Gluten-Free King Cake

Ready to bring a little bit of New Orleans joy to your kitchen with this amazing Gluten-Free King Cake. If you’re anything like me, you adore the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. And the best part? You don’t have to miss out on the deliciousness! This recipe is a game-changer, whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a fun new treat.

This Gluten-Free King Cake is fluffy, sweet, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. It’s the ideal treat to share with friends and family during Mardi Gras celebrations (or any time you want a little bit of fun!). The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I’ll walk you through every step. So, let’s get baking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free King Cake

• Gluten-Free Goodness: Finally, a king cake that everyone can enjoy!
• Easy Peasy: The perfect recipe for bakers of all levels.
• Taste of Tradition: Authentic flavors that capture the essence of Mardi Gras.
• Fun to Make: The whole family can get involved!

Ingredients

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For the Cake

• 3½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, I use Cup 4 Cup
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk, warmed to a temperature between 110-115°F
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, warmed to a temperature between 110-115°F
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp xanthan gum, if the flour blend you’re using doesn’t already have it included

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted but cooled
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze Topping

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice, (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• colored sanding sugar sprinkle

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get Started: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Warm Things Up: Be sure the buttermilk and butter are both at temperatures between 110°F to 115°F (this is important for the yeast to work).
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the buttermilk and butter into the flour mixture and beat on slow speed with an electric mixer with a dough hook. Keep the speed on low and beat until combined (about 30 seconds).
4. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs and salt into the mixture and beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Keep the speed on low and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but still workable with slightly damp hands.
5. First Rise: Gently transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with food-safe plastic wrap. Leave this bowl in a slightly warm environment (a little warmer than room temperature) and let it rise for 1 hour. Giving the dough enough time to rise is what creates that fluffy, bread-like texture.
6. Prep the Cinnamon Sugar: While the dough is rising, mix together the ingredients for the Cinnamon Sugar Filling. Set aside.
7. Shape the Dough: After 1 hour, gently punch down the dough in the bowl (with lightly damp hands). Then transfer it to a silicone mat (or clean counter) lightly dusted with gluten-free flour.
8. Roll it Out: Using a rolling pin lightly dusted in gluten-free flour, roll the dough out 1/4-inch in thickness so it’s around 10″ x 14″ in a rectangle shape.
9. Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border.
10. Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
11. Form the King Cake: Gently shape the dough log into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal.
12. Second Rise: Place the formed cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
13. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool completely before drizzling with glaze and sprinkling with colored sugar.

And there you have it – a Gluten-Free King Cake that’s sure to bring joy to your Mardi Gras celebration! For extra inspiration, check out my recipe for easy cinnamon rolls – a similar treat that you can enjoy any time of year.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer with dough hook (or stand mixer)
• Silicone mat or clean counter
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch bundt pan (or baking sheet)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Tips & Variations

• Flour Power: Depending on the gluten-free flour blend you use, you might need to adjust the liquid a bit. Start with the recipe and add a tablespoon of flour at a time if the dough is too sticky.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance! After the first rise, wrap the dough tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Gluten-Free King Cake is a showstopper all on its own! But if you want to elevate your Mardi Gras feast, try serving it with a side of strong coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

(Nutrition facts can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for an accurate estimate.)

Conclusion

I hope you loved making this Gluten-Free King Cake as much as I loved sharing the recipe with you. It’s a perfect treat for sharing with friends and family during Mardi Gras or any celebration. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let’s bake some joy! Don’t forget to tag me on social media @tastydwell if you give this recipe a try! For more delightful recipes, check out my collection of recipes. Happy baking!

FAQ

Can I freeze this Gluten-Free King Cake? Absolutely! Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

How to make this ahead? You can make the dough a day in advance! After the first rise, wrap the dough tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking, just like my prep-ahead overnight oats recipe.

Can I use a different glaze? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different glazes, like a cream cheese glaze, or a simple powdered sugar and milk mixture. Get creative!

Where can I find gluten-free flour? You should be able to find gluten-free all-purpose flour at your local supermarket. I prefer Cup 4 Cup brand, but you can try other brands to see what works best.

How do I store Gluten-Free King Cake? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze it to keep it fresh for longer.