Keto Banana Bread

This keto banana bread is the perfect low-carb, sugar-free treat for anyone following a ketogenic or gluten-free diet. Made with almond flour, flaxseed meal, and sweetened with Brown Swerve, this banana bread captures all the flavor of traditional banana bread without the carbs. It’s a moist, delicious option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Infused with banana extract and vanilla, this keto banana bread is customizable with nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s both satisfying and easy to make!

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups almond flour
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ – ¾ cup Brown Swerve (see Notes)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon banana extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• ½ cup Lily’s sugar-free dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a muffin tin or loaf pan with non-stick spray, or line the loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and Brown Swerve together on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Lower the speed to medium, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the sour cream, banana extract, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is well combined.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
7. If using optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
8. Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan or muffin tin. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes for muffins, or 55-60 minutes for a loaf. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or butter knife into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. The top should be lightly browned.
10. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This keto banana bread is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, low-carb treat that still satisfies your banana bread cravings. With almond flour and flaxseed meal as the base, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread, offering a moist and flavorful loaf. The addition of banana extract gives it that classic banana flavor without the extra carbs. Plus, it’s customizable with your choice of nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips

• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary based on the pan size and oven, so use a toothpick or knife to test for doneness. The bread should come out clean when fully cooked.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room-temperature butter and eggs, which will help the ingredients blend more smoothly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sweetener: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute Brown Swerve with any other low-carb sweetener like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, adjusting to taste.
• Flour Alternatives: Almond flour is key for the low-carb aspect of this bread, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with coconut flour (using only 1/3 of the amount).
• Dairy-Free: To make this banana bread dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use coconut yogurt in place of sour cream.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to switch out the walnuts for other nuts like almonds or macadamias, or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.

FAQs

• Can I use regular banana extract instead of banana extract for keto?
  Yes! Banana extract is usually sugar-free, so it’s perfect for a keto-friendly recipe. Just ensure it doesn’t have any added sugar or carbs.
• Can I store the bread?
  Yes, you can store this bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Can I freeze this bread?
  Absolutely! This keto banana bread freezes well. Just slice it before freezing so you can take out individual slices as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• With Butter: Serve warm slices of banana bread with a smear of butter for a delicious, indulgent treat.
• As a Snack: This bread makes an excellent snack or breakfast option with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Berries: Top your banana bread with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
• For Brunch: Pair with a side of scrambled eggs and avocado for a satisfying low-carb brunch.