Get ready to bake this sweet, spicy, decadent Gluten-Free King Cake, which is more than a dessert but a tradition for Mardi Gras you can still participate in. This vibrant cake is baked until it's perfectly moist, topped off generously with frosting, and sprinkled with colored sugar, representing the traditional colors. Who will find the figurine in your cake?
So, here's the deal: you don't need to miss out on classic recipes due to being diagnosed with celiac. We continue re-inventing our favorites so you can enjoy them at home. These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls have a sweet and spicy filling and are topped off with a sweet glaze. They are a game changer with their soft texture. This Gluten-Free Pound Cake is buttery and smooth, and don't forget the Gluten-Free Coffee Cake, a crumbly topped cake perfect with your favorite warm drink.
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Gluten-Free King Cake Recipe
What is a King Cake, and where does it come from? The King Cake is an iconic recipe rooted in the traditions of Mardi Gras, primarily celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana. This tradition, which traces back to the Old World's Twelfth Night celebrations, symbolizes the Epiphany or the arrival of the Three Wise Men. In various cultures, particularly in France and Spain, a similar cake known as "Galette des Rois" or "Rosca de Reyes" is enjoyed.
The King Cake is traditionally a circular or oval-shaped pastry, often filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, or fruit fillings. It's decorated with frosting and sprinkled with purple, green, and gold sugars, representing justice, faith, and power. A tiny baby figurine, representing Baby Jesus, is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds the figurine in their slice is said to receive good luck and is responsible for providing the next King Cake or hosting the next Mardi Gras party.
This festive cake isn't just a dessert but represents a cultural emblem of community spirit, celebration, and the rich history of Mardi Gras festivities. I am so glad we can bring you this gluten-free version of the King Cake so that those celebrating carnival season can continue these traditions on a gluten-free diet.
Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free King Cake
So moist – The texture is moist and much better than any traditional king cake. It has the same consistency as a cinnamon roll, but you guessed it, in giant format. Each slice shows how gluten-free baking can produce results as good (even better, in my opinion) as gluten-containing king cakes.
Rich flavors – This cake is a crowd-pleaser with the classic cinnamon and sweet icing. The spices and sweetness capture the Mardi Gras day, and you can have a slice right in the comfort of your home.
Easy-to-Follow Recipe – We have given you an easy-to-follow recipe to re-create this cake in your kitchen.
Customizable - This cake is traditionally served for Mardi Gras, but you can decorate it for any occasion. You don't need to wait for once a year to enjoy it.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free King Cake
Dough
Instant Yeast - This leavening agent helps the rise and creates a light and airy texture.
Sugar - Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the cake.
Warm Milk - Activates the yeast, moistens the dough, and adds a lovely richness.
Gluten-Free Bread Flour - This is used for the cake's structure.
Xanthan Gum - Replaces gluten and provides elasticity. Xanthan gum is also found in personal care and industrial products.
Baking Powder - This is an additional leavening agent to help the cake rise and give it a fluffy texture.
Large Eggs - Binds the ingredients together and adds a rich taste.
Unsalted Butter - Adds moisture and flavor and is vital for a tender crumb.
Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cinnamon Filling
Brown Sugar - This is for those with a sweet tooth! It adds sweetness and a rich molasses flavor to the filling.
Cinnamon Powder - Gives the classic warm, spiced flavor we all know the king cake for.
Gluten-Free Flour - Thickens the filling, helping it to set within the cake.
Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract -Adds flavor.
Apple - Adds some natural sweetness to the filling.
Milk - The milk is used to adjust the consistency of the cinnamon filling.
Frosting
Powdered Sugar - This is the base of the frosting, providing sweetness and a smooth texture.
Milk - Thins the frosting to the desired consistency so you can quickly spread it.
Vanilla Extract - Adds flavor to the cake.
Colored Sugar (Purple, Yellow, and Green) - Sprinkle this colored sugar for a traditional decorative touch making it the authentic Mardi Gras colors. You can also make your own colored sugar with gel food coloring.
Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free King Cake
Stand Mixer with hook attachment or Hand Mixer – A stand mixer or hand mixer is a good tool for getting the cake batter to the right consistency.
Mixing Bowls - Used for the preparation of the cinnamon filling and frosting.
Rolling Pin - This is used to roll the dough into the correct thickness.
Baking Sheet - To bake the GF king cake in the oven.
Wire Rack - So that the cake can cool after baking.
Spatula or Spoon - For spreading the cinnamon filling and frosting on the cake.
Pastry Brush - Used for brushing milk onto the cake before baking.
If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free King Cake, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How to Make Gluten-Free King Cake
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, mix instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and warm milk. Mix well and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly on the top and set aside.
- Mix gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, the rest of the sugar, and baking powder in a standing mixer bowl. With the help of a whisk, mix all the dry ingredients until incorporated.
