Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Bliss

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate Vegan Strawberry Shortcake – a heartwarming classic reimagined without a trace of dairy or eggs. This delightful dessert combines light, fluffy, and subtly buttery biscuits with perfectly sweetened fresh strawberries and a cloud of smooth, rich whipped cream. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of spring and summer, proving that plant-based eating never means compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring delicious dairy-free options, this shortcake will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries.

Why This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a culinary triumph that captures the essence of traditional strawberry shortcake while catering to plant-based diets. Here’s what makes this vegan version an absolute must-try:

1. An Unforgettable Symphony of Textures and Flavors

   Imagine the delightful contrast that makes shortcake so beloved: warm, flaky, and subtly buttery homemade biscuits forming the perfect base. Layered within are vibrant, juicy slices of fresh strawberries, gently macerated in sugar to release their natural sweetness and create a luscious, natural syrup. Crowned with a generous dollop of velvety, smooth vegan whipped cream, each bite offers a beautiful interplay of soft, firm, sweet, and tangy. This exquisite combination delivers a truly satisfying, Southern-inspired comfort dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates and leave everyone craving more.

2. Effortlessly Vegan, Allergy-Friendly, and Accessible

   One of the most remarkable aspects of this recipe is its complete freedom from common allergens like eggs and dairy products. Crafted with fewer than 10 common, totally-vegan ingredients, you might find most of them already in your pantry or fridge! This makes it an ideal dessert for those with lactose intolerance, egg allergies, or anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle. It proves that creating a rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying dessert doesn’t require animal products, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience without sacrificing flavor or quality.

3. Seasonal Versatility and Creative Adaptability

   While vegan strawberry shortcake truly shines during the peak of strawberry season in spring and early summer, its charm isn’t limited to a specific time of year. You can easily use frozen strawberries (just remember to defrost them overnight first!) to enjoy this delightful treat any time the craving strikes. Furthermore, the recipe is incredibly flexible, inviting you to swap out strawberries for other seasonal fruits like ripe peaches, sweet raspberries, plump blueberries, or a vibrant medley of mixed berries. This adaptability allows you to savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of nature’s bounty all year long, making it a dessert for all seasons and all palates.

Deconstructing the Perfect Vegan Shortcake: Essential Elements

Crafting an unforgettable vegan strawberry shortcake involves mastering three key elements, each contributing uniquely to the dessert’s classic appeal and delightful taste. Let’s delve into what goes into making each layer truly special and why these choices matter for a plant-based version.

The Heart of the Shortcake: Flaky Vegan Biscuits

The foundation of any truly great shortcake is a tender, buttery biscuit. For this vegan rendition, we achieve that classic texture and rich flavor without any dairy whatsoever. Using a convenient mix like Bisquick makes the biscuit-making process incredibly simple and nearly foolproof, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The combination of this versatile mix with unsweetened vegan milk and a touch of melted vegan butter creates a dough that bakes up beautifully golden and slightly crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside. These biscuits are robust enough to perfectly sandwich the generous layers of fruit and cream, yet delicate enough to melt in your mouth, providing that quintessential shortcake experience everyone loves.

The Star of the Show: Sweetly Macerated Strawberries

Fresh, perfectly ripe strawberries are, without a doubt, the undisputed star of this dessert. The magic truly happens when you slice them and gently toss them with a modest amount of granulated sugar – a process known as maceration. This simple yet effective technique draws out the natural, vibrant juices from the strawberries, creating a luscious, naturally sweetened syrup that coats each berry slice. The result is an intensely flavored, juicy filling that provides a perfect balance to the richness of the biscuits and the cream. While using the freshest, in-season berries will always yield the most sublime results, with a little preparation (like thawing overnight), quality frozen strawberries can also deliver a fantastic, flavorful experience.

The Cloud of Indulgence: Dreamy Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

No shortcake could ever be considered complete without a generous, airy dollop of whipped cream. Our vegan version utilizes readily available plant-based heavy whipping cream, which whips up into an incredibly light, airy, and luscious topping. Sweetened lightly with powdered sugar, this cream adds a luxurious smoothness and a delightful contrast in temperature and texture that beautifully complements the sweet, macerated strawberries and the tender biscuits. The ultimate secret to achieving perfect vegan whipped cream lies in ensuring all your ingredients and equipment – especially the cream itself – are perfectly chilled, guaranteeing maximum volume, stability, and that dreamy, cloud-like texture you crave.

