Pumpkin & Orange Cheese Bread

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

http://ketodietapp.com

 

Pumpkin & Orange Cheese Bread

What does "autumn" bring to your mind? For me it's all the fragrant flavors of warming cinnamon, ginger and pumpkin.

I love pumpkin bread and I love cheesecakes - this recipe is a combination of both and it's absolutely delicious! The base is soft and moist, while the cheese topping melts in your mouth.

Unlike traditional pumpkin bread, it's literally sinless and suitable even for the ketogenic diet. Keep in mind it's still meant to be a treat and not a main meal - no matter how much you like it! :-)

Preparation time:

Hands-on:        15 minutes

Overall:      65-75 minutes 

 

Ingredients (makes 12 servings):

Bread:

• 2 cups almond flour (200g / 7.1 oz.)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, ground
• 1/2 ginger, ground
• 1/4 tsp. cloves, ground
• 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. orange peel, ~ 1/2 orange (12g / 0.4 oz.)
• 1/4 cup butter / virgin coconut oil (55g / 2 oz.)
• 4 large eggs, free-range or organic
• 1/2 cup Erythritol (non GMO) or other "zero-carb" sweetener from this list (80g / 2.8 oz.)
• 15-20 drops liquid Stevia extract (Cinnamon / Clear)
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, home-made or canned, BPA-free (150g / 5.3 oz.)

Cheese topping:

• 3 cups cream cheese (600g / 1.32 lbs. / 21.2 oz.)
• 1 large egg, free-range or organic
• Juice from 1/2 average orange (45 ml / fly oz.)
• 1/4 cup Erythritol (40g / 1.4 oz.)
• 10-15 drops liquid Stevia extract (Cinnamon / Clear)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, home-made or canned, BPA-free (100g / 3.5 oz.)
• 1 tbsp. natural orange extract, sugar-free and PG-free (optional)
• pinch of salt (I used pink Himalayan)

Note: One loaf makes 10-12 servings depending on the size of each cut.

For better portion control, cut the loaf first in half, then in quarters and cut each quarter into 3 equal slices.

When looking for ingredients, try to get them in their most natural form (organic, without unnecessary additives).

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 175 C / 300 F.

In a bowl, mix blanched almond flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cream of tartar and baking soda.

Note: you can also use a teaspoon of gluten-free baking powder instead of cream of tartar and baking soda.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, Erythritol and stevia.

Transfer the egg mixture into the first bowl with the dry ingredients and process well.

Spoon in the pumpkin puree and mix in well.

You can either use fresh pumpkin to make your own puree or use canned pumpkin puree.

Note: Make sure you use BPA-free pumpkin puree with no added sugar.

Juice and zest half of an orange and add the peel to the mixture.

Note: You should only use organic oranges when using the peel.

In another bowl, prepare the cheesecake topping by mixing the cream cheese, egg, orange juice, Erythritol and stevia.

Add natural unsweetened orange extract, preferably propylene glycol-free.

Spoon the bread batter into a baking dish suitable for bread and distribute evenly using a ladle.

Add a layer using half of the cheese mixture on top of the bread batter and spread evenly.

Mix the remaining cheese mixture with the pumpkin puree and cinnamon.

Gently spoon the pumpkin cheese mixture on top and spread evenly.

Transfer into the oven with a water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Keep an eye on the bread, as it may get burnt on top.

Note: This recipe requires not only low heat but also moisture in the oven.

The reason for using a water bath is to prevent the top of the bread from drying.

Simply place another tray or a baking dish filled with a cup or two of water into the oven while baking the bread.

When done, open the door of the oven and let the bread slowly cool down.

When it reaches room temperature, carefully remove from the baking dish and start serving!

Placing the bread in the fridge for a couple of hours or even overnight will make it firm and easier to cut. Enjoy! :-)