Oh my goodness — this is the perfect pie (and crust)!! I made this for a party as the low- carb offering for myself and my hubby and everyone LOVED it. :). The crust was perfect and the lemon sour cream filling was sweet & tart and I only used 1/2 cup of swerve. OH and the pie pieces came out perfectly – the crust didn’t stick nor fall apart!! Oh my word — this pie is heavenly. Thanks!!!
Carolyn says
That makes me so happy to hear!
Marlaena says
Ok…I am lazy and want to avoid as many carbs as possible so I made puddings. It is in the frig now but it was delicious warm. Thanks for a keeper recipe.
Carolyn says
It would be lovely as pudding too!
Linda says
I made this pie yesterday and everyone loved it. It’s the best lo carb dessert I have made. Thanks for the recipe.
Linda says
I made this pie yesterday and everyone enjoyed it. I think this is my favorite lo carb dessert and since it can be done ahead of time, it is perfect for company.
BB Free says
Shared on my Facebook page and trying to figure out how to reblog this on Blogger. I don’t post any recipes on my page or my blog before vetting them thoroughly, and this one passed all the tests. :))
Tammy says
I would love to follow you I love your recipe but it doesn’t have any way on here to follow you
Carolyn says
Do you mean my email list? http://madmimi.com/signups/107971/join
Lee says
Hi,
This recipe looks wonderful! I have a question…after reading it a few times I don’t see instructions on what to do with the strained lemon zest. What am I missing here?
Thanks!
Carolyn says
Strained lemon zest? I don’t know what you mean. There is lemon zest and it goes in the first step, as stated. I never mention “strained” lemon zest.
Natalie says
This was absolutely delicious!
Deborah says
Wow!!! I made this for a special meal over the weekend and it was delicious. Perfect. You have outdone yourself with this one! Thank you!
Elaine Markley says
I made this, this week. But I forgot to whisk in the lemon extract and butter, which I had all cubed, ready to go, but in the fridge. It still set up nicely overnight, though, and is super yummy, anyway! LOL
Carolyn says
Phew! 🙂
Tonya S. says
I’ve made this now three times and LOVE it! Thank you for such an enjoyable recipe!
Carolyn says
So glad! It might be one of my faves from recent months too.
Mimi says
Loved this and so did my company. I generally am only attracted to dark chocolate recipes, but my visitors can’t have caffeine even just what is found in chocolate so it was great to have a delicious non chocolate dessert to offer them.
Lisa says
I’ve made this three times in the last month! We just couldn’t stop devouring this fantastic pie. My daughter is due to visit next month and I’ll just have to make it again, poor us, lol. Thank you so much for your meticulous creations and your wonderful blog. I’m always so excited to find your next posting in my email.
Jessica says
I made this over the weekend for our family mid-winter Christmas dinner, although the taste was great (I like it extra tart too!) It didn’t set and was mostly pretty soupy in the middle 🙁 I feel the instruction to heat ‘until mixture thickens’ confused me a bit. I didn’t know how thick it was supposed to be and I didn’t want to overcook it as stated so i took it off the heat at 8 minutes but it was only slightly thicker than heavy cream at that stage. Can you give any kind of descriptor of what level of thickness it needs to get to before its ready? I’d love to make it again! (oh and the pie crust worked great as well – my first time making a pie EVER 🙂
Anne says
I have made this three times so far – and will definitely be making it again and again. It’s so good! I use twice the xanthan gum that the recipe calls for and it turns out thick enough to set up. Like you, the first time I made it, it was soupy even when chilled.
Diana says
Made this tonight and it is every bit as good as it looks! Since my son and his little girls arrived at 9 o’clock, we broke out the pie after it had been in the fridge a little less than 5 hours. It was still soft like pudding, but heavenly, nonetheless. This will be my go-to for taking to pot lucks or serving to guests from now on!
christina eaton says
Lovely site! I live in Mexico so it is hard for me to get some ingredients. I have not found guar gum or xantham gum YET. Until I do, is there a substitute. I know it is the binder. Thank you!
