๐ฐ Always Tastes Great – Gluten Free Easy Cake ๐ฐ
History:
The history of gluten-free cakes, like this one, is intertwined with the growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. As awareness of these conditions increased, so did the demand for gluten-free alternatives to traditional baked goods.
Components:
- 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend (usually made from rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour)
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter or a dairy-free alternative
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or coconut milk)
- 3 large eggs (or egg replacers for a vegan option)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional variations: Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for flavor and texture.
Steps to Prepare:
-
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan.
-
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the eggs (or egg replacers) one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
-
If you’re adding any optional variations like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the batter gently.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
-
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Once the cake has cooled, you can frost it with your favorite gluten-free frosting or enjoy it plain!
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare this gluten-free easy cake is approximately 1 hour, including preparation and baking time. Of course, this can vary slightly based on your experience in the kitchen and any additional time required for cooling and frosting.
Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free cake! ๐๐ฐ๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of the gluten-free easy cake described in the previous recipe:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for 1 serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-7g
- Cholesterol: 50-70mg
- Sodium: 200-300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38-42g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 24-28g
- Protein: 3-4g
Health Information:
-
Gluten-Free: This cake is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It uses a gluten-free flour blend as the base.
-
Moderate Calories: With around 250-300 calories per serving, it can be a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation. Keep in mind that additional toppings or frosting can increase the calorie content.
-
Fat Content: The cake contains moderate levels of fat, with most of it coming from the butter. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, consider using a lower-fat butter alternative.
-
Sugar: This cake is moderately sweet, with around 24-28 grams of sugar per serving. To reduce sugar intake, you can consider using sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol.
-
Protein: While not a significant source of protein, it provides a small amount, contributing to your overall daily protein intake.
-
Portion Control: As with any dessert, portion control is important. Enjoying a small slice can satisfy your sweet cravings without excessive calorie intake.
-
Variations: You can make this cake healthier by incorporating additional ingredients like fruits, nuts, or seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
Remember that the actual nutrition content may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s always a good idea to check product labels and use a nutrition calculator for precise values if you have dietary concerns or restrictions.
