Indulge in the delightful flavors of lemon cream pie without the guilt with this easy-to-make Keto Lemon Cream Fool. This low-carb treat is a simple and satisfying dessert that will tantalize your taste buds.
What is a Fool?
A fool is a traditional English dessert typically made with whipped cream or custard and fruit. It differs from a mousse, which is a French dessert often whipped with egg whites or cream and gelatin.
The Allure of Lemons
Lemons, with their oval shape and characteristic bulge, are versatile fruits packed with Vitamin C. While their juicy yellow flesh is too sour to eat on its own, their citrus fragrance and tartness make them a wonderful addition to both sweet and savory dishes. The bright yellow skin can also be used when zested, making lemons a kitchen essential.
Easy Keto Lemon Cream Fool Recipe
This recipe, inspired by Stacey, offers a simple way to enjoy a low-carb treat that tastes like lemon cream pie in a glass.
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy (double) cream
- ¼ cup low carb monk-fruit or erythritol blend granular sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sugar-free keto lemon curd, divided
Method
- In a stand mixer or large bowl with an electric hand mixer, add heavy (double) whipping cream. Beat on high until firm peaks form (4-6 minutes). The cream should stick to the beater and not fall off.
- Add vanilla and turn the mixer to medium. Slowly add granulated sweetener until blended and the whipped cream is thicker, like frosting. Turn off the mixer.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the lemon curd and gently fold into the whipped cream mixture.
- In 2 dessert glasses or shot glasses, add 1 tablespoon of the remaining lemon curd to the bottom of the glass.
- Add 2 tablespoons of whipped lemon mixture on top of the lemon curd layer.
- Repeat layers of lemon curd and whipped cream until both lemon curd and whipped cream are used.
- Serve immediately.
Sugar-Free Keto Lemon Curd Recipe
To make this dessert truly keto-friendly, you'll need a sugar-free lemon curd. Here's a simple recipe:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup powdered low carb sweetener
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (juice of about 2 large lemons)
- 1 ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, diced
Method
- In a small saucepan (not heated yet), combine sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, and whole eggs. Whisk until combined.
- Add the butter and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon, until the first bubble appears and the curd is thick enough to hold marks of the whisk or spoon (about 4-7 minutes).
- Transfer the hot lemon curd to a jar and cover the surface with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate until cold, then remove the plastic wrap and replace it with a lid. The lemon curd will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Makes just under 2 cups.
Tips and Considerations for the Lemon Curd
- Straining: If your lemon zest turned out too large or your lemon curd curdles, strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Sweetness: If your lemon curd is too sour, add more sweetener to taste.
- Pan Selection: Avoid using aluminum or unlined copper pans or spoons when heating the curd.
- Lemon Juice: For best results, use freshly squeezed lemons. Lemon concentrate can be used, but the flavor will be superior with fresh juice.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dessert in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Doubling the Recipe: Easily double the recipe to make four lemon desserts.
- Other Flavors: Vary the flavors by using orange extract and orange zest for an orange mousse. Almond extract can also be used for an almond mousse.
- Freezing: Freeze the mousse in small truffle molds for a refreshing treat. Store them in the freezer after popping them out of the molds.
Keto Lemon Mousse
Another delightful option is Keto Lemon Mousse, which is smooth, sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 5 ingredients
Instructions
- Whip together the ingredients.
- Make a large batch and store the leftovers in the fridge for later use.
Keto Strawberry Lemon Fool
For a fruity twist, try the Keto Strawberry Lemon Fool, which combines the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries.
Ingredients
- Keto Lemon Curd
- Strawberries
- Whipped Cream
- Sugar-free Sweetener
Instructions
- Prepare the keto lemon curd layer using a double boiler.
- Macerate sliced strawberries with lemon, lemon zest, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract.
- Whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.
- Layer the strawberry fool mixture and lemon curd mixture in individual serving dishes.
Keto Berry Fool
For berry lovers, the Keto Berry Fool is a simple, no-bake, sugar-free, low-carb dessert that's sure to please.
Ingredients
- Your favorite keto berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Monkfruit sweetener (or other low-carb sweetener)
Instructions
- Simmer berries until they lose their shape.
- Beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Portion into small bowls, combining vanilla whipped cream with the berry puree.
Tips and Considerations for the Berry Fool
- Frozen Berries: Use frozen berries if fresh berries are not available. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Substitute monkfruit sweetener with other low-carb sweeteners like erythritol or stevia, adjusting the quantity to your taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Dairy-Free Option: Unfortunately, this recipe contains heavy whipping cream, which is not dairy-free.
- Make Ahead: Make the components separately and store them in the fridge for the best presentation.
Why is it Called a "Fool"?
The origin of the name "fool" for this type of dessert is uncertain. Some believe it may have come from the Old French word "folle," meaning "mad" or foolish. Regardless of its origin, the name is attached to a delicious dessert with a creamy, mousse-like consistency.
Sweetener Options
When making a sugar-free fool, you have several sweetener options. Erythritol blends like Swerve's Confectioner's sugar are a good choice. You can also use Splenda with good success.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto