| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 525 | 15g | 8g | 95g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 3g | 10g | 0.5g |
About Gluten-Free King Cake
For those on a gluten-free diet, bread-based desserts can often be a tricky terrain. But not anymore. Meet our Gluten-Free King Cake, a classic Mardi Gras favourite suited for the gluten conscious. This beautiful and unique showstopper bakes to sweet golden perfection, enriched with a delightful duo of candied citron and mixed candied fruit, while still sticking to its gluten-free promise.
A Celebratory Treat
Originating from Mardi Gras traditions in New Orleans, the King Cake is a ring-shaped sweet bread garnished with glacé fruits and glazes sporting the vibrant hues of green, purple, and gold, giving every slice an eye-catching, festive appeal. This Gluten-Free King Cake variation retains the same shiny allure and sweet taste minus the gluten, thanks to the use of gluten-free all-purpose flour and Xanthan gum, which mimics the rising and binding attributes of traditional flour.
Perfect Paired
Being both richly sweet and dazzlingly colorful, our Gluten-Free King Cake pairs remarkably well with dishes that balance its richness. Think a cup of black coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a citrus-based dessert for a spot-on finish. Check out Bon Appétit’s Guide to Perfect Coffee Pairings for more inspiration on what to serve alongside this wonderful cake.
A Nod to the Tradition
Keeping with quirky Mardi Gras traditions, you might even find a surprise within. A small plastic baby doll is often hidden inside as a lucky charm. It’s optional, of course, but if you decide to follow suit, don’t forget to warn your guests to watch out for the surprise. It all adds to the fun of this tasty dessert dish!
So dive into the joyous spirit of Mardi Gras in the gluten-free way with this magnificent Gluten-Free King Cake. A decorative mantle piece and delicious dessert all in one, it’s here to satiate your sweet tooth without any gluten worries. So, what are you waiting for? Let the good times roll!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 2 tablespoons dry yeast
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup finely chopped candied citron
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed candied fruit
- 1 plastic baby doll (optional)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green, purple, and gold colored sugars
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast and white sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy. This allows the yeast to activate, which will help the dough rise.
Step Two
Add the eggs and butter to the yeast mixture and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
Step Three
Stir in the chopped candied citron and mixed candied fruit. Once they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step Four
Shape the dough into a large oval and place the plastic baby doll somewhere inside (this step is optional but traditional in some celebrations). Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk. Brush this mixture over the top of the risen dough.
Step Six
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step Seven
While the cake is cooling, make the icing: mix together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the icing over top, then sprinkle with the colored sugars.
Note: Be cautious while eating the cake if you’ve included the plastic baby doll, as it can be a choking hazard.