- Add eggs and pour in the yeast mixture. Put the bowl into the standing mixer with a hook attachment. Mix for 10-15 minutes. You may add more milk if the dough is too dry.
- When the dough is already smooth, add butter and salt and mix again until the dough becomes smooth.
- Transfer the dough onto the floury flat surface, knead for 5 minutes, and form it into a ball. Put the dough in an oiled clean bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest for 40-45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon powder, gluten-free flour, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped apple. You may put this mixture in the refrigerator and take it out before spreading it on the dough.
- When the dough is ready, transfer the dough onto a flat surface with parchment paper. Cover with another parchment paper and roll the dough into an ¼ inch rectangle. Make sure the longer side is near your body to make it easier to roll it.
- Spread the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch clean border. With the help of parchment paper, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam and the ends closed securely.
- Transfer to the prepared baking pan with parchment paper, seam side down, join the ends together until they make a circle, and pinch them closed securely. Using a sharp knife, make 7-8 slits on the dough. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise for 40-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush the king cake dough with milk and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes on the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Insert the plastic baby if you would like to follow the tradition.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure it has a thick consistency.
- Pour the frosting over the cake and top with colored sugar. The king cake is ready to serve. Enjoy.
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free King Cake
Measure the ingredients correctly - Use a scale or measuring cups.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough. Ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter blend more quickly at room temperature. You will get a consistent texture and better rise in your Gluten-Free King Cake.
Let the Dough Rise – Patience is vital for a fluffy, light cake, so don't be tempted not to give the dough the time it needs.
Cool Before Icing – The cake must be completely cooled before adding the icing. If it has not cooled enough, the icing will melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Store Gluten-Free King Cake?
Store your Gluten-Free King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to stay fresher for longer than keep it refrigerated.
Can I Freeze Gluten-Free King Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Gluten-Free King Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can You Make This Gluten-Free King Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this GF king cake ahead of time. Bake the cake a day before, add icing, and decorate it on the day you plan to enjoy it.
What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free King Cake?
Dairy-Free Milk – Substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk.
Egg Replacer – Use a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg for a vegan option.
Sugar Alternatives – Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
I have not tried the above, so let us know if you do!
What Gluten-Free Cake Mix Can I Use To Make The Dough?
You can use a variety of GF bread mixes to recreate this recipe's dough. Here are some to get you started:
View our step-by-step Gluten-Free King Cake video on YouTube.
Gluten-Free King Cake
Get ready to bake this sweet, spicy, decadent Gluten-Free King Cake, which is more than a dessert but a tradition for Mardi Gras you can still participate in.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ⅔ cup warm milk
- 3 ½ cups gluten-free bread flour
- 2 tsp xanthan gum
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
- 3 tbsp gluten free flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp milk
Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- colored sugar (purple, yellow and green)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, mix instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and warm milk. Mix well and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly on the top and set aside.
- Mix gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, the rest of the sugar, and baking powder in a standing mixer bowl. With the help of a whisk, mix all the dry ingredients until incorporated.
- Add eggs and pour in the yeast mixture. Put the bowl into the standing mixer with a hook attachment. Mix for 10-15 minutes. You may add more milk if the dough is too dry.
- When the dough is already smooth, add butter and salt and mix again until the dough becomes smooth.
- Transfer the dough onto the floury flat surface, knead for 5 minutes, and form it into a ball. Put the dough in an oiled clean bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest for 40-45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon powder, gluten-free flour, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped apple. You may put this mixture in the refrigerator and take it out before spreading it on the dough.
- When the dough is ready, transfer the dough onto a flat surface with parchment paper. Cover with another parchment paper and roll the dough into an ¼ inch rectangle. Make sure the longer side is near your body to make it easier to roll it.
- Spread the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch clean border. With the help of parchment paper, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam and the ends closed securely.
- Transfer to the prepared baking pan with parchment paper, seam side down, join the ends together until they make a circle, and pinch them closed securely. Using a sharp knife, make 7-8 slits on the dough. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise for 40-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush the king cake dough with milk and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes on the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Insert the plastic baby if you would like to follow the tradition.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure it has a thick consistency.
- Pour the frosting over the cake and top with colored sugar. The king cake is ready to serve. Enjoy.
Notes
- Measure the Ingredients Correctly - Use a scale or measuring cups.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough. Ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter blend more quickly at room temperature. You will get a consistent texture and better rise in your Gluten-Free King Cake.
- Let the Dough Rise – Patience is vital for a fluffy, light cake, so don't be tempted not to give the dough the time it needs.
- Cool Before Icing – The cake must be completely cooled before adding the icing. If it has not cooled enough, the icing will melt.
Recommended Products
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Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
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KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Removable bowl, Aqua Sky
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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 415Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 322mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 3gSugar: 41gProtein: 6g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
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