As the fall season approaches, thoughts turn to warm, comforting flavors and festive treats. This Keto Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of autumn while staying true to a low-carb lifestyle. This recipe combines the classic flavors of pumpkin spice with a rich cream cheese filling, all without the use of grains, gluten, or added sugar.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto pumpkin bread stands out because it delivers amazing taste and texture while adhering to ketogenic principles. By using almond flour and erythritol instead of wheat flour and sugar, this bread remains low in carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor. The cream cheese swirl adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture that perfectly complements the pumpkin spice.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients for both the bread and the cream cheese filling:
For the Bread:
- Almond flour: The base of this bread, providing a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to wheat flour.
- Psyllium husk powder: Helps to bind the ingredients and create a bread-like texture.
- Baking powder: Provides leavening, giving the bread a light and airy crumb.
- Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These spices create the quintessential fall flavor.
- Eggs: Add moisture and structure to the bread.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides the signature pumpkin flavor and moisture. Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the bread.
- Swerve Brown or erythritol: A low-carb sweetener that mimics the taste and texture of brown sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Coconut oil or Ghee: Adds fat and moisture to the bread layer.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: Provides the creamy, tangy base for the filling. Ensure it is softened before mixing to avoid clumps.
- Egg: Helps to bind the filling and create a smooth texture.
- Erythritol or powdered Swerve: A low-carb sweetener that adds sweetness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract or orange/lemon extract: Flavors the cream cheese filling.
- Coconut flour: To thicken the cream cheese mixture without adding carbs.
- Stevia extract powder: For added sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Keto Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread:
1. Prepare the Bread Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, brown sugar substitute, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine well.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese, egg, erythritol, vanilla extract or orange/lemon extract, coconut flour and stevia extract powder until smooth. A food processor can also be used.
3. Assemble the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Spread ⅓ of the bread batter into the prepared pan.
- Pour ½ of the cream cheese filling over the first layer.
- Repeat these layers.
- Lastly, pour the remaining ⅓ of the bread batter over the cream cheese layer.
- With a butter knife, swirl the cream cheese and bread batter together (don't overmix). Smooth out the top.
4. Bake the Bread
- Bake the bread for 1 hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the bread sit in the closed oven for 10 more minutes.
- Let the bread cool down to room temperature before removing it from the pan and slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Pumpkin Bread
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing up the filling to avoid any clumps.
- Don't Overmix: When swirling the cream cheese and bread batter together, avoid overmixing to maintain a beautiful swirl pattern.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: To ensure the correct texture, use fresh baking powder. Test its activity by placing a teaspoon in a bowl and pouring 1/4 cup of boiling water over it. If it fizzes, it's still good.
- Keep Cream Cheese in the Middle: Don't spread the cream cheese filling too close to the edges of the pumpkin bread batter, or else it might be noticeable on the outside of the bread.
- Cool Completely: Gluten-free quick breads are tender and crumbly when warm. Let the pumpkin bread cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some sugar-free chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Make a Cream Cheese Frosting: Save some of the cream cheese mixture and make a keto cream cheese frosting to spread on top of the bread.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped keto-friendly nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Cut Back on Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of erythritol or Swerve.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a cup of bulletproof coffee for a satisfying and low-carb breakfast.
- Snack: A perfect afternoon treat to satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your keto diet.
- Dessert: Serve it as a delicious and guilt-free dessert option for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- Brunch: Add some bacon and an egg casserole to the table for a delicious fall brunch.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
- Freezer: Wrap it up tightly in aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe food storage bag. Keep it in the freezer for up to six months.
Is Pumpkin Keto-Friendly?
While pumpkin puree does contain some carbs, it can still be considered keto-friendly in moderation. A cup of pumpkin puree has around 7g of net carbs, which is manageable across an entire loaf of bread. Just make sure you are using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars.
Other Keto Pumpkin Recipes to Try
If you're looking for more ways to enjoy pumpkin flavor while staying keto, here are a few other recipes to try:
- Turmeric-Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes
- Keto Pumpkin Pie
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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