Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Delightful and Simple Treat

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further! This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is a bright, refreshing treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any dairy. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish, perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress friends and family with a dessert that’s not only tasty but also simple to prepare! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients for your vegan strawberry shortcake. This list keeps it simple and delicious. Each item plays a vital role in creating that perfect treat.
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for the strawberries)
– 1 can (14 oz) chilled coconut cream (use solid part only)
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for the whipped cream)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)
Each ingredient brings its own charm. Coconut sugar adds a rich flavor, while almond milk keeps it creamy. Fresh strawberries are the star here. They give a fresh sweetness that balances perfectly with the whipped coconut cream. You’ll love how all these flavors blend together in this easy recipe. For the full details, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing the Oven
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start by preheating your oven. This step helps the shortcakes rise well. The parchment paper keeps the biscuits from sticking, making cleanup easy.
Mixing Ingredients
– Whisk together the dry ingredients.
– Combine the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix is key for a fluffy biscuit. In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine these wet and dry ingredients carefully. Stir gently until just mixed. Don’t over-mix, as this can make the shortcakes tough.
Forming and Baking the Shortcakes
– Knead the dough gently and form biscuits.
– Cut out circles and place on the baking sheet.
– Bake and cool on a wire rack.
Transfer your dough to a floured surface. Knead it gently for about one minute. This helps the dough hold together. Shape it into a round disk, about 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out circles. Place these on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. After baking, let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling helps keep them soft and fluffy.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Biscuits
To make great biscuits, you need to be gentle. Avoid over-mixing the dough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients come together. Over-mixing can make the biscuits tough. When kneading, use a light touch. Knead for only about one minute. You want the dough to hold together, not be overworked.
Enhancing the Strawberry Flavor
Strawberries need some love to shine. Toss them with maple syrup to enhance their sweetness. This process is called macerating. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This time allows the syrup to soak in. You will see the strawberries release their juices, creating a tasty syrup.
Whipping Coconut Cream
For a fluffy coconut cream, start with cold coconut cream. Chill a can overnight in the fridge. When ready, scoop out only the solid part. Using a hand mixer, whip it until it’s creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness. You want a light and airy texture, perfect for topping your shortcake.
Variations
Alternative Sweeteners
You can change the sweetness of your vegan strawberry shortcake. Instead of coconut sugar, try agave syrup or date sugar. These options add a different taste. They also blend well with the strawberries. Agave syrup is liquid, so use less liquid in your recipe. Date sugar has a rich flavor and gives a nice texture. Both options keep your dessert vegan and tasty.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free shortcake, it’s easy to adapt! Just swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work great in baking. Look for one that has xanthan gum for better texture. It helps the shortcake rise and stay soft. Your friends and family will love the gluten-free version just as much!
Seasonal Variations
Why stick with just strawberries? You can mix in other berries for fun! Blueberries and raspberries add new flavors and colors. They bring their own unique sweetness. You can use a mix of berries too! This way, you celebrate the season and keep things fresh. Each bite will be a surprise!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your vegan strawberry shortcake fresh, store it properly. Place the shortcakes in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For the strawberries, you can keep them in a bowl. Cover them with plastic wrap to avoid drying out. They should stay good for about two days. If you want to keep the whipped cream, store it in a separate container. It stays fresh for three days in the fridge.
Freezing Recommendations
If you want to save some shortcakes for later, you can freeze them! First, let the baked shortcakes cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months.
When you are ready to eat, take a shortcake out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, you can thaw it at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your delicious vegan strawberry shortcake anytime!
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, you can use regular sugar. Coconut sugar adds a rich flavor. Regular sugar will work fine, but it lacks the same depth. You can also try other alternatives like brown sugar. Each sweetener changes the taste slightly.
What can I use instead of coconut cream for the whipped topping?
You can use cashew cream or soy whipped cream. Both options give a creamy texture. You can also try whipped aquafaba, which is chickpea water. It whips up nicely and is light. Just make sure to sweeten it a bit.
How long does it take to prepare this vegan strawberry shortcake?
The prep time is about 15 minutes. The total time is around 30 minutes. This makes it a quick and fun dessert. You can easily whip it up for a gathering. Enjoy making this sweet treat!
You now have a clear guide to make delicious vegan strawberry shortcake. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for success. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, avoid over-mixing and let your strawberries soak in flavor. This dessert is simple to make and can be tailored to your taste. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with family and friends!
