Keto Lemon Ricotta Pie with a Carnivore Crust
There is something about lemon desserts that feels light, refreshing, and indulgent all at once. A keto lemon ricotta pie with a carnivore crust already takes that classic combination in a more protein-forward, lower-sugar direction. Adding lemon collagen makes the recipe even more interesting because it brings together flavor, texture, and collagen-derived protein in one simple ingredient.
Further Food’s current Lemon Collagen combines collagen peptides with lemon and chaga mushroom, and the company describes it as dairy-free, keto and paleo friendly, sugar-free, and independently lab verified.
In a creamy lemon ricotta pie, that makes it an easy ingredient to work with. The lemon flavor naturally complements the filling, while the collagen peptides blend into the dessert without requiring additional sugar or a heavy protein-powder taste.
Why Lemon Collagen Works So Well in Lemon Ricotta Pie
Lemon ricotta pie is all about balance.
You want the filling to be creamy, but not overly heavy. Sweet, but still tart. Rich enough to feel like dessert, but refreshing enough that you want another bite.
Lemon collagen fits beautifully into that flavor profile. Instead of adding an unflavored protein and then needing additional lemon flavoring, you get collagen peptides and citrus flavor together.
Further Food describes its Lemon Collagen as a bright, zesty collagen product designed for use in water, smoothies, tea, and other foods.
That same light citrus flavor makes it a natural match for ricotta, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Collagen Adds Protein Without Making the Filling Heavy
One of the biggest benefits of collagen in creamy desserts is how easily it disappears into the recipe.
Many traditional protein powders can make cheesecake- or ricotta-style fillings feel chalky, gritty, or overly dense. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides behave differently. They dissolve readily and can add protein while allowing the filling to remain smooth.
That is especially helpful in keto desserts, where texture matters because you are already replacing many of the traditional sugar- and flour-based ingredients.
The goal is not just to create a dessert with better macros.
It still has to taste like dessert.
Collagen Provides Important Structural Amino Acids
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up roughly 30% of total body protein. It provides structure and support to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, organs, and other connective tissues.
Collagen is particularly rich in:
- Glycine
- Proline
- Hydroxyproline
These amino acids are major components of collagen tissue itself.
This gives collagen a very different amino acid profile from complete proteins such as beef, eggs, dairy, or whey.
That does not make collagen better or worse—it simply makes it useful for a different purpose.
Chart: What Collagen Supports in the Body
| Tissue | Why Collagen Matters |
|---|---|
| Skin | Provides structure, strength and elasticity |
| Bones | Forms part of the structural matrix of bone |
| Tendons | Provides tensile strength |
| Ligaments | Helps provide structural support |
| Cartilage | Collagen is an important structural component |
| Blood vessels | Helps provide structural integrity |
| Muscles & organs | Type III collagen is found in these tissues |
Collagen’s primary role throughout the body is providing structure, strength, and support.
Lemon Collagen May Help Support Skin Hydration and Elasticity
Skin is probably the area where collagen supplementation has received the most attention.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improved measures of skin hydration and elasticity compared with placebo.
This does not mean eating lemon collagen pie will suddenly erase wrinkles. Collagen is still just one component of a much larger picture that includes adequate total protein, micronutrients, hydration, sleep, sun protection, and overall health.
But finding enjoyable ways to use collagen can make consistent intake much easier.
And consistency is where a nutritional habit becomes useful.
It May Also Support Joint Health
Collagen is an important component of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, which is why collagen supplements are frequently studied for joint health.
A review of collagen supplementation for joint health found that several clinical studies reported improvements in outcomes such as joint pain and function, although dosage and study designs varied considerably.
More recent research has continued to find potential benefits of collagen derivatives for osteoarthritis-related symptoms.
That makes collagen a particularly interesting ingredient for active people who are already prioritizing protein, strength training, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
What About Hair and Nails?
Further Food markets its Lemon Collagen for supporting hydrated skin, strong hair and nails, healthy joints, and gut health.
It is important, however, to separate product claims from the strength of the clinical evidence.
The strongest evidence for collagen supplements is currently in skin hydration and elasticity, while the evidence for hair and nails is much less robust. Collagen does provide amino acids used in connective tissues, but healthy hair and nail growth also depends heavily on adequate complete protein, iron, zinc, thyroid function, hormones, and overall nutritional status.
I like to think of collagen as supportive nutrition, not a substitute for getting the fundamentals right.
The Lemon Flavor Can Make Collagen Easier to Use Consistently
This may sound simple, but it matters.
A supplement you hate taking will eventually sit forgotten in the back of the pantry.
A lemon collagen that actually makes a recipe taste better can be much easier to use consistently.
In a keto lemon ricotta pie, the collagen becomes part of the dessert rather than something you have to remember to drink separately.
That is one of the reasons I love incorporating functional ingredients into recipes.
Healthy habits become much easier when they are delicious.
A Carnivore Crust Adds Another Protein-Forward Layer
Pairing the lemon ricotta filling with a carnivore crust creates a nice contrast.
Instead of a traditional graham cracker or flour crust that is primarily carbohydrate, a carnivore-style crust can be built around animal-based ingredients such as eggs, gelatin, collagen, or other protein-rich foods depending on the recipe.
That shifts the dessert toward a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate profile while maintaining the texture and experience of eating pie.
The tart lemon filling balances the richer crust beautifully.
