Christmas is a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious desserts! But what if someone in your family has a gluten intolerance? Fear not! This year, you can still enjoy all the festive flavors with these amazing gluten-free Christmas dessert recipes. These recipes are not only free from gluten, they're also easy to follow, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these delectable and healthy holiday treats!
Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Cranberry Sauce
This gluten-free gingerbread cake is incredibly moist and packed with warming spices, making it the perfect Christmas centerpiece. The tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This recipe qualifies as one of the best recipes for a truly festive experience.
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup boiling water
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For the Spiced Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in molasses.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the boiling water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
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Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving with the cranberry sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend for the best results.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting, or it will melt the frosting.
- For a richer flavor, use dark molasses.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cake batter.
- Use a different type of sauce, such as a cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache.
- Make individual mini cakes for easier portioning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350 Fat: 15g Protein: 4g Carbohydrates: 50g Sugar: 25g
This delicious and easy-to-make gluten-free gingerbread cake with spiced cranberry sauce is sure to be a hit at your Christmas gathering. Enjoy the festive flavors and the satisfaction of creating a delicious and inclusive holiday dessert! Happy baking! This recipe makes for a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals during the holiday season. It's one of the easiest recipes you'll find for homemade cooking.