High Protein Low Carb Seed Bread
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour
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Cooling Time: 2 hours (minimum)
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Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
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Culinary Intensity: Low (Easy, no special skills required)
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Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Ingredients
This powerful combination of seeds and binders creates a perfect bread structure without any flour.
The Seed & Nut Base:
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1 cup (140g) raw sunflower seeds
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½ cup (70g) raw pumpkin seeds
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½ cup (65g) whole flax seeds
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½ cup (60g) almond flour
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⅓ cup (45g) sesame seeds
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¼ cup (40g) chia seeds
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½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for extra crunch)
The Wet Ingredients & Binders:
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4 large eggs, at room temperature
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⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
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⅓ cup (80ml) water
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon sea salt
Equipment You’ll Need
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8.5 x 4.5 inch (21 x 11 cm) Loaf Pan
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Parchment paper
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2 large mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Spatula
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with a sling of parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on the two long sides. This is crucial for easy removal later. Grease any exposed parts of the pan lightly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, almond flour, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and chopped nuts (if using). Add the sea salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the seeds are evenly distributed. This is your powerful, high-fiber base.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack in the 4 eggs. Whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully blended and slightly frothy. Add the olive oil, water, and apple cider vinegar to the eggs. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. The vinegar is a secret weapon—it helps neutralize any “eggy” flavor and gives the bread a better rise.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry seeds. Use a spatula to mix everything together until there are no dry spots left. The batter will be very thick, more like a wet, cohesive dough. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the chia and flax seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and form a gel, which is essential for binding the loaf together.
Step 5: Transfer to Pan and Bake
Scoop the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use the spatula to press the batter down firmly and evenly, smoothing out the top. This compacting is key to a loaf that doesn’t crumble when sliced.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The bread is done when the top is deep golden brown and firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: The Crucial Cool Down
This is the most important step for achieving perfect slices! Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper sling, carefully lift the bread out of the pan and place it directly onto a cooling rack.
You must let the bread cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing. The structure of this seed bread continues to set as it cools. Slicing it warm will result in a crumbly mess. Patience is a virtue here!
Serving, Storage, and Tips for Success
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Serving Suggestion: For the best experience, always toast your slices! Toasting brings out a wonderful nutty flavor and gives the bread a firm, satisfying texture. It’s perfect with avocado, smoked salmon, sugar-free nut butter, or a couple of fried eggs.
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Storage: Store the completely cooled loaf wrapped in a beeswax wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice it and freeze the slices in a freezer bag. You can pop frozen slices directly into the toaster.
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Recipe Variations:
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Spiced: Add 1 tsp of dried rosemary or everything bagel seasoning to the dry mix for a savory twist.
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Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Seeds: Feel free to substitute different seeds like hemp hearts for a portion of the sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
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Nutritional Information
(Disclaimer: The following is an estimate based on the specific ingredients used. Values can vary.)
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~245 | |
| Total Fat | 21g | 27% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 205mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 18% |
| Soluble Fiber | 2g | |
| Net Carbs | 3g | |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 15% |
| Potassium | ~180mg | 4% |