Carolyn says
Hmmmmm, I don’t know of any other substitutes that would be easy to find, like gluccomannan (I am sure that’s even harder to find!). You could try an extra egg yolk to thicken and if it doesn’t set properly, freeze it for a while until it’s firm but still sliceable?
christina says
Yay! I found a source! Someone that has lived here a while also suggested guar gum in case anyone else ever asks. 🙂 Looking so forward to this as lemon and lime are my favorite. Thanks!
Melissa says
This pie is amazing! I just had a slice for breakfast! Thanks for the great recipes!
Deb says
Your tip about the sweetener was spot on! The erythritol didn’t crystallise at all. I just made this pie and it tastes AMAZING. I can’t wait til tomorrow, when I can eat it!
Diane says
Carolyn – Love your recipes! Was wondering if this recipe might work with liquid sucralose or must I used erythritol (Swerve). Don’t have any on hand at the moment, otherwise I would make this exactly as you’ve written. Thanks for doing all the hard work for us!!
Carolyn says
I think the filling will work with another sweetener but I can’t be positive. Swerve has fiber in it so it may help thicken the filling somewhat.
Julie says
Could you use full fat coconut milk for the sour cream and heavy cream? I need it to be dairy-free. Any tips?
Carolyn says
I think you might need something thicker for the filling. I’d see if there is a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Reesa says
I made this pie today. It was sooooo delicious!! The crust taste like shortbread to me. I waited about a hour before I just had to taste it. After that I put the pie in the freezer to speed up the chilling process. I’m going to let my family try it. They are very picky eaters. I’m sure they will love it too. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!!?
Pam says
The crust was great but we did not care for the sour creamy filling. It was too tart but not in a lemony way. I would recommend using significantly more lemon juice. Thats what I would do if I ever remake this. I do like some of the other recipes, but this one was a huge miss for my family. Everyone else commenting seems to love it but it just had an odd flavor to me.
Carolyn says
Sorry it wasn’t a hit for you. 🙂
Anne says
I’ve thought about using True Lemon – the crystallized lemon that comes in a box that I found in the sugar and flour aisle. The recipe does make a pie with a light lemon taste so I think the True Lemon might give it more lemon flavor without watering it down. Haven’t tried it yet. I may do that the next time I make it.
Jan S. says
Love anything LEMON! Thanks so much for sharing!
Angela Plafcan says
I just made this lemon pie last night, and it was fantastic! I must have spent ages bouncing between three popular low carb blogs, trying to decide which lemon pie recipe to try this weekend… And I’m so glad that I chose this one! It has the perfect balance between lemony/creamy/sweet/tart flavors… I’ll be making this again, that’s for sure.
In the end, I chose this recipe because it had the most reviews from people who had actually *made it* and reported back. (I find too many blog recipes overflowing with “reviews” from people who simply say something like “Sounds/looks delicious! I’ll try it sometime!”) Well, I’m here to say that it not only looks and sounds delicious, but it tastes even better.
I can understand a little bit of confusion regarding the curd thickening. I feel like I must have simmered/stirred mine for a good 20 minutes without any significant thickening OR curdling. Eventually I gave up, proceeded with the recipe, and added a little bit of extra xanthan, just in case. It set perfectly.
Carolyn says
Thank you, Angela. Glad to hear it worked out and you loved it!
Karen says
Perfection! Thank you 🙂
Tom says
This is pretty much the best dessert ever! I think we could eat it every week. The crust is so easy and terrific, I’m eager to try a savory version and make a quiche. This is so tangy, rich and delightful, no one would ever guess it’s sugar free.
Kat says
Has anyone added/do you think the filling would stand up to adding in fresh blueberries? My husband’s fav pie is a lemon blueberry pie made with sweetened condensed milk and I think this will be a great THM sub for it so I can have some too. But I want it to be amazing because he’s been not super impressed with the things I’ve been making 🙁
Carolyn says
I definitely think you could!
