1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the 6 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds or on stovetop over low heat. This softens everything for mixing without overworking.

2-Second Step: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with 2 cups superfine blanched almond flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute, and 1 tablespoon fresh grated lemon zest. Stir until it forms a damp, sandy dough like wet sand that holds when squeezed. The zest here wakes up the whole pan with citrus notes.

3-Third Step: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined 8×8 pan and up the sides about 1/2 inch. Use the back of a measuring cup for evenness; I press harder on corners to avoid thin spots. Poke a few fork holes to prevent puffing.

4-Fourth Step: Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. It won’t brown much, but edges firm up. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack patience here stops soggy filling!

5-Fifth Step: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat until just melted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (squeeze from 5-6 lemons), and 1/4 cup grated lemon zest. The off-heat whisk dissolves sugar smoothly without curdling.

6-Sixth Step: Whisk in 6 egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture lightens a bit smells heavenly now.

7-Seventh Step: Return to low heat and whisk constantly for 10-12 minutes. Don’t walk away; it thickens to coat the spoon, turning pale yellow. Low and slow prevents scrambled eggs my first batch was a lesson!

8-Eighth Step: Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl for silky texture (optional but worth it). Whisk in 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum and 2 tablespoons unflavored collagen powder (or 1 teaspoon gelatin) vigorously until lump-free and glossy.

9-Ninth Step: Pour over cooled crust, spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes until set but jiggly in center like panna cotta.

10-Final Step: Cool completely at room temp, then chill 2 hours or overnight. Dust with powdered sugar substitute if desired, cut into 16 2×2 squares. Store as below. These hold up great for potlucks!