| Prep: 2 hours 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 482 | 16g | 4g | 82g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 2g | 10g | 0.39g |
About Gluten-Free Ensaimada
Delight in the taste of the Gluten-Free Ensaimada, a delectable Spanish treat revered not just in the beautiful islands of the Balearics, but also in the hearts of crust connoisseurs around the world. A staple in Majorcan cuisine, this pastry boasts a sweet, fluffy spiral that is both visually captivating and deliciously unforgettable. The twist? We’ve tenderly transformed this traditional bread to a gluten-free delight, retaining all the delicious flavors with none of the gluten!
The Gluten-Free Revolution
While traditional versions of ensaimada rely heavily on wheat flour, our modified recipe embraces Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, producing a bread that is indistinguishable from its wheat-containing counterpart. This bread beautifully aligns with today’s food revolution where food lovers seek out healthier, gluten-free alternatives without having to compromise on taste or texture.
The Taste and Texture
Light yet indulgent, the Gluten-Free Ensaimada carries a delicate blend of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, creating a beautifully balanced flavor in every bite. There’s an underlying faint note of vanilla too, subtly incorporated to elevate the overall taste. The texture, on the other hand, is a sensation to savor. Enriched with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and eggs, the crumb is soft and moist with a slightly crisp exterior owing to the melted unsalted butter glaze, making it a genuine treat for the senses.
Pairs Perfectly With…
Our Gluten-Free Ensaimada is versatility personified! It’s perfect for breakfast, with a cup of Spanish coffee — or as an afternoon snack, paired beautifully with a glass of Sherry wine. This bread also complements savory dishes like Spanish Chicken Pie or a fresh, zesty Spanish Salad.
Sweet Success
Our Gluten-Free Ensaimada may remind you of a sweet brioche or a Danish pastry, but this lovely spiral bread has an identity entirely its own. Its distinctive spiral shape is as visually charming as its taste is delightful, coated generously with confectioner’s sugar as a finishing touch. But more than its allure is the success of bringing a traditionally gluten-rich delicacy to the celiac community and gluten-intolerants. Each bite of this Gluten-Free Ensaimada celebrates the joy of inclusion – reminding us that great food can always be enjoyed by everyone.
What You’ll Need
- 3 1/2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Yeast
- 2 teaspoons Xanthan Gum
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Confectioner’s sugar for topping
Method
Step One
First, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, xanthan gum, and salt in a large bowl. Set this aside for now.
Step Two
In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the almond milk, eggs, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Make sure all ingredients blend together well before moving to the next step.
Step Three
Gradually add your wet mixture to your large bowl of dry ingredients. Beat the mixture steadily until all ingredients are well combined, and your dough should be sticky yet manageable.
Step Four
Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently, incorporating some extra gluten-free flour if needed to prevent too much stickiness, until the dough is smooth. Then, divide it into 12 equal portions.
Step Five
Take each portion and roll it into a long, thin rope. Then, coil the rope in a snail shell shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some room for expansion between each piece of dough.
Step Six
Brush the tops of the dough coils with melted unsalted butter. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until they become double their initial size.
Step Seven
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 F. Once the dough has risen, bake it for about 15-20 minutes or until each piece turns a nice golden brown. Let them cool before moving onto the last step.
Step Eight
Lastly, dust each ensaimada generously with confectioner’s sugar. Now your gluten-free ensaimada is ready to be enjoyed!
