Dive into layers of pure low-carb bliss! This dessert features a buttery, crisp pecan-almond crust, a rich and velvety no-bake cream cheese filling, and a vibrant, homemade sugar-free blueberry topping. It’s a stunning and satisfying keto-friendly treat that beautifully reimagines a classic layered dessert, perfect for gatherings or a special indulgence.
Yields: 15 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus topping cooking/cooling)
Crust Bake time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4+ hours
Total time: Approx. 5 hours (includes cooling/chilling)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch Baking Pan
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Rubber Spatula
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Low-Carb Pecan Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (168g) Fine Almond Flour
- 1 cup (110g) Pecans, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (36g) Granulated Low-Carb Sweetener (e.g., Erythritol blend)
- 12 tablespoons (170g) Salted Butter, melted
For the Low-Carb Creamy Filling:
- 16 ounces (452g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, well softened
- 1 cup (approx. 120g) Powdered Low-Carb Sweetener (e.g., Swerve Confectioners, Lakanto Powdered – adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) Heavy Whipping Cream, cold
For the Low-Carb Blueberry Topping:
- 3 cups (approx. 440g) Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
- ¼ cup (60ml) Water
- ½ cup (approx. 100g) Granulated or Powdered Low-Carb Sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Xanthan Gum (start low – see Note)
Instructions
1. Make the Low-Carb Pecan Crust:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine: In a bowl, mix the almond flour, chopped pecans, and granulated sweetener. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir until a crumbly, moist dough forms.
- Press & Bake: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown at the edges and set.
- Cool Completely: Allow the crust to cool entirely in the pan before proceeding.
2. Make the Low-Carb Blueberry Topping:
- Simmer: Combine blueberries, water, sweetener, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries soften.
- Thicken: Remove from heat. While whisking constantly and vigorously, gradually sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum over the hot mixture. Whisk for 30-60 seconds. It will thicken more as it cools. Only add more xanthan gum (up to the remaining ¼ tsp) if absolutely necessary after it rests for a minute.
- Cool Completely: Transfer topping to a separate bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then chill thoroughly in the refrigerator. It must be cold before layering.
3. Make the Low-Carb Creamy Filling:
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until perfectly smooth.
- Add Sweetener/Vanilla: Beat in the powdered low-carb sweetener and vanilla extract until combined and smooth.
- Whip Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until evenly combined and no streaks remain. Avoid deflating the whipped cream.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
- First Layer: Spread the creamy filling evenly over the completely cooled crust.
- Second Layer: Carefully spoon the completely cooled blueberry topping over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently.
- Chill: Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the dessert to set completely and flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
- Cut into 15 squares and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Important Notes:
- Xanthan Gum: Use this powerful thickener sparingly! Start with the smallest amount (¼ tsp) and whisk vigorously while adding to prevent clumps. The topping thickens significantly upon cooling.
- Cooling is Key: Both the crust and the blueberry topping must be completely cool before assembly to maintain distinct layers.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetener in both the filling and topping to suit your taste preferences before assembling.
Estimated Nutritional Information
(Per serving, assuming 15 servings. Calculated using erythritol-based sweeteners and typical values for listed ingredients. Actual values vary by brand.)
- Calories: ~397 kcal
- Total Fat: ~39g
- Saturated Fat: ~16g
- Total Carbohydrates: ~27g
- Dietary Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar Alcohols: ~17g (Primarily Erythritol)
- Net Carbohydrates: ~7g
- Protein: ~6g
- Sodium: ~140mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates. Brand choices significantly impact final values. Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols. Be aware that sugar alcohols can cause digestive sensitivity in some individuals.