Pumpkin Bread On Keto: Is It Possible?

Pumpkin bread is a popular fall treat, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes! Pumpkin is a relatively low-carb squash, so it can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet.

There are many keto pumpkin bread recipes available online, and most of them use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to create a moist and tender texture. Some recipes also include protein powder to give the bread a lighter, airier texture. Sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit can be used to sweeten the bread without adding too many carbs.

Keto pumpkin bread typically has around 3-4 net carbs per slice and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months. It's a delicious and healthy twist on a classic fall treat!

Pumpkin bread ingredients

Pumpkin bread is a popular fall recipe, often made with canned or fresh pumpkin puree, and packed with cinnamon spice and other warm spices. It is a typical sweet quick bread, leavened with baking powder and/or baking soda instead of yeast.

• Flour: Most recipes call for all-purpose flour, but if you are looking for a gluten-free or keto option, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour.
• Leavening Agents: Baking soda and/or baking powder are used to leaven the bread and give it a light and fluffy texture.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice are commonly used to give the bread a warm and cozy fall flavor.
• Sweetener: Granulated or brown sugar is typically used, but if you are looking for a sugar-free or keto option, you can use a granulated sweetener like erythritol or a monk fruit blend.
• Eggs: These help to bind the ingredients together and give the bread a soft and moist texture.
• Fat: Butter or oil is used to add moisture and richness to the bread. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil are common choices.
• Liquid: Water, milk, or orange juice can be added to thin out the batter and prevent the bread from becoming too dense.
• Pumpkin Puree: Canned or fresh pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, adding moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the bread.

Optional ingredients to add to your pumpkin bread:

• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white chocolate chips can be added for a delicious chocolatey twist.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins or cranberries can add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.

Pumpkin bread recipe

Keto Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of almond flour (200g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (e.g. Lakanto)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 3 eggs (or flax eggs)
• Optional: handful of mini chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir until well mixed.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake on the oven's centre rack for one hour.

Let the keto pumpkin bread cool completely before removing it from the pan. This will ensure it doesn't break as the recipe is very moist and fudgy.

You can leave the bread out overnight, loosely covered, or refrigerate leftovers for up to five days. Alternatively, slice and freeze for one or two months.

Pumpkin bread variations

There are many ways to vary your keto pumpkin bread. Here are some ideas:

• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some added crunch.
• Chocolate chips: Mix in a handful of sugar-free dark chocolate chips.
• Spices: Instead of cinnamon, use pumpkin pie spice to make the bread taste more like pumpkin pie. You could also add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the basic recipe.
• Frosting: Top the bread with a layer of sugar-free cream cheese frosting.
• Seeds: Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or unsweetened shredded coconut on top of the bread.
• Cocoa powder: Incorporate a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into the batter.
• Muffins: Instead of baking the bread in a loaf pan, pour the batter into muffin tins to make pumpkin bread muffins.

Pumpkin bread storage

Pumpkin bread is a naturally moist and dense bread, so storing it correctly is important. The last thing you want is for your leftover pumpkin bread to become tough and dry!

Storing Pumpkin Bread Ahead of Time

First, allow the freshly baked loaf to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, you can store the entire loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Storing Leftover Pumpkin Bread

Leftover pumpkin bread can be stored in the same way as bread made ahead of time. However, any slices should be wrapped individually with plastic wrap for maximum freshness.

If your pumpkin bread has a topping, such as cream cheese frosting, it will need to be stored in the refrigerator. A streusel topping is more forgiving and can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Crunchy toppings, such as a crumble streusel or chopped nuts, can soften over time when stored in the fridge.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Bread

Cool the pumpkin loaf before storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap the loaf tightly with plastic wrap and then with heavy-duty foil before placing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for freezing. You can also wrap and freeze individual slices.

When making pumpkin bread ahead of time for freezing, consider leaving off any frosting, icing, or glaze. This will make it easier to wrap and store without the topping sticking to the plastic wrap. Once thawed, top the pumpkin bread with freshly made frosting, icing, or glaze.

How to Reheat Pumpkin Bread

There are three ways to reheat leftover or pre-made pumpkin bread:

• Microwave: Place single slices of pumpkin bread in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in aluminum foil to protect the crust from burning and the bread from drying out. Heat the pumpkin bread slices for about 5 minutes and the entire loaf for a little longer.
• Air Fryer: Reheat the bread on a low temperature for a short time (about 1 minute). Do not reheat individual slices at an oven temperature higher than 320°F, as you will end up recooking the bread.

Pumpkin bread nutrition

Pumpkin bread is a tasty treat, especially during the fall season. But how nutritious is it? Well, that depends on the ingredients used and the serving size. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition facts for pumpkin bread.

Calories and Macronutrients:

Firstly, let's look at the calories. A slice of pumpkin bread typically contains between 140 and 410 calories, depending on the recipe and serving size. The macronutrient distribution varies as well. For example, a slice of Starbucks' Pumpkin Bread has 34% of its calories from fat, while a vegan recipe has only 6% of its calories from fat.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrate content can also vary significantly. A slice of Starbucks' Pumpkin Bread contains 63 grams of carbohydrates, while the vegan recipe mentioned above has only 28 grams. This difference is due to the use of whole-wheat pastry flour and maple syrup in the vegan recipe, which contributes to the carbohydrate count.

Fiber:

On a positive note, pumpkin bread can be a good source of fiber. The vegan recipe provides 4 grams of fiber per slice, which is 15% of the daily recommended intake.

Protein:

Pumpkin bread also offers a small amount of protein. The vegan recipe provides 3 grams of protein per slice, while other recipes may offer slightly more or less, depending on the ingredients used.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Pumpkin bread can provide some essential vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A and C, which can boost your immune system. Additionally, the raisins in the vegan recipe contribute to the iron content, and the use of almond flour in some recipes adds a small amount of calcium.

Variations:

It's important to note that nutrition facts can vary depending on any additional ingredients or toppings used. For example, adding chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting to your pumpkin bread will increase the calorie and fat content.

In conclusion, pumpkin bread can be a tasty treat, but it's important to be mindful of the nutritional content, especially if you're watching your calorie or carbohydrate intake.

Frequently asked questions