Almond flour bread is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional wheat bread. It’s the perfect solution for anyone following a gluten-free or keto diet or anyone simply looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying a soft, hearty loaf. This bread is not only gluten-free but also packed with healthy fats and protein from the almond flour, making it a nutritious choice for breakfast or as a side with your favorite dishes.
In this article, I will guide you through how to make almond flour bread, explain the key ingredients, and provide helpful tips for making the perfect loaf. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and the results absolutely satisfying.
What Makes Almond Flour Bread Different?
Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, making it a perfect gluten-free and low-carb alternative to traditional flour. Unlike regular flour, almond flour has a rich, nutty flavor and a higher fat content, which makes the bread incredibly moist and tender. When combined with other gluten-free ingredients like ground flaxseed and eggs, almond flour creates a bread that’s not only gluten-free but also rich in healthy fats and protein.
Benefits of Almond Flour Bread:
Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Low-Carb: Almond flour is low in carbs, making this bread a great option for low-carb and keto diets.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The almond flour and added flaxseeds provide healthy fats that are good for your heart and help keep you full longer.
High in Protein: Almond flour and eggs contribute a significant amount of protein to the bread, making it a more filling option than traditional bread.
Ingredients for Almond Flour Bread
To make almond flour bread, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Almond Flour: The main ingredient that gives the bread its structure and moisture. Use blanched almond flour for a finer texture.
Ground Flaxseed: Adds fiber, healthy omega-3 fats, and helps bind the bread together.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture.
Baking Soda: Works with the apple cider vinegar to create bubbles, making the bread lighter.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create the necessary rise and airiness.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the bread. They also act as a binder in this gluten-free recipe.
Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the richness of the almond flour. You can also substitute with maple syrup or stevia if preferred.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. You can use other light oils like avocado oil as well.
Fresh Rosemary (optional): Adds a savory flavor, but you can easily substitute it with thyme or omit it for a more neutral flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need:
Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for dry ingredients and one medium bowl for wet ingredients.
Spatula or Whisk: For mixing the ingredients together.
Parchment Paper: For lining the loaf pan and ensuring the bread easily comes out after baking.
How to Make Almond Flour Bread
Making almond flour bread at home is simple and straightforward. The process doesn’t require yeast or any complicated steps, and in about an hour, you’ll have a fresh loaf of gluten-free, low-carb bread. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making almond flour bread from scratch:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and two long sides of a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the parchment and pan with a small amount of olive oil.Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of blanched almond flour, 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed meal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients thoroughly. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add 5 large eggs to the mixture and whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into this well and gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no dry spots left but not overmixing.Transfer the Batter to the Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use the spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even surface. For an added touch, brush the top of the batter with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and lay a fresh rosemary sprig in the center.Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Run a knife along the edges of the pan and lift the loaf out using the parchment paper. Place the bread on a wire rack and carefully peel away the parchment. Let it cool for at least an hour before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Tips for the Best Almond Flour Bread
While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help ensure the perfect loaf:
1. Use Blanched Almond Flour
For a finer, lighter texture, always use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal. Almond meal contains more of the almond skin, which can result in a denser loaf.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Gluten-free baking can be tricky, and the success of your bread depends on accurate measurements. Be sure to use the spoon-and-level method when measuring almond flour to avoid over-packing the flour, which can make the bread too dense.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
Almond flour bread is highly customizable. For a savory version, try adding different herbs such as thyme or sage, or incorporate grated cheese for extra flavor. For a sweeter twist, you can also add dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.
4. Allow the Bread to Cool Completely
Gluten-free breads can be crumbly if cut too soon. Let your almond flour bread cool completely before slicing to avoid it falling apart.
5. Storage Tips
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast it or warm it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
Almond flour bread is incredibly versatile. It can be served in a variety of ways, whether you’re pairing it with a meal, using it as a base for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it on its own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Serving Suggestions:
Toast with Butter and Honey: For a simple yet satisfying snack, toast a slice of almond flour bread and spread it with butter. Drizzle a bit of honey over the top for a sweet treat.