Chart: Traditional Lemon Pie vs. Keto Lemon Ricotta Pie
| Feature | Traditional Lemon Pie | Keto Lemon Ricotta Pie With Collagen |
| Added sugar | Usually high | Sugar-free |
| Refined flour | Common in crust | Avoided with carnivore crust |
| Collagen protein | Minimal | Added |
| Protein density | Usually lower | Higher |
| Lemon flavor | Often sugar-forward | Bright and tart |
| Satiety | Primarily sugar + fat | More protein-forward |
| Fits keto | Usually no | Yes, depending on ingredients |
The point is not that dessert suddenly becomes a complete meal. It is that we can build desserts that offer more nutritional value while still tasting incredible.
Collagen Is Complementary Protein, Not Complete Protein
One distinction is important.
Collagen should not replace complete protein sources.
Your body needs all nine essential amino acids, particularly when the goal is muscle growth, recovery, or preserving lean mass during weight loss. Collagen is especially rich in glycine and proline but does not provide the amino acid profile of a complete protein.
That is why I like using collagen alongside foods such as eggs, beef, fish, poultry, and dairy when tolerated.
In a ricotta pie, the ricotta itself can provide complete dairy protein, while collagen adds its unique glycine-rich amino acid profile.
They complement each other beautifully.
Zero Sugar Is Also Better for Collagen Preservation
There is another interesting connection between keto desserts and collagen.
Excess sugar can react with proteins in a process called glycation, forming advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. Cleveland Clinic notes that excessive sugar and refined carbohydrate intake can contribute to damage that makes collagen weaker, drier, and more brittle.
That gives a sugar-free lemon pie another potential advantage.
Instead of combining collagen with a large dose of refined sugar, you can enjoy a dessert that is both collagen-containing and zero sugar.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
A keto lemon ricotta pie with a carnivore crust brings together several things I look for in a dessert:
- High-quality ingredients
- More protein
- Zero sugar
- Bright, refreshing flavor
- A satisfying creamy texture
- Collagen-rich amino acids
- A lower-carbohydrate crust
The lemon collagen is especially useful because it contributes to both the flavor and the nutrition.
That is the kind of ingredient I love using.
Final Thoughts
Lemon collagen can be a wonderful addition to a keto lemon ricotta pie with a carnivore crust because it adds collagen-derived protein while naturally reinforcing the refreshing lemon flavor of the dessert.
Collagen supplies glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline and plays a fundamental structural role throughout the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Human research also suggests that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation may support skin hydration and elasticity, with promising evidence for certain joint-related outcomes.
Most importantly, incorporating collagen into a recipe you genuinely enjoy makes consistency easy.
A creamy keto lemon ricotta pie that has zero sugar, higher in protein, and filled with bright lemon flavor proves that dessert does not have to be nutritionally empty.
Sometimes you really can have your pie and nourish your body too.
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Use code: MARIAMINDBODY for 18 % off!
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Keto Lemon Ricotta Pie with a Carnivore Crust
Favorite Go to Favorite RecipesEquipment
Ingredients
CARNIVORE CRUST:
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 3 tablespoons powdered allulose
- 1 teaspoon stevia glycerite
LEMON FILLING:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup powdered allulose
- 1 teaspoon stevia glycerite
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 scoop Further Food Lemon Collagen USE CODE MARIAMINDBODY TO SAVE 18%
- 1 teaspoon Further Food gelatin USE CODE MARIAMINDBODY TO SAVE 18%
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or sour cream
- 1/8 teapoon Redmond Real salt
Instructions
CARNIVORE CRUST:
- Grease an 8 inch pie pan (and line with parchment paper in the bottom if desired) and set aside.
- To make the crust place the butter into a large saucepot and heat over high heat. Stir often. After about 3 minutes, the butter will start to froth up and brown flecks will appear. Keep whisking and once the butter is medium brown, Lower the heat to low and stir in the milk powder, and sweeteners if using. Whisk the mixture well while gently heating. Whisk until the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat. Place the mixture into the 8 inch pie pan. Set in the fridge to cool.1/2 cup salted butter, 1/2 cup milk powder, 3 tablespoons powdered allulose, 1 teaspoon stevia glycerite
LEMON FILLING:
- Place the heavy cream, sweeteners, lemon collagen into a medium saucepan. Sprinkle over the gelatin. Whisk together and allow to sit for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, heat over medium high heat and bring to a simmer.3/4 cup heavy cream, 2/3 cup powdered allulose, 1 teaspoon stevia glycerite, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 scoop Further Food Lemon Collagen, 1 teaspoon Further Food gelatin
- In a medium bowl, combine the yolks and use a whisk to add in the hot cream mixture. Whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Then slowly whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the pot. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens and you have a custard, about 3 minutes.4 large egg yolks
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the ricotta cheese and salt. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the mixture if you have any clumps.1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/8 teapoon Redmond Real salt
- Pour the mixture into the chilled pie shell and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set or overnight.
- Garnish with fresh whipped cream, if desired.
- Store extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Do not freeze.
Nutrition
TESTIMONY OF THE DAY
“I wanted to thank you all, especially Maria and Craig for the great work they are doing.
I started my keto lifestyle 2 years ago weighing 236 lbs and with an A1c of 6,4. Within 3 months the A1c was down to 5,6 and is now around 4,9. The last couple of months I was stuck with my weight loss and thanks to you I know why: I ate way too much dairy.
I lost 7 pounds this month and have about 30 more to loose to reach my goal weight. Today I was at my lowest weight in decades (I am 47), with 173,5 lbs!
A lifesaver for me are the egg white puddings and breakfast shakes, I was never brave enough to try them before. And my absolute favorite is the High Protein Orange Julius, which I drink when I have a craving for something sweet. So, thank you again Maria and I wish you all the best.” – Corinna
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