Expert Tips for Vegan Shortcake Success from Cheryl

Achieving the perfect vegan strawberry shortcake is surprisingly easier than you might think, especially when armed with a few clever insider tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your homemade dessert turns out incredibly delicious, beautifully presented, and utterly satisfying every single time:

• The Golden Rule: Chill Your Cream Thoroughly

  This is arguably the most crucial tip for successfully whipping vegan heavy cream to its full potential. Ensure your vegan heavy whipping cream is exceptionally cold – think straight from the back of the refrigerator. If the cream is not sufficiently chilled, it will take significantly longer to whip, and in some cases, it might not whip up to stiff peaks at all, remaining stubbornly liquid. For an extra boost of chilling power, consider placing your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you begin whipping. This helps maintain the cold temperature throughout the process, providing the ideal environment for the cream to reach its maximum fluffy volume.

• Effortless Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream Alternative

  For an even simpler, yet equally delicious and naturally flavored dairy-free whipped cream alternative, look no further than a can of full-fat coconut milk. The ingenious trick is to place an unopened can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight (or for a minimum of 8 hours). When you’re ready to use it, do not shake the can! Carefully open it and gently scoop off the thick, solidified white layer from the top. You can discard the watery liquid (coconut water) left behind, or save it for use in smoothies. That thick, creamy layer is your precious homemade coconut cream! You can lightly whip it with a hand mixer to give it a lighter, fluffier consistency, then sweeten it with powdered sugar to taste. It offers a delightful, subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet strawberries.

• Handle with Care: Don’t Overmix Your Biscuit Dough

  For truly tender, flaky, and airy biscuits, it is imperative to avoid overmixing the dough. Once the ingredients are just combined and form a soft, cohesive dough, stop mixing immediately. Overworking the dough vigorously can rapidly develop the gluten within the flour too much, which will inevitably lead to tough, dense, and less enjoyable biscuits instead of the light and airy texture we desire for shortcake. A gentle hand and minimal mixing are absolute keys to achieving biscuit perfection.

• Patience is a Virtue: Allow Biscuits to Cool Slightly

  While the aroma of freshly baked biscuits straight from the oven is undeniably tempting, allowing them to cool for a few minutes before assembly is a crucial step for the best shortcake experience. This slight cooling period helps the biscuits set, making them much easier to slice horizontally without crumbling excessively. Moreover, and perhaps just as importantly, it prevents your beautifully whipped vegan cream from melting too quickly upon contact with hot biscuits, ensuring your shortcake maintains its appealing structure and cool creaminess.

• Maximize Flavor: Macerate Strawberries in Advance

  For the most vibrant flavor and juiciest strawberries, plan to prepare them with sugar at least 30 minutes before you intend to assemble your shortcakes. This dedicated time allows the sugar to work its magic, drawing out the natural juices from the berries and creating that irresistible, flavorful syrupy coating. You can even prepare the sugared strawberries a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator; this extended maceration will deepen their flavor and create an even richer syrup.

Explore More Delectable Vegan Desserts & Treats

If you’ve enjoyed the delightful experience of this vegan strawberry shortcake, you’re in for a treat! Our extensive collection of plant-based desserts offers a wide array of flavors and textures designed to satisfy any sweet craving, from rich and decadent to light and refreshing. Expand your vegan baking and dessert-making repertoire with these other fantastic and easy-to-follow recipes:

• Vegan Cookie Dough: Indulge in the irresistible pleasure of safe-to-eat, raw cookie dough, perfect for a quick snack or dessert fix.
• Vegan Thin Mints: Recreate the beloved classic cookie with a clever, easy-to-make vegan twist that’s just as delicious as the original.
• Healthy-ish Apple Nachos: A fun, creative, and deliciously fruity snack or light dessert, perfect for sharing.
• Vegan Lemon Bars: Experience the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in these refreshing and wonderfully bright lemon bars.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Quick to prepare, these wholesome cookies are packed with comforting seasonal flavor without needing an oven.
• Vegan Apple Pie: A comforting and timeless classic reimagined with a flaky, buttery plant-based crust and sweet apple filling.
• Vegan Oatmeal Cookies: Enjoy these chewy, wholesome, and utterly satisfying oatmeal cookies – a perfect accompaniment to any hot beverage.

If you cherish this delightful recipe as much as we do, please consider leaving a review below! Your valuable feedback helps our community grow and inspires us to create more fantastic plant-based dishes. Also, be sure to follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for a daily dose of inspiring recipes, plant-based meal ideas, and wholesome culinary adventures!

