Keto Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Introduction

The Keto Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful, low-carb alternative to traditional holiday bread, perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. This moist and flavorful bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty freshness of orange, creating a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a festive treat, this bread is not only delicious but also aligns with your keto lifestyle. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to make this bread, including detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and SmartPoints for Weight Watchers.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • Almond Flour: 2 cups. A low-carb, gluten-free flour alternative that provides a moist and tender crumb.
  • Coconut Flour: 1/4 cup. Adds a slight coconut flavor and helps absorb excess moisture.
  • Granulated Erythritol: 1/2 cup. A keto-friendly sweetener that provides sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.
  • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Ensures the bread rises properly and becomes fluffy.
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the bread.
  • Eggs: 3 large. Provides structure, moisture, and binding to the bread.
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted. Adds richness and moisture.
  • Orange Zest: 2 tablespoons. Adds a vibrant, citrusy flavor to the bread.
  • Orange Extract: 1 teaspoon. Intensifies the orange flavor.
  • Fresh Cranberries: 1 cup, roughly chopped. Adds tartness and texture to the bread.

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • Powdered Erythritol: 1/4 cup. Sweetens the glaze while keeping it keto-friendly.
  • Orange Juice: 1 tablespoon. Provides a tangy flavor to the glaze.
  • Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the citrus flavor of the glaze.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of almond flour, 1/4 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 cup of granulated erythritol, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sweetener.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs until well combined. Stir in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, and 1 teaspoon of orange extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
  5. Fold in Cranberries:
    Gently fold 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh cranberries into the batter. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
  6. Transfer to Pan:
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top of the batter for a uniform rise.
  7. Bake the Bread:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top.
  8. Cool the Bread:
    Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
  9. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
    While the bread cools, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of powdered erythritol, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary.
  10. Glaze the Bread:
    Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
  11. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice the bread and serve. Enjoy a slice on its own or with a spread of butter for added richness.
  12. Store and Freeze:
    Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per Slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf):

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

WW Points

Based on the WW (Weight Watchers) points system, each slice of Keto Cranberry Orange Bread is approximately 5 SmartPoints. This estimate considers the bread’s low carb content and overall calorie count, making it a suitable treat for those tracking their points.

Useful Information

  • Almond Flour: Ensure you use blanched almond flour for a finer texture. Almond meal can be coarser and may affect the final texture of the bread.
  • Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so using the correct amount is crucial to achieving the right consistency in the batter.
  • Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a tart flavor and texture. If fresh cranberries are not available, use frozen cranberries but ensure they are not thawed before adding to the batter.

Tips for Success

  1. Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to prevent a dense texture in the bread.
  2. Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more orange juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered erythritol to thicken.
  3. Baking Time: Baking times may vary based on your oven and the size of the loaf pan. Check the bread for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

Storing and Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life, but may alter the texture slightly.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture.

Conclusion

The Keto Cranberry Orange Bread offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a low-carb, ketogenic treat. With its blend of fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavor, this bread makes a perfect addition to your keto meal plan or a delightful option for special occasions. This detailed recipe provides you with all the information needed to create a delectable loaf, complete with measurements, instructions, and nutritional details. Enjoy this bread as a wholesome, flavorful treat that aligns perfectly with your keto lifestyle.