Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with Coconut Cream
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes
Indulge in a delightful Vegan Strawberry Shortcake topped with luscious Coconut Cream. This dessert is perfect for warm days and is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is a celebration of summer flavors! With fresh strawberries layered between fluffy shortcake and topped with creamy coconut, it's a dessert you'll crave all year long.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
- Fluffy shortcake that melts in your mouth
- Rich coconut cream for a tropical touch
The Perfect Summer Dessert
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with Coconut Cream is the quintessential summer dessert that brings a refreshing twist to traditional recipes. With its layers of fluffy shortcake, sweet strawberries, and rich coconut cream, this treat is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a sunny afternoon at home. The vibrant red strawberries not only add a splash of color but also bring a burst of natural sweetness, making every bite a delightful experience.
As the temperatures rise, many seek desserts that are light yet satisfying. This vegan shortcake delivers on both fronts, providing a satisfying texture without being overly heavy. The combination of coconut cream and strawberries creates a harmonious balance, offering a tropical vibe that transports you to a sun-soaked beach with each mouthful.
Why Choose Vegan?
Choosing vegan desserts like this Strawberry Shortcake not only caters to those following a plant-based diet but also aligns with health-conscious choices. By using wholesome ingredients such as coconut oil and almond milk, this recipe avoids the saturated fats typically found in traditional shortcake recipes. Instead, it harnesses the natural sweetness of coconut and strawberries, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Moreover, this dessert is suitable for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of dessert. Vegan recipes often contain fewer allergens and are free from dairy, which makes them accessible to a wider audience, including lactose-intolerant individuals.
Tips for Best Results
To achieve the best texture for your shortcake, make sure the coconut oil is melted but not too hot when mixing with the other ingredients. This helps maintain the fluffy consistency of the batter. Additionally, allow the shortcake to cool completely before assembling; this prevents the coconut cream from melting and ensures that your layers stay beautifully intact.
When preparing the strawberries, let them sit with the maple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness and create a syrupy glaze. This step adds extra flavor and moisture to the dessert, making each bite even more delectable. Consider using organic strawberries for the best taste and to support sustainable farming practices.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients for the best results.
For the Shortcake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut Cream
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time for a smooth baking experience.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Vegan Strawberry Shortcake.
Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with maple syrup. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
Make the Shortcake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
Bake the Shortcake
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Coconut Cream
Open the chilled coconut milk can and scoop out the solidified cream into a bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip until fluffy.
Assemble the Shortcake
Once the shortcake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with the strawberry mixture and then a generous dollop of coconut cream. Place the top half back on and repeat the layering.
Enjoy your Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with friends and family!
Serving Suggestions
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a fun twist, consider topping it with additional fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful visual appeal, making it perfect for special occasions.
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the top or serve it alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. This creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, elevating your dessert experience.
Storage Tips
This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the layers intact, consider storing the shortcake and the toppings separately. Assemble just before serving to maintain the optimal texture and freshness.
If you have leftover coconut cream, it can be stored separately as well. Simply re-whip it before serving to restore its fluffy consistency. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious dessert over several days without losing its charm.
Nutritional Benefits
This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also packs in some nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. They also contain antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body.
Coconut milk, used in the cream, provides healthy fats that can aid in nutrient absorption. The fiber from the strawberries and the shortcake ingredients contributes to digestive health, making this dessert a slightly healthier option compared to traditional versions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with any seasonal fruit like blueberries or peaches.
→ Is the shortcake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shortcake and coconut cream in advance, just assemble it before serving.
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with Coconut Cream
Indulge in a delightful Vegan Strawberry Shortcake topped with luscious Coconut Cream. This dessert is perfect for warm days and is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shortcake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut Cream
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with maple syrup. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures until just blended.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Open the chilled coconut milk can and scoop out the solidified cream into a bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip until fluffy.
Once the shortcake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with the strawberry mixture and then a generous dollop of coconut cream. Place the top half back on and repeat the layering. Top with more coconut cream and strawberries.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g