Gluten-Free Cinnamon Babka Recipe

Babka, that swirly, decadent bread, is a treat often missed by those following a gluten-free diet. But fear not! This recipe brings the joy of a warm, fragrant cinnamon babka back into your life, completely gluten-free.

Crafting a gluten-free babka requires a slightly different approach than traditional recipes. We’ll focus on using a blend of gluten-free flours that provide both structure and a soft, tender crumb. Xanthan gum is crucial; it acts as a binding agent, mimicking the role of gluten in regular bread. Don’t skip it!

The Dough:

Our dough starts with a combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour (a blend that includes rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch works well), almond flour for extra richness, and a touch of sweet rice flour for a softer texture. We’ll bloom our yeast in warm milk with a bit of sugar, then combine it with the flours, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and xanthan gum. A stand mixer is highly recommended for this process, as the dough can be a bit sticky. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

The Filling:

While the dough rises, prepare the irresistible cinnamon filling. This is a simple mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Feel free to add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.

Assembly and Baking:

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour), roll each half into a rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon filling over each rectangle. Roll each rectangle tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each log lengthwise. Carefully twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Place the twisted babka into a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze (Optional):

For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and a little milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm babka once it’s out of the oven.

Tips for Success:

• Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
• Don’t overmix the dough.
• Let the dough rise fully for the best texture.
• Cool the babka slightly before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Enjoy this delicious, gluten-free cinnamon babka with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!

Keywords: gluten-free, babka, cinnamon, recipe, baking, dessert, bread, gluten-free baking, easy recipe

Ingredients:
Gluten-free all-purpose flour (a blend that includes rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch), almond flour, sweet rice flour, yeast, warm milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, xanthan gum, softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg or cardamom (optional), powdered sugar (optional)

Tags:
gluten-free, babka, cinnamon, recipe, baking, dessert, bread, gluten-free baking, easy recipe, gluten-free bread, cinnamon babka, gluten-free dessert, baking recipe, almond flour, rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, sweet rice flour