For even more delicious culinary explorations and exciting recipes, we invite you to visit our sister sites: 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes. Discover a world of flavor and healthy living!

Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

Indulge in this delightful dairy-free and egg-free dessert featuring light, flaky biscuits, juicy, sweetened fresh strawberries, and a generous dollop of velvety vegan whipped cream. A truly satisfying plant-based treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yields: 6 generous servings

By Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Sweet & Juicy Strawberries:

• 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries (approximately 1.5 lbs), hulled
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Flaky Vegan Biscuit Crusts:

• 2 ⅓ cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix (ensure vegan, or use a preferred vegan biscuit mix)
• ⅔ cup unsweetened vegan milk of choice (such as oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

For the Light & Creamy Whipped Topping:

• ¾ cup vegan heavy whipping cream, very cold (refer to “Chef’s Notes” for excellent alternatives like coconut cream)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Optional Serving Suggestions & Garnish:

• Fresh mint leaves, for an elegant garnish
• Extra strawberry slices or vegan whipped cream, if desired

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven
• Large mixing bowl (for preparing strawberries)
• Medium mixing bowl (for preparing biscuit dough)
• Small mixing bowl (for whipping cream)
• 2 silicone spatulas or wooden spoons
• Large baking sheet
• Cookie scoop with release handle (optional, helps create evenly sized biscuits)
• Hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425° Fahrenheit (approximately 220° Celsius).
2. Prepare Strawberries: In the large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of freshly sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Gently stir the ingredients together until all the strawberry slices are thoroughly coated in sugar. Set this bowl aside to allow the strawberries to macerate and release their delicious, natural juices while you continue with the next steps.
3. Mix Biscuit Dough: In the medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 ⅓ cups of Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix, ⅔ cup of unsweetened vegan milk of your choice, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons of melted vegan butter. Stir the ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are just combined and form a soft, cohesive dough. Be very careful not to overmix, as overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits.
4. Form Biscuits: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully scoop out the prepared biscuit dough onto the large baking sheet. Aim to create 6 even portions of dropped dough, ensuring there are at least 2 inches of space between each biscuit to allow for proper spreading and even baking.
5. Bake Biscuits: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the biscuits for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color on top and are cooked through.
6. Whip Vegan Cream: While the biscuits are baking, add the ¾ cup of very cold vegan heavy whipping cream to the small mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), whip the cream on high speed until soft peaks begin to form.
7. Sweeten Whipped Cream: Gently sprinkle 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar over the partially whipped cream. Continue to whip the mixture on low speed for just a few more seconds, until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the cream reaches a light, airy, and fluffy consistency with firmer peaks. Be mindful not to overmix, or it may lose its delicate volume.
8. Cool Biscuits: Once the biscuits are golden brown and ready, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Set it aside on a wire rack to allow the biscuits to cool slightly. They should still be warm but not piping hot, which helps prevent the whipped cream from melting too quickly during assembly.
9. Assemble Bases: Once the biscuits have cooled a bit, carefully slice each biscuit in half horizontally, creating a distinct top and bottom half. Transfer the bottom halves of the biscuits to individual serving plates or a large serving tray, ready for layering.
10. Layer Fruit and Cream: Generously top the bottom halves of the biscuits with a spoonful of the sweet, sugared strawberry slices and their accompanying delicious syrup. Then, dollop a substantial amount of the freshly prepared vegan whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
11. Add Biscuit Tops: Gently place the top halves of the biscuits over the whipped cream and strawberries, completing the shortcake structure.
12. Garnish & Serve: If desired, add an extra dollop of vegan whipped cream and a few more strawberry slices on top of the assembled shortcakes for an even more indulgent presentation. For a final fresh touch, garnish each shortcake with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of warm biscuits and cool, creamy fruit.

