If you love desserts that hit that sweet spot between clean and indulgent, this Sugar-Free Lemon Lush is going to steal your heart. It’s made with a buttery nut crust, a thick and silky cheesecake layer, a bright lemon layer that wakes everything up, and a fluffy whipped topping that ties it all together.
This is the kind of dessert my nonna would call “dangerous” — because once you cut into it, stopping at one slice is nearly impossible. And before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, low-sugar dessert straight from my kitchen to yours
Overview of Recipe Content
What This Recipe Is
A sugar-free version of the classic lemon lush dessert, built in four beautiful layers and chilled to perfection. No baking required (except the crust), and perfect for warm weather or make-ahead entertaining.
Why You’ll Love It
- Completely sugar-free
- Naturally gluten-free
- Creamy, citrusy, and refreshing
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Crowd-pleasing but surprisingly easy
What It Tastes Like
Buttery and nutty on the bottom, rich and cheesecake-like in the center, bright and tangy with lemon, and light as a cloud on top. Every bite is balanced and refreshing.
Full & Complete Ingredient List
Layer 1: Nutty Crumb Crust
- 1 ¼ cups almond flour
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated monk fruit sweetener (Lakanto or Swerve)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Layer 2: Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered monk fruit sweetener (Lakanto or Swerve)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Layer 3: Bright Lemon Layer
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ⅓ cup allulose
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Layer 4: Fluffy Whipped Topping
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Sugar-Free Lemon Lush
Step 1: Make the Nut Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix almond flour, chopped pecans, sweetener, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Press firmly into the pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat softened cream cheese with powdered monk fruit until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream and vanilla into the cream cheese mixture.
Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Chill while preparing the lemon layer.
Step 3: Cook the Lemon Layer
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk lemon juice, zest, allulose, and egg yolks. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 6–8 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla until smooth. Let cool slightly, then spread over the cheesecake layer.
Refrigerate 30–45 minutes until set.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping
Whip heavy cream, powdered monk fruit, and vanilla to soft, fluffy peaks.
Spread over the lemon layer in gentle swirls. Chill at least 2 hours before slicing.
What to Serve with Sugar-Free Lemon Lush
- Hot coffee or iced espresso
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Fresh raspberries or blueberries
- A light dusting of lemon zest on top
This dessert shines brightest when served well chilled.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use fresh lemon juice — it makes all the difference
- Chill between layers for clean, defined slices
- Whip cream cold for best structure
- Let sit 5 minutes at room temp before serving
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze slices up to 1 month (thaw overnight)
- Best Texture: Serve chilled
General Information
Lush desserts became popular in American kitchens for their easy layers and creamy texture. This lemon version keeps the classic structure but brightens everything up with citrus and a sugar-free twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, depending on portion size and sweetener brand.
Can I skip the egg yolks?
They’re essential for a thick, custard-like lemon layer.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is strongly recommended.
Does this freeze well?
Yes — slice first for easy thawing.
Conclusion
This Sugar-Free Lemon Lush is creamy, bright, and perfectly balanced — a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy. If you love citrus-forward treats, you’ll also enjoy:
- https://poulef.com/lemon-cheesecake-bars/
- https://poulef.com/sugar-free-lemon-bars/
- https://poulef.com/keto-cheesecake-fluff/
- https://poulef.com/almond-flour-shortbread/
- https://poulef.com/no-bake-lemon-desserts/
Interactive Elements
If you make this recipe, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Irresistible Sugar-Free Lemon Lush (Creamy, Bright & Perfectly Balanced)
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
Sugar-free lemon lush with a nutty almond-pecan crust, creamy cheesecake layer, bright lemon curd, and fluffy whipped topping.
Ingredients
Nut Crust:
1 1/4 cups almond flour
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp granulated monk fruit sweetener
1/8 tsp salt
Cheesecake Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered monk fruit sweetener
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon Layer:
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/3 cup allulose
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Topping:
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered monk fruit sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Bake nut crust at 350°F for 10–12 minutes and cool.
2. Beat cream cheese with sweetener.
3. Whip cream and fold into cheesecake mixture.
4. Cook lemon ingredients until thickened.
5. Spread lemon layer over cheesecake and chill.
6. Whip topping and spread on top.
7. Chill at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Chill between layers for clean slices.
Store covered in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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