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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