Chef’s Notes & Smart Substitutions

• Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream Options: Brands like Califia Farms and Country Crock both produce excellent vegan heavy whipping cream options that perform beautifully and whip up wonderfully in this recipe. As a fantastic alternative, you can also use 2 cups of chilled full-fat coconut cream (from a can of coconut milk, chilled overnight, using only the firm, thick part). Another convenient option is 1 container of a store-bought vegan whipped topping (such as Truwhip Vegan or similar brands).
• Homemade Biscuit Mix: If you prefer to bake from scratch instead of using Bisquick, you can certainly use your favorite homemade vegan biscuit recipe. Just ensure that the recipe you choose yields approximately 6 medium-sized, fluffy biscuits suitable for shortcake.
• Diverse Fruit Variations: While classic strawberries are undeniably delicious, this recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment and swap them out for other seasonal fruits that you enjoy. Ripe peaches, sweet blueberries, tart raspberries, or even a vibrant mix of berries would make fantastic and equally delightful substitutes. Remember to adjust the amount of sugar added based on the natural sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 shortcake | Calories: 437kcal | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Total Carbohydrates: 53g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 27g | Net Carbs: 50g | Vitamin C: 57mg | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 253mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 2mg

Disclaimer: The number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros and nutritional content may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used. To determine the precise weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the total weight (excluding the container) by the desired number of servings to get the weight per serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

Got questions about making the perfect plant-based strawberry shortcake? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you master this delicious dessert:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe, and how?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries are out of season or simply unavailable, frozen strawberries are a perfectly acceptable and delicious alternative. For the best texture and flavor, thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator. Before using, gently drain any excess liquid that accumulates, then proceed with slicing (if necessary) and sugaring them as directed in the recipe. While the texture might be slightly softer than fresh berries, the wonderful strawberry flavor will still shine through beautifully.

How can I easily make this vegan strawberry shortcake recipe gluten-free?

To effortlessly transform this vegan strawberry shortcake into a gluten-free delight, simply substitute the Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix with a certified gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. It’s crucial to ensure that the gluten-free mix you select is specifically suitable for making biscuits or pancakes, as the formulations of baking mixes can vary significantly. All other ingredients listed in this recipe (such as vegan milk, vegan butter, sugar, and fresh produce) are naturally gluten-free, assuming your chosen brands are certified GF.

Can I prepare specific components of the shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, several parts of this delicious shortcake can be prepared in advance, which is fantastic for entertaining! You can slice and sugar the strawberries up to 4 hours ahead of time and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. The biscuits can also be baked a day in advance; once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal warmth and tenderness, we recommend warming the biscuits slightly in the oven or microwave just before assembly. The vegan whipped cream, however, is always best made fresh just before serving, as it can gradually lose some of its delightful volume and firmness over time.

What’s the best way to store leftover vegan strawberry shortcake?

Assembled vegan strawberry shortcakes are truly at their peak when enjoyed immediately after preparation. If you happen to have leftovers, store them carefully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Please note that the biscuits will naturally soften over time due to absorbing moisture from the strawberries and cream. For the absolute best possible freshness and texture, it is highly recommended to store the individual components separately (biscuits, strawberries, and cream) and assemble them just before you plan to serve.

What other fruits can I creatively use instead of traditional strawberries?

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and encourages creative experimentation with fruits! Feel entirely free to swap out the strawberries for other delicious seasonal fruits that you love. Ripe, juicy peaches, a vibrant mix of berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), or even sweet, tender sliced mangoes would all make fantastic and equally delightful substitutes. When choosing alternative fruits, simply adjust the amount of sugar you add to the fruit mixture according to the natural sweetness and tartness of your chosen fruit.

Is it possible to make my own vegan biscuit mix from scratch instead of using Bisquick?

Yes, you absolutely can! While using Bisquick offers unparalleled convenience and speed, making your own vegan biscuit mix or full biscuit recipe from scratch provides more control over the ingredients and allows for a truly homemade touch. A basic vegan biscuit recipe typically involves all-purpose flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, a small amount of sugar, and cold vegan butter (or solid coconut oil) cut into the flour, then mixed with unsweetened vegan milk. Ensure your chosen homemade recipe yields fluffy, tender, and medium-sized biscuits that are sturdy yet delicate enough for shortcake assembly.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Vegan Dessert Awaits!

This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is truly more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to how simple, wholesome, and plant-based ingredients can come together in perfect harmony to create something truly extraordinary. With its tender, buttery biscuits, sweet and sensationally juicy strawberries, and a cloud-like vegan whipped cream, it delivers all the comforting flavors and delightful textures of a cherished classic shortcake, all while being entirely plant-based. Perfect for elegant spring gatherings, casual summer picnics, a festive holiday treat, or simply a sweet indulgence any time of year, this accessible and delicious recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Embrace the joy of fresh flavors and dairy-free delight, and share this wonderful, guilt-free creation with your loved ones – it’s a recipe everyone will adore!