Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake (Berry-Tastic!)

Name: Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Dry Ingredients; 2 cups gluten-free flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp cardamom; 1/2 tsp salt; Wet Ingredients; 3/4 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy; 1/4 cup chopped strawberries; 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar; Frosting; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup coconut cream; 1/4 cup butter, room temperature; 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste; Toppings; Strawberries, sliced or chopped

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Celebrate sweet summer strawberries with this fantastic Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake! A burst of berries in each bite!

A slice of gluten-free strawberry shortcake on a plate with a gold fork. Sliced and chopped strawberries sit on top nestled in the frosting.

This Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake is…

Summery
Gluten-free
Vegan-friendly
Berry-licious!

What is Gluten-Free Flour?

Gluten-free flour is an ingredient for baking made from grains, nuts, or seeds. It does not contain gluten, or the proteins found in wheat of which many people have an aversion. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the same bakes that contain gluten! Gluten-free flour creates just as delicious, succulent sweets – case in point, this Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake!

Summer is strawberry season and one of the best ways to enjoy them is in a cake – yum! The sweetness of the berries matches beautifully with the tender cake and fluffy frosting. Since gluten-free flour can sometimes be too dry, we add in chopped strawberries for an extra boost of moisture and burst of flavor. If you prefer a different berry, feel free to swap them! A blackberry shortcake? Sounds amazing!

An oval shaped dish of a freshly frosted strawberry shortcake. Chopped and sliced strawberries are sprinkled on top of the frosting. A strawberry printed tea towel sits underneath.

Xanthan gum is necessary for use with gluten-free flour. It is a natural thickener that will help keep the mix moist as it bakes. Some gluten-free flour brands already contain xanthan gum, like the one we use in this recipe. Check your bag of flour before adding additional xanthan gum.

Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten-free Flour – Gluten-free flour is absent of gluten which is a protein in regular flour that some people are allergic to. Gluten-free flour needs xanthan gum to help thicken the mixture and keep it moist while baking. In this Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake recipe, it provides a perfectly cakey texture and bite!

Almond Flour – Adding a scoop of almond flour enhances the texture of the cake and gives a slight nuttiness to the flavor profile.

Granulated Sugar – Granulated sugar is our sweetener of choice for this recipe because it keeps the color and flavor light. If using a different sugar, like brown or coconut sugar, keep in mind the tasting profile will change.

Baking Powder & Soda – Baking powder and soda are needed to allow the cake rise. Without a rising agent, this cake would be very dense and shallow.

Cardamom – Cardamom is an excellent pairing with strawberries! Just a touch adds a bit of complexity to the flavor of the cake.

Salt – Salt helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries and frosting, rounding out the seasoning.

Milk – Either dairy or non-dairy milk will work to moisten the ingredients and blend it all together.

Strawberries – You can’t have a strawberry shortcake without strawberries! We add chopped strawberries to keep the cake moist and increase the berry flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar works as a rising agent in the batter, like eggs would do. It does not affect the taste as the other ingredients will mask any discernible tang.

Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar is the best sweetener for frosting. It keeps the frosting light, fluffy and sugary!

Coconut Cream – Coconut cream gives a slightly tropical essence to the frosting. If you’d prefer to not use it, double the butter for a similar consistency.

Butter – Same as the milk, either dairy or non-dairy butter can be used in this recipe. It adds an extra layer of creaminess to the frosting.

Vanilla Bean Paste – Vanilla is another flavor that is strawberry’s best friend! Adding it to the frosting is the final touch of tastiness!

Diet compatibility and allergens

Diet	Recipe compatible as written?	Recommended substitutions
Keto	No.	N/A
Paleo	No.	N/A
Whole30	No.	N/A
Gluten-free	Yes.	N/A
Vegetarian	Yes.	N/A
Vegan	Yes.	N/A
Low sodium	No.	Eliminate salt.
Dairy-free	No.	Use dairy-free milk and butter.
Mediterranean	No.	N/A
Low FODMAP	Yes.	N/A
Atkins	No.	N/A

Allergen	Present in recipe?	Recommended substitutions?
Milk	Yes.	Use dairy-free milk.
Eggs	No.	N/A
Fish	No.	N/A
Shellfish	No.	N/A
Tree nuts	Yes.	Use butter instead of coconut cream.
Peanuts	No.	N/A
Wheat (Gluten)	No.	N/A
Soy	No.	N/A
Sesame	No.	N/A

How to Make Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Step One: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prep a cake tin with butter or parchment paper.

Step Two: Add all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Ingredients for a strawberry shortcake inside a silver bowl, about to be mixed.

Ingredients for a strawberry shortcake inside a silver bowl being mixed by a blue spatula.

Step Three: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined (be careful not to overmix!).

Ingredients for a strawberry shortcake inside a silver bowl, about to be mixed. A blue spatula rests on top right of the bowl.

A silver bowl with mixed batter for a strawberry shortcake. A blue spatula sticks out of the side.

Step Four: Pour the batter into the cake tin and let rest at least 15 minutes.

An oval dish filled with strawberry shortcake batter. A strawberry printed tea towel sits underneath.

Step Five: Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Remove from the oven and let cool in tin for 10 minutes, then remove from tin and cool completely on a wire rack.

An oval dish of freshly baked strawberry shortcake. A strawberry printed tea towel sits underneath.

Step Six: While the cake is baking, add all frosting ingredients into a stand mixer and whip until creamy. Set aside.

Step Seven: When cake is cool, pipe or smooth on the frosting, then top with strawberries. Enjoy!

A strawberry shortcake being frosted with a blue spatula. A strawberry printed tea towel sits underneath.

A close up of a freshly frosted strawberry shortcake. Chopped and sliced strawberries are sprinkled on top of the frosting. A strawberry printed tea towel sits underneath.

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FAQ

Should you let gluten free batter rest before baking?

Yes, for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the flour to absorb the liquids and give a more even texture.

How do you know when gluten free cake is done?

You’ll know when a gluten free cake is done when a toothpick or knife stuck into the middle of the bake comes out clean.

Does gluten free flour need xanthan gum?

Yes! Xanthan gum gives the cake a thicker, even texture. Some gluten free flour brands already contain xanthan gum so check the package before you add more.

How do you keep gluten free cake moist?

Add more liquid or wet ingredients! For our recipe we use chopped strawberries to add extra moisture and sweetness.

Learn How to Bake With Coconut Flour & Make Coconut Skincare Products