How to make this cake recipe gluten free?

SantiagoSky · 29/04/2022 14:51

You can get gluten free cake flour mix and use the same recipe. It won’t taste exactly the same but should be close with a slightly different texture.

If you are also looking to try new things, this one is gluten free and really good: www.nigella.com/recipes/lemon-polenta-cake

Neverreturntoathread · 29/04/2022 14:53

If you use a really great GF flour it will be fine (though a bit more crumbly and not quite as springy). Use the same amount.

Best I’ve found is Doves gluten-free self raising white flour. Anything by Doves is good. Avoid ‘coconut flour’ it is nothing like flour and will destroy your baking!!

Original poster

WeddingShedding · 29/04/2022 17:59

Thank you both. Maybe I need to make a test cake before I make the proper one (it's a birthday cake so I want to get it right)

OP posts:

Yarnasaurus · 29/04/2022 18:01

You can just switch but GF flours don't act exactly the same as wheat so it might be more sensible to use a good GF recipe (Becky Excell is the GF baking goddess).

Igmum · 29/04/2022 18:02

For rich chocolate cakes why not try crushed almonds? Absolutely fabulous in cakes instead of flour. Not expert enough to know how it compares as a direct substitute but there are definitely recipes available so would recommend a search

SickAndTiredAgain · 29/04/2022 18:03

For a basic sponge like that, I just switch the flours and it works fine. (Although for that specific recipe, I use 4 eggs, but that's regardless of the flour).

CMOTDibbler · 29/04/2022 18:04

Just substitute in Doves Farm SR gluten free flour and a tablespoon of milk and it'll be great. If you have any glycerine I often add a teaspoon to plainer cake recipes like this to make it extra moist, but of you are using a ganache type icing you don't need to worry

Original poster

WeddingShedding · 29/04/2022 19:22

This is for a baby's first birthday party with a gluten free guest, I wouldn't put nuts in it as some of the younger guests might not have had nuts introduced yet... but it is a great idea in general, thanks. I often use ground almonds in cakes, really nice.

OP posts:

Original poster

WeddingShedding · 29/04/2022 19:24

I will try a test cake with gluten free flour, some glycerine added and 4 eggs instead of 3. I was hoping to make my tried and tested basic recipe my family love it, but we shall see whether it translates. Thanks everyone 😊

OP posts:

SickAndTiredAgain · 29/04/2022 20:36

I also find gluten free baking works well with brownies, because they don't need to rise and be light. If you don't like the cake, might be worth trying brownie instead.

NewbornHelp4 · 29/04/2022 20:39

Recipe
8oz sugar
8oz butter
7oz self raising flour gluten free
1oz cocoa powder
3 eggs

Sortilege · 29/04/2022 20:41

Igmum · 29/04/2022 18:02

For rich chocolate cakes why not try crushed almonds? Absolutely fabulous in cakes instead of flour. Not expert enough to know how it compares as a direct substitute but there are definitely recipes available so would recommend a search

Yes this. GF chocolate cake recipes based on whipped egg whites, melted chocolate and ground almonds are amazing.

Replicating gluten food without the gluten is hard work.

SinisterBumFacedCat · 29/04/2022 20:44

SickAndTiredAgain · 29/04/2022 20:36

I also find gluten free baking works well with brownies, because they don't need to rise and be light. If you don't like the cake, might be worth trying brownie instead.

Agree with this, gluten free brownies are better than regular flour imho.

dannydyerismydad · 29/04/2022 20:48

If your guest is coeliac, please also buy new cake tins also. Even the trace of gluten on utensils and baking tins can make a coeliac very ill.

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:50

It’s so kind if you to cater for the gluten free guest. My daughter has Coeliacs disease and feels very excluded from social occasions. She sometimes comes home and sobs, it has been very hard for her to accept. It is so lovely to see someone considering those with life long illness like Coeliacs.
Is your GF cake for a Coeliac? You have to be very careful with cross contamination- the tiniest crumb of gluten will trigger a massive autoimmune reaction and make them extremely ill for a week. You should not use any wooden equipment eg wooden spoons, as tiny specks of gluten get stick in the cracks.

www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/your-gluten-free-hub/home-of-gluten-free-recipes/new-to-gluten-free-cooking/cross-contamination/

It doesn’t really work to just swap muggle flour for gluten free. I would try a proper gluten free recipe. Becky Excell has some great ones online. GF cakes do taste different to muggle ones as the gluten is what gives cakes and bread their delicious spongy texture - my daughter longs so much for the tasty food she used to eat.

Another option would be to buy in a few gluten free options and keep them separately away from any risk of cross contamination.

You are a very lovely friend OP.

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:51

glutenfreecuppatea.co.uk/

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:52

PS most Coeliacs are sick to death of the dreaded Brownies - they are generally the only option if they go out!

SickAndTiredAgain · 29/04/2022 20:55

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:52

PS most Coeliacs are sick to death of the dreaded Brownies - they are generally the only option if they go out!

I love a warm gooey brownie with some ice cream!
Much better than a gf cake that misses the mark. Cakes seem a lot more hit and miss with gf.

Original poster

WeddingShedding · 29/04/2022 21:30

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:50

It’s so kind if you to cater for the gluten free guest. My daughter has Coeliacs disease and feels very excluded from social occasions. She sometimes comes home and sobs, it has been very hard for her to accept. It is so lovely to see someone considering those with life long illness like Coeliacs.
Is your GF cake for a Coeliac? You have to be very careful with cross contamination- the tiniest crumb of gluten will trigger a massive autoimmune reaction and make them extremely ill for a week. You should not use any wooden equipment eg wooden spoons, as tiny specks of gluten get stick in the cracks.

www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/your-gluten-free-hub/home-of-gluten-free-recipes/new-to-gluten-free-cooking/cross-contamination/

It doesn’t really work to just swap muggle flour for gluten free. I would try a proper gluten free recipe. Becky Excell has some great ones online. GF cakes do taste different to muggle ones as the gluten is what gives cakes and bread their delicious spongy texture - my daughter longs so much for the tasty food she used to eat.

Another option would be to buy in a few gluten free options and keep them separately away from any risk of cross contamination.

You are a very lovely friend OP.

Thank you. Yes, the guest is a Coeliac. This is really useful information, thanks so much. I will have to think carefully about how to prepare the party food safety if a tiny speck of gluten is all it takes to make a Coeliac ill. I did think of getting a few GF cupcakes, but thought the guest might feel left out having different cakes.

OP posts:

Sortilege · 29/04/2022 23:18

NightLightComfort · 29/04/2022 20:52

PS most Coeliacs are sick to death of the dreaded Brownies - they are generally the only option if they go out!

It’s true. 🙂 If I even look at a brownie now, I feel queasy.

DC probably aren’t so worried, though.

TheSandgroper · 29/04/2022 23:55

Gf flour has no flavour at all. Add some vanilla.

Duck eggs are more sticky than hens eggs. If you have access to those, it might be useful.

Gf flour hydrates more slowly. I would make this up, allow to sit for half an hour and add a little milk to loosen the batter if necessary. Then bake at five degrees cooler for a little longer.