No-Bake Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
If you’re looking for the best no-bake lemon dessert that’s creamy, refreshing, and fits your low-carb, keto lifestyle, these No-Bake Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars are going to become a favorite. Just 4g net carbs!
Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
This recipe has been completely updated from my original version to reflect how I bake and create recipes today—simpler ingredients, better texture, and a more reliable method for that perfect smooth cheesecake layer every time.
These bars are:
- Sugar free
- Low carb and keto-friendly
- Grain free and gluten free
- Nut-free option using coconut flour
- Made with real, simple ingredients
And best of all—this is an easy no bake recipe that comes together quickly with minimal effort.
The Perfect Low-Carb Lemon Dessert
There’s something about fresh lemon desserts that just feels light, bright, and satisfying—especially when you want something sweet without feeling weighed down.
Unlike traditional cheesecakes that require a water bath, baking time, and careful monitoring, this no-bake cheesecake skips all of that while still giving you that rich, creamy texture you love with a smooth lemon bar layer and sweet shortbread crust made with shredded coconut.
The combination of:
- fresh lemon juice
- cream cheese
- heavy cream
- and a touch of gelatin
creates a stable, silky smooth cheesecake filling that slices beautifully and holds its shape.
Paired with a lightly sweet coconut flour crust, every bite has that perfect balance of creamy texture and soft crumble.
Why This Updated Recipe Works Better
This isn’t just a simple ingredient swap—this updated version fixes common issues people run into with no-bake cheesecakes.
1. No Gritty Texture
Using monk fruit allulose confectioners sweetener instead of older blends that are a granular sweetener or made with erythritol, like Swerve, gives you a much smoother result. No cooling effect, no graininess—just a clean, sweet flavor.
2. Improved Lemon Flavor
Increasing the lemon juice to ¾ cup fresh lemon juice gives these bars that bold, citrusy flavor without overpowering the cheesecake base.
3. Better Structure with Gelatin
Using 2 teaspoons gelatin ensures the bars set properly while still keeping that soft, creamy texture.
4. Updated Mixing Method
Blending the cream cheese first until smooth, then whipping in the heavy cream before adding the lemon mixture creates a light, airy filling instead of a dense one.
Helpful Swaps & Variations
Sweetener Options
- Best choice: monk fruit allulose confectioners
- Avoid erythritol-heavy sweeteners to prevent gritty texture
Dairy-Free Option
- Use dairy-free cream cheese
- Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream
Nut-Free & Allergy Friendly
- This recipe already uses coconut flour instead of almond flour, making it ideal for those with tree nut allergies
Texture Tips for Success
- Always start with softened cream cheese
- Blend thoroughly before adding liquids
- Let gelatin cool slightly before mixing in
- Use powdered sweetener for the smoothest result
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Why is my cheesecake not setting?
This usually happens if:
- The gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved
- The mixture was too hot or too cold when combined
- Not enough chill time
Can I freeze these?
Yes! These freeze beautifully. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely—this is actually a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
More Lemon Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, here are a few more favorites:
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For longer storage, freeze individual bars and thaw as needed
- Keep chilled until ready to serve to maintain structure
Other NO BAKE Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Coconut Cream Lime Cheesecake
- Mini Citrus Cheesecake Bites
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Mousse Pie
- Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Sugar Free No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Monk Fruit Allulose Confectioners sweetener
- 1/2 cup butter softened or 8 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
Cheesecake
- 3/4 cup lemon juice about 3-4 large fresh lemons
- 2 tsp gelatin
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon liquid stevia
Instructions
- Place the crust ingredients into a food processor and blend until combined.
- Spread into a 9 by 13 pan to make an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, add the fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle gelatin over the top and allow it to bloom for a minute. Gently heat, stirring until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding to the filling.
- Stir the mixture until dissolved and remove from heat to cool for 10 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese first until completely smooth into a stand mixer.
- Add heavy cream and whip until light and fluffy.
- Slowly add the cooled gelatin into the stand mixture and blend on low for just a minute to combine. Add salt and lemon liquid stevia and mix until smooth.
- Pour this evenly over the crust layer.
- Add some grated lemon zest over the top of desired.
