Yes, you can absolutely make a gluten free cinnamon roll cake, and it’s a popular option for those avoiding gluten but still craving the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. This cake typically uses gluten free flour blends and is designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional cinnamon rolls, complete with cinnamon-sugar swirls and a sweet glaze on top.
What Is Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Gluten free cinnamon roll cake is a dessert that combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls—cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy icing—in the form of a soft, moist cake that’s safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Instead of wheat flour, the cake uses a blend of gluten free flours like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch to create a similar texture to traditional cakes. The cake is often baked in a single layer and topped with a cinnamon sugar swirl and a drizzle of icing.
The Origins and Popularity of Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cinnamon rolls themselves have a long history, with origins in Northern Europe, especially Sweden, where they’re known as “kanelbulle.” The idea of transforming these flavors into a cake form likely came from a desire for a quicker, less labor-intensive way to enjoy the same taste. As gluten free diets have become more common, recipes for gluten free cinnamon roll cake have emerged to fill the gap for those who can’t eat traditional cinnamon rolls. Today, you’ll find recipes for this cake on many food blogs and in gluten free cookbooks.
How Is Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake Made?
The process for making a gluten free cinnamon roll cake is similar to making a standard coffee cake, with a few key differences due to the use of gluten free flours. Here’s a typical approach:
- Flour Blend: Use a commercial gluten free all-purpose flour blend or create your own mix (common components: rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, xanthan gum).
- Base Batter: Cream together butter (or dairy free alternative), sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the flour blend and a leavening agent like baking powder. Some recipes include yogurt or sour cream for moisture.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter; dollop or swirl into the batter.
- Baking: Bake in a greased pan at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Icing: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk (or non-dairy milk) after cooling slightly.
Some recipes add cream cheese to the icing for a richer flavor.
Choosing the Right Gluten Free Flour Blend
Not all gluten free flours are created equal, so choosing the right blend is crucial for the best texture and taste. Here are some tips:
- All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour: Most commercial blends (like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1, King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure) are designed to substitute directly for wheat flour in cakes.
- Homemade Blends: A typical homemade blend might be 2 parts rice flour, 1 part potato starch, and 1 part tapioca starch, plus 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum per cup for binding.
- Avoid Single Flours: Using just almond flour or just coconut flour will result in a dense or overly moist cake.
- Check for Xanthan or Guar Gum: These help mimic gluten’s elasticity and prevent crumbling.
Experimentation is often needed to find your favorite blend, as slight differences can affect the cake’s rise and crumb.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Baking gluten free cakes can present unique challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Dry or Crumbly Cake: Add more moisture with yogurt, sour cream, or applesauce. Make sure your flour blend includes a binding agent.
- Dense Texture: Don’t overmix the batter, and use enough leavening agent. Ensure your baking powder is fresh.
- Gritty Mouthfeel: Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes before baking to allow flours to hydrate.
- Sunken Center: This can be due to underbaking or too much liquid. Bake until fully set and test with a toothpick.
Gluten free baking often improves with practice and small adjustments to recipes based on your flour blend and oven.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Cinnamon Rolls?
While gluten free cinnamon roll cake captures the essence of classic cinnamon rolls, there are some differences:
- Texture: The cake is more tender and less chewy than a yeasted cinnamon roll, but it should still be soft and moist.
- Preparation: The cake is quicker to make—no kneading or rising time required.
- Flavor: With the right flour blend and enough cinnamon, the flavor is very similar, especially with the icing on top.
- Serving: It’s easier to serve to a group, as it’s baked in a pan and cut into squares.
For those who miss traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake offers a satisfying alternative without the risk of gluten exposure.
Dietary Considerations and Safety
People with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance must ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten free to avoid cross-contamination. This includes:
- Gluten free flour blends
- Baking powder and baking soda (some brands may contain wheat starch)
- Vanilla extract (most are gluten free, but check labels)
- Powdered sugar (ensure no added wheat starch)
Always clean work surfaces, baking pans, and utensils thoroughly if you also bake with wheat flour in your kitchen. For extra safety, some home bakers dedicate separate tools for gluten free baking.
Cost and Availability
Gluten free cinnamon roll cake can be made at home using widely available ingredients, though gluten free flours are typically more expensive than wheat flour. A bag of gluten free all-purpose flour may cost two to three times more than regular flour, but most recipes only require a couple of cups. Pre-made gluten free cinnamon roll cakes or cake mixes are also available online and in specialty grocery stores, though they often come at a premium price.
Serving, Storage, and Shelf Life
Gluten free cinnamon roll cake is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or as a brunch dessert. To store:
- Room Temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness up to 5 days, but the texture may firm up; reheat slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to soften.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as desired.
Because gluten free baked goods can dry out more quickly, storing them airtight is especially important.
Alternatives and Variations
There are many ways to customize gluten free cinnamon roll cake to suit dietary needs or preferences:
- Dairy Free: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk or yogurt.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use dairy free substitutes.
- Nut Free: Ensure your flour blend and other ingredients are nut free.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped apples, pecans, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Mini Cakes or Muffins: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
These variations allow you to enjoy the cake even with multiple dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gluten free cinnamon roll cake safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are certified gluten free and there is no cross-contamination during preparation. Always check labels and, if in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional.
Can I use a single gluten free flour like almond flour?
It’s not recommended, as single flours often produce cakes that are dense, oily, or crumbly. A blend of gluten free flours plus a binder like xanthan gum yields the best results.
How do I prevent my gluten free cake from being gritty?
Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes before baking. This gives the starches time to absorb moisture, resulting in a softer crumb.
Can I make gluten free cinnamon roll cake ahead of time?
Yes. The cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer storage. Glaze just before serving for the freshest texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual slices for 10-20 seconds, or warm the whole cake in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore softness.
Are there ready-made gluten free cinnamon roll cakes or mixes?
Some specialty brands offer gluten free cinnamon roll cake mixes or even ready-made cakes in the freezer or bakery section of health food stores and online retailers. Always check reviews for taste and texture, as quality can vary.
Conclusion
Gluten free cinnamon roll cake is a delicious, accessible option for those avoiding gluten but missing the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. With the right flour blend and careful preparation, you can achieve a moist, flavorful cake that appeals to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Whether you make it from scratch or use a mix, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.