Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out after baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Separate your eggs, placing the whites in a large clean bowl and the yolks in a medium bowl. Make sure no yolk contaminates the whites, as this will prevent them from whipping properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form - when you lift the beaters, the peaks should stand up straight without folding over. This process incorporates air into the bread, helping it rise without traditional gluten structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In another large bowl, combine the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum (if using). Whisk thoroughly to remove any lumps and distribute the leavening agents evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>To the bowl with egg yolks, add the melted coconut oil, warm water, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The vinegar reacts with the baking powder to create more rise, which is crucial in gluten-free baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour the wet yolk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The mixture will be thick - this is normal. The psyllium husk will begin absorbing moisture, creating a dough-like consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two more additions, using a gentle cutting and folding motion to maintain as much air as possible. The batter should be light and fluffy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, gently smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a few almond slices on top for decoration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period is crucial - cutting too soon will cause the bread to compress and become dense.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Once completely cool (at least 2 hours), use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread into 16 even slices. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.</li></ol>