Get ready to indulge in a festive treat that’s as vibrant as the Mardi Gras celebrations themselves! Our Gluten Free King Cake is not just a delicious dessert; it’s a centerpiece for any Mardi Gras gathering, steeped in tradition and flavor. With its soft, sweet dough and colorful decorations, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can join in on the fun! Follow along to discover how to create this festive delight that will have you dancing in the streets of New Orleans—no matter where you are!
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Warm the milk to lukewarm temperature (around 110°F) and dissolve yeast in the milk. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and activated.
- Add softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring constantly to create a soft, sticky dough. Mix until no dry flour remains.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 45-60 minutes until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a gluten-free floured surface. Knead gently and shape into a circular ring, pinching ends together.
- Place the shaped cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while the cake is rising.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely. Decorate with colored sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: Gluten-free baking can be tricky, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
- Warm Ingredients: When activating the yeast, ensure the milk is just warm to the touch (around 110°F) to help the yeast bloom effectively.
- Kneading Technique: Since gluten-free dough is different, avoid over-kneading. Just gently shape it into a ring after the first rise.
- Rising Environment: Create a warm environment for the dough to rise by placing it in an oven that’s turned off or near a sunny window.
- Decorating: Get creative with the colored sugar! Use purple, green, and gold to honor the Mardi Gras theme, and don’t forget to hide a small figurine or bean inside for the traditional "king" surprise!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your King Cake with a side of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.Enjoy baking and celebrating with this delightful Gluten Free King Cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
