These keto lemon brownies, sometimes called lemonies, offer a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a soft, moist texture, all while keeping the carb count low. Topped with a delicious glaze, these brownies are a perfect dessert for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
Why Choose Keto Lemon Brownies?
For those seeking a dessert that aligns with their dietary goals, these keto lemon brownies provide a satisfying alternative to traditional, sugar-laden treats. They are easy to make, bursting with lemon flavor, and boast a mere 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
Ingredients
For the Keto Lemon Brownies:
- ½ cup salted butter (or unsalted with a pinch of salt)
- ¾ cup allulose (or other keto-friendly sweetener that dissolves well)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Sugar-free white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered allulose (or other keto-friendly powdered sweetener)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Keto Lemon Brownie Batter
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C/180C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers all four sides of the pan with some overhang. This will make it easier to remove the blondies from the pan. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking oil.
- Cream Butter and Sweetener: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granular sweetener with an electric mixer until creamy and well incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs and Lemon: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour (if using), baking powder, and salt. Spoon the flour mixture into the sugar mixture, beating with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients into the wet and gently mix with a spoon or spatula to form a batter. Do not over mix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The surface should be browned.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely to set. Allow the blondies to cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the Keto Lemon Glaze
- Whisk Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk or heavy cream (if using) until smooth and creamy. You can also use a food processor or electric mixer for this step.
- Glaze Brownies: Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading evenly to coat.
Finishing Touches
- Cool and Slice: Let the glazed brownies cool completely before slicing into 16 squares.
- Serve: Enjoy these tangy and delicious keto lemon brownies!
Tips and Modifications
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice won't deliver the same results.
- Sweetener Choice: Allulose is recommended for its ability to dissolve like sugar, but other keto-friendly sweeteners can be used. Avoid granular sweeteners that don't dissolve well, as they can result in a grainy texture.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the brownies while baking to prevent them from becoming dry. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Add More Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of lemon, add more zest and juice to the batter and glaze. A few drops of lemon extract can also enhance the flavor.
- White Chocolate Addition: Melt sugar-free white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
- Whipped Eggs: For a lighter, chewier texture, beat the eggs at high speed until triple the volume before adding to the mixture. When the eggs are ready, the mixture that drips down will stay on the surface for several seconds before sinking back down. Gently fold the egg mixture into the melted white chocolate, then stir in the lemon juice.
Storing and Freezing
- Store: Store leftover brownies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then again with foil. Store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Variations
- Lemon Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Cover the lemon blondies with a sweet citrus and cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
- Calories: 124kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 52mg
- Potassium: 28mg
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin A: 185IU
- Vitamin C: 0.8mg
- Calcium: 12mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
- Net Carbs: Approximately 2g (depending on sweetener used)
Keto Lemon Bars: A Foolproof Alternative
If you're looking for another lemon dessert option, consider keto lemon bars. These bars feature a shortbread crust made with almond flour and a creamy, zesty lemon filling.
Keto Lemon Dressing
Try this refreshing lemon blondies recipe covered in a sweet citrus and cream cheese frosting!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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