Allison says
I don’t have Swerve, but have Xyla which is a xylatol sugar replacement. I also have pure liquid stevia but don’t love the taste. Would the Xyla be a good supplement and also keep the carbs low?
When I looked at the Swerve carb content it says 3G per tsp vs Xyla which says 4g per tsp. It seems like a lot of carbs to end up with less than 4g net carbs per slice. I’m new to Keto and baked Keto goods so maybe I don’t understand how these replacement sweeteners work.
Any insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I was hoping to make this today for Easter weekend!
Ps. I’ve made it before with stevia and it was glorious! I just don’t LOVE the stevia flavor and that is why I was wondering about using Xyla.
Thank you!
Carolyn says
Hi Allison,
Erythritol and xylitol both technically have carbs. In the case of erythritol, those carbs never enter the blood stream (excreted directly through the urine) so they don’t have any affect on blood glucose and no glycemic affect. Some of the xylitol carbs do enter the blood stream so most people only subtract HALF the carbs in xylitol.
As someone who tests her blood sugar, I can say that erythritol has no affect on my blood sugar but xylitol does a bit.
Hope that helps!
Anita says
Hi, this looks amazing! Can’t wait to try! One question: can I leave out xanthan gum? If not, any suggested replacement? Thank you!
Carolyn says
I don’t know if it would set without a thickener like xanthan.
LISA C HESS says
So Good!
Made this twice my Honey requests it!
Thank you for all the great recipes!
Nancy says
Do you have any suggestions on how much Xanthan gum should be added when making things? Do you go by the amount of eggs you have or by the amount of flour you have, or if it is too liquidy? So does adding just a small amount of Xanthan Gum work or do you need a full tablespoon for a batch recipe? Thank you!
Carolyn says
Whoa! NEVER EVER use a full tablespoon of xanthan gum. Typically no more than 1/2 teaspoon. I am not really sure what you are asking here, though. Do you mean for any recipe, as in a formula? It really varies recipe to recipe.
Ann says
Thank you so much for asking this important question.
Rachel says
Hi, Carolyn . . .
I love your recipes, and don’t remember. Do you *ever* use Splenda? I am going to try this recipe, it sounds fabulous and wonder if Splenda will work.
I don’t expect you will necessarily know, but cannot resist asking.
Thanks.
Carolyn says
I don’t like Splenda, it leaves a funny taste in my mouth. But if you like it, I can’t see why it won’t work in this recipe.
Emily says
I made this pie and I was obsessed with it. So delightful, creamy, lemony wonderment. I finished by myself in 3 days(no kids yet!) I used Steviva sweetener. I feel like I can enjoy it more without all the sugar because I’m focusing more on the flavors and I don’t feel yucky while/after eating. Thanks! I’m going to be getting your cookbook when it comes out! Also is there an equivalent to gelatin, as I do not eat pork or pork products but eat other meats?
Carolyn says
I don’t know how to use it but agar agar is supposed to be a good alternative to gelatin. Xanthan gum can work too.
Emily says
Thanks! I’ll check out agar agar and I already have xanthan in my pantry.
angela says
I have a lot of lemons and need to make a couple different recipes. Can this pie be frozen after it is made?
Carolyn says
Yes, in fact it’s quite good that way!
Linda Pettit says
I wanted to tell you that I made this over the weekend. We love it so much! I got an offer from my daughter’s boyfriend, who said he would pay me to make this for him! Thank you, for your wonderful recipes. It makes the low carb lifestyle so much fun!
Carolyn says
Hah! That is delightful to hear!
Angela Clowes says
This is seriously the BEST pie I have ever eaten. Seriously! Thank you for such a tasty and easy recipe.
Tyler says
I’ve just come across this recipe and I’m excited to make for my keto family. I do, however have a few questions regarding the ingredients.
I’m assuming that by saying egg yolks, you mean for the whites to be removed?
Also, I have had trouble locating xanthan at my local stores–could you suggest an alternative? Would corn starch work?
Thank you!
Carolyn says
Yes, just the yolks. I am sure you can do cornstarch but you will need to mix it with water first.
Cindy says
Have you tried using the confectioners sugar from Swerve?
The first and only fat bombs I’ve made were made with the granulated Swerve. Needless to say the candy is gritty even though I melted the coconut oil and tried to dissolve the granules. I bought confectioners Swerve to use for my next attempt.
Carolyn says
I use confectioner’s all the time. I use them both. They work a little differently but you could use confectioner’s in this recipe.
Cindy says
Could slices of this be frozen? I’m the only one eating it at my house and won’t be able to finish it before it will go bad.
Betsy Stokes says
I’ve frozen it, and it keeps well. But we do still finish it off in just a few days. So I’m not sure about longer.
Betsy Stokes says
Carolyn, do you happen to know an instant-read temperature that would correspond to the custard being thick enough in this recipe (like with ice cream recipes)? Thanks!
Diane says
Made this and it is sooo good. We’re in the rv and I had everything except zanthan gum so I subbed with chia seed and it was perfect! Thank you! ??
Jeannette says
My cousin made this for my birthday. It is delicious. I think it will be added to our Thanksgiving meal. So creamy.
Amy in WV says
AMAZING!!!! I love lemons and this pie did not disappoint, it was delicious! I will admit I used 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 tsp more lemon extract, so I did add just a pinch more of the xanthan since I increased the lemon juice. Added a pinch of salt as well. I also used at least 3/4 cup of the powdered swerve…maybe even one cup, I tasted it for sweetness and added a little more until I thought it was the correct amount. My husband loved this pie too! Winner!!!!
Maria says
I am on my second go round of making this recipe and it is AMAZING! The first time I brought it to a family dinner so I could have dessert…but everyone skipped the full sugar dessert and dove into this. There were no leftovers and it was requested that I bring it for dinner again tonight. 5 stars!!
Carolyn says
I love hearing that!
Karen says
Made this pie today and WOW! Outstanding. I will definitely be making this regularly. I only had one problem and saw someone else had the same issue. I couldn’t get it out of the pie plate. It was very very stuck to the glass pie plate. Any ideas or suggestion as to why or to how to keep this from happening?
Carolyn says
That never happens to me with that pie crust but next time, try greasing your pie plate first. I don’t have to and maybe it’s’ my pie plate (although it’s just a regular glass one!).
Karen says
Today it came out just fine. Maybe it just needed to be refrigerated longer. You’re right – so good the longer it sits!!
Oh, One other thing I remembered that I forgot to do when I was making my piecrust was to poke it with a fork all over. I wonder if that made a difference too. Thank you for your response. Love your recipes!
sue says
I did a trial run of the filling only. I probably did not get it thick enough. It did not firm enough as to slice. I put it in the freezer. We ate it as you would ice cream……….wonderful! Do you have any thoughts how to do this with strawberries? Maybe just puree and a little extract? The texture is unbelievable. Thank you
Carolyn says
Search strawberry lemonade on my blog, I have a good filling recipe.
Teresa says
Made this lemon sour cream pie last week. WOW! All I can say is this pie is decadent & rich and reminds me of a dessert I would get in a Southern Tea Room. I love tart lemon desserts and this is my first sour cream pie to make. I added raspberry puree on top, the flavors compliment each other. You would never know this pie is low carb and sugar free. It is absolutely delicious and will be making it again. THANK YOU for the recipe and all your hard work with your blog, cookbook & many other yummy low carb recipes.
Teresa
Jennifer says
Thank you for this recipe! I was really needing a low carb dessert that was not a “fat bomb” texture. I had to eliminate the pie crust and xanthum (because I didn’t have) and I halved the rest of ingredients to make a lemon pudding. It made 2 servings and I chilled in fridge. It was so very good. Thanks, again.
Rebecca says
I literally made this a day and a half ago, and its already gone! The crust was perfect, but my pie didn’t set well. I’m making another one tonight but I’ll let it cook a tad longer to thicken. Regardless, we would have used a straw if necessary to eat it! It was literally the best dessert I’ve made ever!
Carolyn says
You can always freeze it for a “frozen lemonade pie”
Carleen Stephenson says
Oh my!! I made this but with a little tweak for my health needs and it was amazing. EVERYONE luved it! Thank you for the great recipes.
Sheila A Keller says
I decided on my way to the DMV this morning that you are an Angel! I made this pie on Saturday for Easter Sunday dessert and it was AMAZING!!! I’m fairly new to keto and have had a couple of baking things not turn out very good so I was a little nervous. I cooked the egg mixture for 8 minutes and used the 1/2 cup of swerve. It set-up perfectly overnight! If I did not tell you that this was a keto dessert I swear you would have had NO IDEA!!! This is the 2nd recipe of yours that I have tried and have had stellar results with. You will definitely be my go-to resource for desserts!!! Thank you for all of your hard work!
Carolyn says
So glad it worked out!
Elaine says
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve made this. Sometimes with lemon and lemon zest, other times with lime and lime zest. It never disappoints and even non-keto folks love it! Now, I’m going to put it in individual half pint mason jars and sprinkle it with the crumbs of a leftover pumpkin pecan waffle I have frozen.
Karen says
So if I make the filling only, no crust the total carbs per serving would be 2.14? I just want the filling!
Tabitha says
I’m assuming the bottled lemon juice & fresh lemon juice are entirely two different things? I used the bottled and it’s too lemony. I will try again cause I think I’d love it. Do U think there’s a big difference?
Carolyn says
Huge difference. Bottled lemon juice is “from concentrate”…much stronger flavor and it doesn’t taste like real lemons, in my opinion.
Terri says
I am making this as part of a meal for someone with cancer who is requesting Keto foods. Can I sub cornstarch for the xanthan? I really don’t want to have to buy a whole bag and then likely not use it again.
Carolyn says
Yes but I am not sure how you should add it in. Starch should always be whisked with room temperature water first…
Marybeth N says
This Lemon Sour Cream pie is the best ever… I am totally into the creaminess and how it melts in my mouth. Took it to work and everyone loved it. The crust is also unbelievable. So close to the typical Graham cracker crust… you are amazing! Thank you…
Redsnapperuk says
Making this right now – the pie crust is out of the oven and looks amazing!! So can’t wait to have this tonight!!
Aarielle says
This was absolutely delicious! I kept mine on the tart side and added blueberries on top. I’m on Keto and this was a great dessert!
Carolyn says
So happy to hear it!
J Lee says
This pie never thickened
Carolyn says
Sorry to hear it but if it never thickened at all, then you did something wrong. Did you use a different sweetener, by chance?
Kathy-Jo says
Mine didn’t set either. Did I not cook it long enough? What is it supposed to look like? In any case, it tasted amazing! I will definitely try again!
Carolyn says
Then yes, you probably didn’t cook it long enough. What sweetener did you use?
April Wagner says
Help! I think I didn’t cook the filling as long as needed and it didn’t set properly even after being in the fridge overnight. It has thickened tonsome extent though but still wobbles a bit when I give it a shake. How can I remedy it at this stage? Will it help to refrigerate it for longer or perhaps freeze it for an hour or 2…? I have to bring it to my aunt’s for a dinner party tomorrow:(
Carolyn says
Freezer is your best bet. I am sorry it didn’t set but you definitely do need to wait for it to thicken. However, as a frozen pie it will be delicious too.
M Wilson says
Omg I just made this for a Mother’s day treat. Between the 3 of us ladies we could’ve easily eaten the whole pie in one sitting. Delissimo!!! Thanks so much for sharing this beauty.
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Robin Skidmore says
I was looking for a good use for the eight egg yolks I’m left with when I make my coconut flour tortilla shells, and this is such a winner! I don’t bother with the pie crust and just eat it like a pudding. I also have tried it with lime, and I use vanilla extract instead of lemon and it’s delicious. Lastly, I’ve poured these into Popsicle forms, and even my kids love them. Thanks for the fantastic dessert!!
Carolyn says
So great to hear!
Courtney says
This was amazing! Thank you so much. What are other uses for the pie crust (besides pie) Could you make cookies?
Carolyn says
No, but I do have plenty of other cookie recipes.
Martha Summerford says
I haven’t tried this lemon pie recipe yet but I am anxious to. I was wondering if lite sour cream would work. I don’t have any full fat on hand. Thanks
Carolyn says
No, it won’t set properly. You need full fat sour cream.
Kathy says
I’m thinking it would work with key lime juice too. Have you ever tried it?
Carolyn says
I haven’t but it would be delicious!
Betsy Monroe says
She did not exaggerate. This is fabulous! Added more Powdered swerve sugar 1 cup+ and extra 1/8 tsp xanthum gum bc wasn’t thick enough on stove. No lemon extract needed. Crust is great but looked a bit dry so added 1/8 Cup more butter and cooked a bit longer and perfect. Used Monkfruit granular for crust. Used 1 cup whipped cream for top w 1/4 c Powdered swerve. Family died for this!!! Huge repeat!
Tessa Gray says
A fantastic recipe. Thanks Carolyn.
We unfortunately don’t get Swerve here in South Africa, so I used Xylitol and increased the Xanthan Gum to 1/2 teaspoon and it worked perfectly. Also used 3/4 cup Xylitol……I have a sweet tooth which got me into diabetic trouble in the first place 10yrs ago, lol.
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Mary says
I made this to bring to a party and everyone loved it! No one knew it was no sugar and low carb either. My only issue was that the filling did not set up very well, even though I chilled it overnight. I didn’t try adding the xanthan gum this time but will give it a try on my next attempt.
Has anyone tried it with collagen or gelatin? If so, how did it come out?
Carolyn says
With gelatin, it will come out like Jelly so I don’t recommend that. A bit of collagen might help but better yet, another egg yolk or a bit more xanthan. I think some of it can depend on the thickness of your sour cream.
Cara says
Made this tonight and it is so so good! Followed the directions exactly and it came out perfectly. THANK YOU!!!
Cara says
This recipe is soooo good! I made it with no substitutions and it was fabulous. My sister hates all my “healthy” recipes and she LOVED this! Do you think I could make it with limes instead? I live in Honduras and lemons are much more difficult to come by. Thanks!
Mary says
Another fantastic recipe idea. Thank you so much! I have a little tip. I saved the egg whites and made meringue with it it!
Just whip the egg whites over double boiler with a bit of cream of tartar and sugar sub much like a 7 minute frosting ! (This way no waste with the egg whites either)
Of course if you make the meringue, you’ll want to do a quick and careful browning over the top of the pie 🙂
Fallon says
Made this one more times than I can count. Turns out amazing every single time!
Tina Brenes says
After your description & the video I had high expectations for this recipe & you did not disappoint. I trusted this so much I made it for thanksgiving the first time I made it. No one knew it was keto & loved it! Delicious!!
Carolyn says
Glad to hear it!
Patricia Peterson says
Carolyn I made this yesterday it is wonderful I will make it again it’s very good we loved it. I bought your last book and love all your recipes
Carolyn says
Thank you!
Karen says
Found this recipe Bc I wanted to use my leftover sour cream and lemons….absolutely delicious!!!!
Carolyn says
Glad to hear it!
Brenda says
I take this pie filling and crust and make a trifle, which my brother-in-law, who doesn’t have to eat low carb, absolutely loves. He has requested it for Easter. I will make it and leave it in their carport Sunday morning. Thanks, Carolyn!
Becky says
Love the crust. Best I’ve had. I would leave out the lemon extract next time as it left a strange aftertaste I didn’t care for. Delicious recipe. Will make again.
