This light, low-carb bread is completely flour-free and gluten-free, yet it has a tender texture that rivals traditional bread.
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If you’re building a low-carb, gluten-free recipe collection, this bread deserves a spot. It’s quick to make, needs no rising time, and yields a flavorful, tender loaf that’s surprisingly similar to traditional bread.
How to Make Low Carb Bread
This recipe is straightforward: mix, blend and bake. It uses no flour; instead the structure comes from protein powder, which acts as the dry base and gives the loaf its light, tender crumb.
Baking with Protein Powder for this Low Carb Bread Recipe
Unflavored protein powder replaces flour here. It binds ingredients, provides structure, and contributes protein and some fiber. Choose an unflavored whey-based powder for best texture and neutral flavor. Because protein powder can be slightly bitter, balancing the loaf with vanilla and a touch of sweetener improves the taste.
Sprinkling in the xanthan gum and baking powder
Rather than combining the gum and baking powder with dry ingredients from the start, sprinkle them gradually over the wet ingredients while blending. This method helps the cream cheese, whipping cream and other liquids incorporate smoothly before you add the protein powder.
Add a Sweetener
The loaf is not sweet, but a hint of vanilla plus a mild sweetener balances the unflavored protein powder’s bitterness and enhances overall flavor without making the bread noticeably sweet.
Sifting is important
Sifting the dry ingredients into the batter is a simple but important step. It breaks down clumps, aerates the powder and helps you mix just until combined—crucial to avoid overworking the batter.
Don’t Overmix
With protein powder, overmixing can create a dense, tough texture. Stir only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated for the best tender crumb.
Turn the oven temperature down
Protein powder can dry out baked goods if baked too hot. To keep the loaf moist, bake at a slightly lower temperature—325° F—so the bread cooks through without drying. The cream cheese and butter in the recipe also help maintain moisture.
This low-carb bread is both delicious and easy—if you try it, please consider rating the recipe.
Low Carb Bread
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Ingredients
- 12 oz. cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp. xanthan gum
- 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
Dry
- 1 2/3 cup unflavored protein powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. cream of tartar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease or spray a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, melted butter, olive oil, heavy cream, vanilla and eggs. Blend with a handheld or stand mixer for 30 seconds. Scrape down the bowl and blend for 1 minute more.
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In a small bowl or bag, mix the baking powder and xanthan gum together.
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Sprinkle portions of the baking powder/xanthan gum mixture over the wet ingredients and blend after each addition until fully incorporated.
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Sift the protein powder, baking soda, salt and cream of tartar together over the wet ingredients.
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Stir by hand just until combined; do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Protein powder is essential for texture in this loaf; there is no direct substitute.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum and baking powder over the wet ingredients as instructed.
- Mix only until the batter is combined to keep the bread tender.
- This loaf is great plain or sliced for sandwiches.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 26g
Tried this recipe? Tag me today!
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Wondering more about gums and starches in gluten-free baking? These topics are great next reads:
- Alternatives to Xanthan Gum in Gluten Free Baking
- Gluten Free Starches: Arrowroot, Tapioca, Potato and Cornstarch
- How to Substitute Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum
Popular gluten-free bread recipes to try next:
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Rolls
- Soft Gluten Free Breadsticks
- Gluten Free Sandwich Bread Without Xanthan Gum
- Gluten Free French Bread