Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Introduction to Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that brings back warm, nostalgic memories of summer. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family picnic, this dessert has a way of making any gathering feel extra special. The sweetness of ripe strawberries paired with creamy whipped topping on a fluffy cake creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. But what happens when you need to cater to a gluten-free diet? Don’t worry—this gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, creating a gluten-free version of this classic was a challenge I was more than willing to take on. It wasn’t until I started feeding my family gluten-free desserts that I realized how easy it is to create a cake that’s just as light and fluffy as the traditional version. This recipe became a hit in our home, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. With a few simple swaps, you can have a gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake that’s every bit as delicious as the one you grew up with.

You’ll be amazed at how a few ingredient changes can transform this dessert while maintaining all the light, airy goodness. The best part? It’s just as comforting and delightful as the original. Perfect for summer gatherings, family celebrations, or any time you crave a sweet treat, this gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake will surely bring comfort and smiles to your table. Let’s dive into how we can make this gluten-free version.

Choosing the Right Cake for Strawberry Shortcake

What Kind of Cake is Best for Strawberry Shortcake?

When it comes to strawberry shortcake, the cake base plays a key role in providing the perfect balance to the strawberries and cream. Traditionally, the cake used is light, fluffy, and somewhat sponge-like, so it can easily soak up the juices from the strawberries without becoming soggy. But the key to making this dessert gluten-free is finding a cake base that mimics this light texture without relying on gluten.

For a gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake, a gluten-free sponge cake or biscuit-style cake works best. These types of cakes are light enough to complement the juicy strawberries while still maintaining structure. The goal is a cake that’s soft and airy so you don’t miss out on that traditional shortcake feel.

You can opt for store-bought gluten-free cake mixes, but making your own from scratch often results in a fluffier, more flavorful cake. When choosing the right flour blend, look for a gluten-free all-purpose flour that has a combination of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This blend tends to give the cake a light and tender texture, similar to wheat flour-based cakes.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake is a light, fluffy, and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. It features a gluten-free cake base, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping to make a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla, milk, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently. Don’t overmix.
5. Add vinegar: Stir in apple cider vinegar to help activate the baking powder.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Assemble the cake: Slice the cake into two layers. Macerate fresh strawberries with sugar for 20 minutes. Whip cream or non-dairy topping. Spread whipped cream on the bottom layer, add strawberries with juice, top with the second cake layer, and garnish with more whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

Notes

To prevent the cake from becoming too dry, don’t overbake it. You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free whipped topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

How to Turn a Cake Recipe into Gluten-Free

Turning a traditional cake recipe into a gluten-free one isn’t as daunting as it sounds. The first step is replacing regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, not all gluten-free flours are created equal, so it’s essential to find the right one for your shortcake cake. A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is usually the easiest substitute, and it provides a texture similar to regular flour without compromising the structure of the cake.

In addition to flour, you may need to adjust the liquids in the recipe. Since gluten-free flours can absorb more liquid than regular flour, you might need to increase the amount of milk, eggs, or oil to keep the batter from being too thick. Another tip is to include a binder like xanthan gum or guar gum. These ingredients help mimic the elasticity that gluten typically provides, ensuring your cake doesn’t turn out crumbly.

Lastly, when baking gluten-free cakes, always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—just as you would with a traditional cake. A clean toothpick will indicate that your gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake is ready to be assembled.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Ingredients for the Cake

To make this gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create a light and fluffy base that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately)
• 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s gluten-free)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free alternatives work fine)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps activate the baking soda for a fluffier texture)

You can also add a little extra sugar or vanilla to suit your taste, but this basic list will give you a delicious cake that is light, tender, and perfect for a shortcake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is smooth. Add in the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter (or coconut oil) and mix until combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. