Gluten-Free King Cake Recipe

Introduction

Discover a festive twist on a classic dessert with this gluten-free king cake. Perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration, this cake features a soft, flavorful dough filled with cinnamon and topped with colorful icing that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• Yellow, green, and purple sugar (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until you form a soft dough. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal.
7. Step 7: Shape the cylinder into a ring and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pinch the ends together to seal.
8. Step 8: Cover the ring with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
9. Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
11. Step 11: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.
12. Step 12: Finally, decorate with yellow, green, and purple sugar to celebrate the festive occasion.

Tips & Variations

• Measure gluten-free flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to ensure the right texture.
• Use a gluten-free flour blend with starches that mimic regular flour for the best results.
• Allow the dough enough time to rise; gluten-free dough may rise less but benefits from proper fermentation.
• Don’t skip the icing – it adds sweetness and a festive look that completes the cake.
• Try adding cream cheese filling, chocolate chips, nuts, citrus zest, or flavor extracts like almond or maple for unique variations.

Storage

Once cooled and decorated, store the king cake wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, or in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is gluten-free king cake easy to make?

Yes, the steps are straightforward, and with careful measuring and patience, you can achieve a delicious and festive cake that everyone will love.

Can I use a different flour if I don’t have gluten-free flour?

It’s best to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Regular flours will not yield the right texture or rise in this recipe.

Gluten-Free King Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and festive Gluten-Free King Cake recipe that captures the traditional flavors of Mardi Gras while accommodating gluten-sensitive diets. This sweet, soft dough filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with colorful icing and sugar, makes for a perfect celebratory dessert that everyone can enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Icing and Decoration

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• Yellow, green, and purple sugar (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
2. Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined to create a smooth liquid mixture.
3. Make the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes to hydrate the flour blend properly.
4. Roll out the dough: On a gluten-free floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick to prepare for filling.
5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this evenly over the rolled dough for a flavorful filling layer.
6. Form the cake: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a cylinder and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside, preventing it from leaking during baking.
7. Create the ring shape: Curve the dough cylinder into a ring and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal the cake’s shape.
8. Let the dough rise: Cover the ring with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light texture.
9. Preheat oven and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely to allow the structure to set and avoid melting the icing later.
11. Prepare and apply icing: Mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this icing evenly over the cooled cake to add sweetness and a festive finish.
12. Decorate: Sprinkle the cake with yellow, green, and purple sugar to celebrate Mardi Gras and add vibrant color to your king cake.

Notes

• Measure gluten-free flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it for accuracy.
• Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to achieve the best texture.
• Allow sufficient rise time; gluten-free dough might not rise as much but benefits from proper fermentation.
• The icing not only adds sweetness but enhances the cake’s festive appearance.
• Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or cream cheese filling for variations.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Freeze the baked and cooled cake wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
• Warm slices slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel and pair with tea or coffee.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Mardi Gras

Keywords: gluten-free king cake, Mardi Gras dessert, cinnamon cake, festive cake, gluten-free baking, king cake recipe