Breakfast with Fried Eggs: Toast a slice and serve it with a fried egg on top for a nutritious breakfast. The bread’s soft texture pairs perfectly with the rich yolk.
Soup Companion: Serve almond flour bread alongside a hearty soup, like Italian wedding soup or pasta e fagioli. It’s the perfect bread for dipping.
Sandwich Base: Use it as a sandwich base for your favorite fillings, from grilled vegetables to turkey and cheese. The bread holds up well, making it a great gluten-free option for any sandwich.
Croutons for Soup: Use any leftover almond flour bread to make gluten-free croutons for roasted tomato soup or salad. Simply cut the bread into cubes, season with olive oil and herbs, and bake until crispy.
Recipe Variations:
Savory Almond Flour Bread with Garlic and Cheese
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan to the batter for a savory, cheesy version of almond flour bread. This variation pairs well with soups and salads.Sweet Almond Flour Bread with Cinnamon and Raisins
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a sweet variation. This version is perfect for breakfast or a light snack.Herb-Infused Almond Flour Bread
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a more Mediterranean flavor. Add them to the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture for a fragrant, savory loaf.Nutty Almond Flour Bread with Walnuts or Pecans
For added crunch and richness, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. This variation adds both texture and flavor to the bread.
Health Benefits of Almond Flour Bread
Almond flour bread is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Here’s a look at the key health benefits of the ingredients:
Almond Flour: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almond flour provides a filling and satisfying alternative to traditional bread. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium.
Ground Flaxseed: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flaxseed is excellent for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and riboflavin, which help support metabolism and energy production.
Olive Oil: Packed with monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health and helps reduce inflammation in the body.
FAQs On Almond Flour Bread
Can you use almond flour instead of bread flour for bread?
Yes, you can use almond flour instead of bread flour, but the texture and result will be different. Almond flour is gluten-free, so it doesn’t have the same elasticity as bread flour. While almond flour adds moisture and flavor, it may not rise in the same way as traditional bread made with wheat flour. You’ll need to use additional binders, like eggs or flaxseed, to help the bread hold together.
Does yeast work with almond flour?
No, yeast doesn’t work well with almond flour in the traditional sense. Almond flour lacks gluten, which is necessary for the yeast to activate and rise properly. If you’re looking to make a yeast-based bread with almond flour, you may need to combine it with other flours that contain gluten or use baking powder and soda as leavening agents instead of yeast.
What is the secret to baking with almond flour?
The secret to baking with almond flour is understanding that it behaves differently from regular flour. Almond flour is denser and more moist, so you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipes. Additionally, almond flour doesn’t have gluten, so you’ll need a binder like eggs or ground flaxseed to help the dough or batter hold together. It’s also important to avoid overmixing almond flour batters, as it can make the end product too dense.
Is almond flour bread good for you?
Yes, almond flour bread can be a nutritious option. It’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats and protein, making it a great choice for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets. Almond flour also contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can support heart health, digestion, and overall well-being. However, like any bread, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What is a good binder for almond flour?
Good binders for almond flour include eggs, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and psyllium husk. Eggs are the most common binder and help provide structure to the bread. Flaxseed meal and chia seeds are great vegan alternatives that also provide healthy fats and fiber. Psyllium husk is another excellent binder that adds fiber and helps with moisture retention. These ingredients help hold almond flour bread together and prevent it from crumbling.
Almond Flour Bread Recipe Card
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (optional, or substitute with thyme)
1/8 teaspoon Maldon or other flaky salt (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the pan and parchment with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, ground flaxseed meal, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and eggs. Stir until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a rubber spatula. Ensure the mixture is combined but avoid overmixing.
Transfer and Smooth the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top and place the rosemary sprig in the center. Optionally, sprinkle flaky salt over the top.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes:
Storage: Store leftover almond flour bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Add-Ins: Customize the bread by adding your favorite herbs, nuts, or even cheese for extra flavor.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Rosemary Substitution: If you prefer a different flavor, substitute rosemary with thyme or omit herbs for a more neutral bread.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice – Based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 180 kcal per slice
Yield: 1 loaf
