Description
Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert combining fresh, juicy strawberries with soft, fluffy shortcake biscuits and rich, airy plant-based cream. Easy to prepare with simple, natural ingredients, this treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a light, refreshing, and fruity experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Strawberries and Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced – 4 cups
- Sugar (natural) – 2 tablespoons (for macerating strawberries)
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Plant-based cream – 1 cup, chilled
- Vanilla extract (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Sugar (natural) – 1 tablespoon (for cream)
Shortcake Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups (or gluten-free all-purpose flour for variation)
- Natural baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Sugar (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Pinch of salt
- Plant-based butter – 1/2 cup (cold, cut into pieces)
- Plant-based milk – 3/4 cup (approximate, for dough consistency)
Optional
- Natural gelling agent – 1 teaspoon (optional, for thickening strawberry syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them evenly. Toss them gently with 2 tablespoons of natural sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let them macerate to produce a juicy syrup and blend flavors while you prepare the shortcakes.
- Make the Shortcake Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, natural baking powder, 2 tablespoons of natural sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold plant-based butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add plant-based milk, stirring just until the dough forms and is slightly sticky, taking care to not overmix to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Bake the Shortcakes: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or gently roll out and cut into rounds. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Whip the Plant-Based Cream: Chill a mixing bowl and beat the plant-based cream with 1 teaspoon of natural vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of natural sugar until soft peaks form, creating a rich and airy topping for the dessert.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice each warm shortcake horizontally in half. Spoon the macerated strawberries generously onto the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, then cover with the top half of the biscuit. Finish with an extra spoonful of berries and cream on top for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe, deeply red strawberries for best flavor and sweetness.
- Handle the shortcake dough gently to maintain a light and tender texture.
- Keep the plant-based cream and bowl chilled before whipping for maximum volume.
- Assemble the dessert just before serving to avoid sogginess and preserve texture.
- Adjust sugar quantities depending on the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake, Plant-based dessert, Gluten-free dessert, Berry dessert, Vegan shortcake