Gluten-Free Miniature Stollen Loaves

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Use butter, coconut oil or cooking spray to lightly grease 4 mini loaf pans (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches).

2. Step 2

   Combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond meal, dry yeast, xanthan gum, cardamom, salt, raisins, dried apricots and crystallized ginger. Use a large whisk to thoroughly blend.

3. Step 3

   Place coconut milk or milk in a small saucepan and heat just until lukewarm. Don't allow to boil. Remove from heat. Whisk in the oil, eggs, marmalade, and vanilla extract.

4. Step 4

   Add warm liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Stir to thoroughly blend ingredients. Note: If the liquid is hot it will kill yeast so be sure it is lukewarm (about 90 F.)

5. Step 5

   Divide stollen batter equally between 4 mini loaf pans. Each pan should be about 2/3 full. Use a thin spatula to press the batter down and remove air pockets in the batter. Dampen fingers with water and smooth the top of each loaf.

6. Step 6

   Cover each pan with lightly greased waxed paper or plastic wrap and place loaf pans in a warm draft-free location and allow the batter to rise until it reaches the top of the pan. Preheat oven to 350 F / 176 C. Note: The time it takes the batter to rise depends on warmth. If you don't have a nice, warm location where loaves can rise, pour about 1/2-inch of warm, not hot water in a large roasting pan. Set mini loaf pans in the water and cover with a dish towel and allow to rise.

7. Step 7

   Gently peel the plastic wrap from each loaf pan and place loaves on the middle rack in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown on top and a digital thermometer placed in the middle of loaf measures 204 F.

8. Step 8

   Set pans on cooling rack for 10 minutes then remove loaves from pans and set on the rack to completely cool. Dust with gluten-free confectioners' sugar.

9. Step 9

   When completely cooled, loaves can be wrapped and frozen for up to one month. Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.