If you love festive traditions but want to keep things light and low carb, this Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe is an absolute delight. It reimagines the classic Mexican Rosca de Reyes with a soft, cheesy almond flour dough infused with bright citrus zest and topped with sugar-free goodies. Whether you’re celebrating Epiphany or just craving a holiday treat without the carbs, this recipe brings all the joy and flavor of the original, without the sugar spike. Trust me, it’s a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying any time you want a special festive bread that fits your lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a ring-shaped dough on white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, topped with scattered layers of bright red, green, and orange candied fruits, thin light brown almond slices, white sugar crystals, and small brown crumbly pieces. The dough has a smooth pale yellow texture and is divided into sections by lines of a creamy yellow paste that looks soft and slightly shiny. Surrounding images show the same dough ring before toppings on white parchment paper, and ingredients like candied fruits, almonds, walnuts, and sugar arranged in small white bowls on a wooden surface. There is also a close-up of a woman's hand holding a small white bowl with three almonds above the dough ring. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering the rich texture, subtle sweetness, and festive aroma of this Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe.

Almond flour: The low carb base that gives the bread its tender, moist crumb without gluten.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the dough for creamy richness and structure.
Cream cheese: Adds softness and a subtle tang, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and lift.
Powdered sweetener: Sweetens gently without any sugar, keeping it keto-friendly.
Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, inviting aroma that complements the citrus.
Orange zest: Brightens the dough with fresh, citrusy notes.
Lemon zest: Adds a zingy layer of flavor that lifts the overall profile.
Baking powder: Helps the dough rise for a light, fluffy bite.
Sugar-free candied nuts or dried berries (optional): Give a festive, colorful touch and a sweet crunch.
Melted butter: Brushed on top for a golden, glossy finish and added flavor.

How to Make Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Rosca de Reyes will bake evenly, developing that lovely golden crust while the inside stays soft and tender. Having the oven ready first makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Melt the Cheeses

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese together—stirring every 20 seconds—to create a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial because the melted cheeses act as the glue, binding the almond flour dough and giving it that wonderful elasticity typically missing in gluten-free breads.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the cheeses cool slightly, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sweetener, baking powder, orange zest, and lemon zest in a separate bowl. The citrus zest infuses the dough with a fresh brightness that’s signature to this traditional bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the eggs and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and then pour in the melted cheese mixture. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. The blend of almond flour and cheese creates a uniquely soft dough that will hold shape beautifully.

Step 5: Shape the Rosca

Using your hands, shape the dough into a large ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press it gently to form an even thickness all around. If you like, tuck a small trinket or nut inside to keep the tradition alive—just be sure to let everyone know before digging in!

Step 6: Add Toppings and Butter

Decorate the top by pressing sugar-free candied nuts or dried berries around the ring. This not only adds festive color but also a delightful texture contrast. Brush the entire surface gently with melted butter to ensure a beautifully golden crust after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Rosca in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Watch closely toward the end; it should be golden brown on top with a firm but tender texture inside. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing—it tastes best when still a little warm.

How to Serve Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe

The image shows a large round bread shaped like a ring with a golden-brown crust. The bread is decorated with textured white dough strips placed at four points evenly on the ring. On top of the bread, there are colorful pieces of candied fruit in green, red, and yellow, arranged in small clusters around the ring. The surface of the bread is smooth and shiny, and there are a few almond slices near one side. The bread is placed on a dark wooden board with a knife nearby, and in the background, there are brown plates stacked and a decorated clay cup with cinnamon sticks. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnish your Rosca with fresh sprigs of rosemary or a sprinkle of sliced almonds for a rustic, elegant touch. These simple garnishes enhance the festive look without adding carbs, and the aroma of rosemary blends beautifully with the citrus notes already in the bread.

Side Dishes

This Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light cup of unsweetened herbal tea or rich, spiced coffee. If serving as part of a celebration, a side of fresh berries or low carb whipped cream rounds out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the bread into thick wedges and serve alongside a small bowl of sugar-free jam or cream cheese frosting. You can also create a decorative centerpiece by placing the Rosca on a festive platter surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts, inviting everyone to join in the tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also keep it in the fridge for up to a week if you want it to last longer.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it and freeze the portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When stored this way, the Rosca stays fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture gummy. A little warm and soft with melted butter brushing is pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with coconut flour in this recipe?

Coconut flour absorbs a lot more moisture than almond flour, so it wouldn’t be a direct swap here without adjusting liquids and eggs drastically. For the best texture in this Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe, almond flour is ideal.

Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?

Yes! With almond flour and sugar-free sweeteners, this recipe fits perfectly into a keto or low carb lifestyle. Just be sure to use approved sweeteners and toppings to keep it fully keto-friendly.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

This recipe depends on mozzarella and cream cheese for its signature texture and flavor, so replacing them isn’t straightforward. However, experimenting with dairy-free cheeses might work, but expect texture differences.

What’s the best way to hide the trinket safely?

Wrap the trinket in parchment paper or a small piece of foil to keep it clean, then gently push it into the dough before baking. Be sure to warn your guests afterward to avoid any surprises!

Can I add other flavors or spices?

Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add lovely warmth that complements the citrus zest. Just a pinch of these spices can elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the bread’s traditional character.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Almond Flour Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) Recipe is a heartfelt nod to tradition with a health-conscious twist that anyone will love. It’s one of those recipes that invites smiles, celebrations, and a little bit of magic at your table. Give it a try and create your own cherished moments with every warm, fragrant, and flavorful bite.