Carolyn says
So I am pretty sure you need a different brand of lemon extract, with that comment! It shouldn’t leave any strange taste. What were you using?
Suzanne says
Another wonderful recipe! Thank you for sharing! Will definitely make again soon.
Elizabeth Walker says
WOW! I made this today and I can honestly say this is the best cream pie I’ve ever made! Could not even tell it was sugar free. And the crust…..better than any graham cracker crust! We topped it with raspberries and whipped cream. Thank you so much for making my KETO life sustainable.
Elizabeth
Molly says
Have you ever made this with lime juice vs lemon? I’m wondering if it would be similar to key lime, if the sour cream was sweetened enough. I’ve struggled with making the keto condensed milk 😉
Carolyn says
It would be fab!
Morgan says
Could you recommend replacements to make this dairy free? I have dairy free sour cream. I’m wondering what to use for the heavy cream….it’s so hard to sub those items!!! Maybe I’ll just take lactaid instead lol
Carolyn says
The only suggestion that comes to mind is coconut cream.
Sara says
I just discovered this recipe and made it yesrerday. I made one pie for work and one for my boyfriemd’s mom. Everyone loved it. Great lemon flavor. I used 1/2 cup of swerve in the filling and it was kust rhe right amount of sweetness to tartness. I will definitely make this again. Wonderful summer pie without all the sugar.
jane says
Great idea adding the sweetener after heating the filling, no grit at all. This is a very rich and “sofisticated” filling just wonderful, thanks.
Austin says
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? I always have Greek yogurt on hand, would it change the texture/taste?
Carolyn says
I have not tried it with yogurt so i can’t guarantee it.
Anu says
This was delicious, but quite runny, even after refrigerating for 24 hours and using extra xanthan gum in the filling… perhaps it needs some gelatin? I also used double cream (~50% fat) and full fat sour cream. Nonetheless, the flavours are spot on and it is incredibly easy to make, although I did need to use a hand blender to smooth out some of the xanthan gum lumps in the filling. Next time I will try adding some bloomed gelatin to the filling to see if that helps set it more (my tiny freezer never has space for a full pie, sadly). For the crust, I slightly modified the recipe to use a mix of almonds, pistachios and hazelnuts, as I find almond-only crusts a bit plain and one-toned. And finally, I decorated this with Italian meringue drops made with egg whites and allulose, and it was oh so pretty. A great way to spend the weekend, thank you Carolyn! 🙂
Taube says
What a great recipe! It was just the right amount of tart and sweet. Loved the custard cream texture. Homemade slightly sweetened whip cream balanced the flavors well.. It was easy and fun to make. I live in Japan and a friend of mine gave me a lot of homegrown Yuzu (A Japanese citrus that tastes between a lemon and an orange) so I used that. Next time I will try the lemon. It’s my new favorite dessert. Thank you!
Lisa says
I Love everything lemon. This is amazing!
Ida says
Whipped Cream recipe link? Thank you Carolyn~
Mike says
This is my 2nd recipe of yours I’m attempting. Your recipes come out so delicious and professional tasting!
Carolyn says
Thanks!
Ann says
Just cooked the pie. I followed directions exactly. The contents of the saucepan ended up coating the back of the spoon. Pie tasted fantastic. But after being in the refrigerator overnight, it still does not set very firm which is a shame. I loved it but husband would have liked it more firmer. Any hints to make it more firm or is that it?
Carolyn says
Did you happen to use a different sweetener for the filling?
Caroline says
I ended up with too much filling for my crust. Can you freeze the filling in some small ramikins?
Carolyn says
Sure!
Jane Ashley says
Run as fast as you can to make this delicious pie! Made it for my Mom on Mother’s Day and she couldn’t believe NO SUGAR lol outstanding flavor and such a creamy texture. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes. You are making my Keto diet soooooooo easy!!!
Carolyn says
So happy to hear it!