Chocolate Chip Bread: Keto-Friendly Indulgence?

Chocolate chip bread is a delicious treat, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes! There are several recipes for keto chocolate chip bread that use low-carb, keto-approved ingredients. These recipes typically include almond flour, a sugar substitute, and sugar-free chocolate chips. The bread is easy to make and can be a delightful addition to any meal or snack. So, if you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the sweet taste of chocolate chip bread.

Ingredients for keto chocolate chip bread

There are many variations of the keto chocolate chip bread recipe, but here is a list of ingredients commonly used:

Dry Ingredients

• Almond flour is a common ingredient in keto bread recipes. It is made from ground almonds and is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
• Whey isolate is a type of protein powder that is often used in keto baking to add structure and volume to the bread.
• Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent that can help improve the texture and volume of the bread.
• Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the bread rise and gives it a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt is added to enhance the flavour of the bread and balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Sugar substitutes are used in place of traditional sugar to sweeten the bread without adding carbohydrates. Examples include erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit sweeteners.

Wet Ingredients

• Butter is used in many keto recipes as a source of healthy fats and to add moisture and richness to the bread.
• Nut butter can be added for extra flavour and texture. You can use almond, peanut, or cashew butter, depending on your preference.
• Eggs act as a binding agent and help give the bread a soft and fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract adds flavour and enhances the sweetness of the bread.
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips are essential for adding chocolatey goodness to the bread! Sugar-free chocolate chips are a popular choice for keto bakers.
• Sour cream or Greek yoghurt adds moisture and tanginess to the bread, contributing to a softer texture.
• Milk is sometimes used to adjust the consistency of the batter and add moisture. Unsweetened cashew milk or almond milk are popular choices.

These ingredients come together to create a delicious, keto-friendly chocolate chip bread that you can enjoy as a sweet treat or indulgent dessert!

How to make keto chocolate chip bread

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or Allulose)
• 1/2 cup Lily's Dark Chocolate Chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or another nut milk)
• 1/4 cup Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sweetener (or a sweetener of your choice)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp Mapleine extract (optional)

Method:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix all the dry ingredients together. Then, mix all the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined and a batter is formed.

Grease a loaf pan with coconut oil cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean (you may ignore any melted chocolate on the knife).

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, use a knife to loosen the edges of the bread from the pan and remove it.

Serving Suggestions:

This keto chocolate chip bread is delicious on its own, but you can also:

• Spread butter on a slice and heat it in the microwave
• Toast a slice (with butter, if desired) in a toaster oven or non-stick skillet
• Spread strawberry jam on top for extra sweetness

Best ways to eat chocolate chip bread

Chocolate chip bread is a delicious treat, perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. Here are some of the best ways to eat this tasty treat:

Toast It

A great way to enjoy chocolate chip bread is to toast a slice in a toaster oven or non-stick skillet. This gives the bread a lovely, light crispness, enhancing its flavour and texture.

Butter It

For an extra indulgent treat, spread some butter on a slice of chocolate chip bread and heat it in the microwave. The warmth of the bread will melt the butter, creating a delightful, savoury-sweet combination.

Jam It

For those with a sweet tooth, consider spreading some strawberry jam on your toast. The fruity flavour of the jam complements the chocolate beautifully, creating a decadent dessert-like experience.

Coffee or Tea

Chocolate chip bread pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. Enjoy a slice alongside your favourite brew for an afternoon pick-me-up or as a relaxing treat after dinner.

Peanut Butter

For a different take on the classic, try spreading some peanut butter on your chocolate chip bread. The creamy, nutty flavour of peanut butter is a perfect match for the sweet bread, creating a unique and satisfying snack.

Under the Grill

For a quick and easy dessert, place a slice of chocolate chip bread under the grill until the chocolate begins to melt. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from melted to burnt very quickly. This method adds a lovely, warm, gooey texture to the bread.

So, there you have it! These are some of the best ways to enjoy chocolate chip bread. Whether you like it plain, toasted, or with various toppings, this bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many forms.

Nut milk alternatives

There are many nut milk alternatives available, each with its own unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Here are some of the most popular alternatives:

Oat Milk

Oat milk has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now a barista standard. It has a thick and creamy texture and a mild, cereal milk-like taste. Oat milk typically contains added calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and riboflavin, and has more protein and fibre than other alternatives. However, it usually has more carbs and calories than other plant-based options. Oatly is a well-known brand of oat milk that has received strong approval from testers.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is one of the oldest non-dairy milk options and is a good all-around choice for both drinking and adding to coffee. It is cholesterol-free, low in saturated fats, and high in protein. A cup of unsweetened soy milk typically contains around 80-90 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 9 grams of protein. However, soy milk can be high in calories if sweetened, and it should be avoided by those with soy allergies. Silk is a popular brand of soy milk.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is made by grating coconut flesh, soaking it in water, and then straining and mixing it with more water and thickeners. It is low in calories (about 45 per cup) and cholesterol-free, but high in fat (about 4 grams per cup), with 90% of its calories coming from saturated fat. Coconut milk has a thick and creamy texture and a sweet, tropical flavour. It can be used in cooking and is versatile, but it tends to clash with the bitter notes of coffee. So Delicious is a recommended brand of coconut milk.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a heart-healthy option that contains omega-3 fatty acids and has fewer calories than whole milk. A cup generally contains about 80 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein. It has a sweet and nutty taste and is usually enhanced with vitamins and calcium. However, it has less protein than cow's milk and can be hard to find in major grocery stores. Pacific Foods Unsweetened Hemp Original is a recommended brand.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is one of the most well-known non-dairy alternatives and has been around for a long time. Its taste is not too strong and it has a neutral flavour, making it a good choice for those who need a mild-tasting milk alternative. It has a similar calorie count to cow's milk (around 130 per cup) but double the carbs and only 1 gram of protein. Rice milk can be high in natural sugars and may contain arsenic from the rice. Enriched Unsweetened Rice Drink is a recommended brand.

These are just a few examples of the many nut milk alternatives available. Each has its own unique characteristics, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual taste preferences, nutritional needs, and intended use.

Tools used to make keto chocolate chip bread

To make keto chocolate chip bread, you will need a few tools and equipment to get started. Here is a list of the essential tools and their uses:

Hand Mixer

A hand mixer is a valuable tool in any kitchen. It can be used to quickly and efficiently mix ingredients, saving time and effort. This is especially useful when mixing dry ingredients, but it can also be used for wet ingredients or a combination of both.

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is another excellent tool for mixing ingredients, especially when dealing with larger volumes. It can handle thicker consistencies and is perfect for bread doughs, saving you time and effort.

Loaf Pan

A loaf pan is essential for giving your bread its shape. It is recommended to grease the pan with coconut oil cooking spray to ensure the bread doesn't stick and for easy removal once baked.

Oven

An oven is, of course, necessary for baking your keto chocolate chip bread. Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking the bread for 40-50 minutes.

Knife

A knife is a simple but important tool for checking if your bread is baked. Insert a knife into the centre of the bread; if it comes out clean (apart from melted chocolate), your bread is ready! A knife is also useful for loosening the edges of the bread from the pan for easy removal.

With these tools, you'll be well-equipped to make delicious keto chocolate chip bread.

Frequently asked questions