- Refrigerate uncovered for 2-3 hours to set.
- Cut into 18 squares and enjoy!
- Keep refrigerated.
Notes
Nutrition
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach, and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & refined-carb free for 20 years and is the author of four cookbooks: Sugar-Free Mom, Naturally Keto, The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, and her newest release, Good, Better, Best (2025). Her work focuses on helping women detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar, and lose weight while enjoying delicious, nutrient-dense whole foods. Brenda is also the creator of the Midlife Macro™ Method and the weekly Midlife Macro Meal Plans™, designed specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause who want simple, high-protein, low-carb meals to support hormones, metabolism, and long-term health.She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and the Sugar Free Mom Tribe membership.
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Quick question- if someone does not like the consistency of coconut in the crust, is there something that could be used to substitute it out? Thank you!
Yes I do use alot of coconut in my no bake crust recipes since my son has a tree nut and peanut allergy, but I did find this no bake cheesecake crust I have that uses almond flour https://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/no-bake-keto-sugar-free-blueberry-cheesecake-bars
I made these yesterday, and they are fabulous! However, I winged it on the sweetener, because I don’t have the lemon liquid stevia, and had no idea how to equate the sweetness to the liquid stevia drops I do have, so I went by taste, and they ended up on the tart side! Do you have a sugar or sweetener equivalent measure to the liquid lemon stevia? Also a note…based on the comment about baking the crust, I tried that and it worked well, although I baked it a little too long (turned out a tad hard), and the baking dish should probably be sprayed if baking the crust. Excellent recipe, Brenda!!
Great thank you!
Quick question…would another type of stevia drops (e.g., Sweet Leaf Sweet Drops) work in the same measure (2 teaspoons)? Or do you have a sugar equivalent that could be converted to another type of AS? I was afraid that 2 tsp. of the liquid stevia I had would be too sweet and/or bitter (not too expert in the use of stevia). BTW, I took some of the bars to my neighbors last night and they loved them, and couldn’t tell they were sugar free!
I used coconut flour, a little dry,but didn’t fall apart. I used equal. The filing was a little tart but we enjoyed them.
Thanks
These were GREAT! I did put in just a couple of drops of stevia glycerite in the crust.. and it’s holding up just fine (of course.. they’re still disappearing.. ).. 🙂
There are days that I just have to step away from technology. It’s always such a relief, but then I love hopping back on after a little break. These cheesecake bars look perfect for Easter!
You make the best sugar free desserts! First – I LOVE lemon and second – hello cheesecake! I want this whole tray 🙂
Swerve sweetener you seem to like a lot for baking, how does it compare with stevia, I am a baker and non of the non sugar Splenda, makes homemade bake good taste good, stevia is better but it still lets people know there is something different. Can this Swerve be used in all cooking that calls for sugar Thanks
These look so creamy and that crust sounds fantastic! And I completely hear what you’re saying about the social media aspect.
The are nice and bright and a glimpse of sunny weather to come (hopefully). I think I’d use the sunflower since my girl has both the peanut/tree nut and sesame allergies. Allergies stink!
I embrace this technology and I especially embrace these lemon bars!
Could u use xylitol instead?
I’ve just wondered about the same thing. Could I use erythritol? And if yes, what about the amount? Instead of gelatine I’d like to try using Agar powder. Not sure about the amount… Anybody who can advise? Can’t wait to try these! Thanks a lot for this recipe!
You could use erythritol instead of the lemon steiva but not sure how much as I haven’t tried it, maybe 1 cup? That’s a guess, could make it grainy though that’s why for creamy recipes like cheesecake I prefer a liquid sweetener like stevia.
Oh, that looks delightful. So creamy!
YES! Lemon makes me crave the warmer weather!
My husband will love these
Did you try baking the crust for 5-10 minutes? I just wonder if that would keep it from being so “fall apart”. I can’t wait to try this recipe….you can’t get better than lemon…..unless it is chocolate!!
HI Sharon, No I didn’t try it as I wanted it to be simple and no baking needed but it might help. I did bring them to a gathering whit friends and had cut them prior to bringing them and I forgot forks so everyone was able to pick them up and enjoy them that way, just sightly crumbly but not bad.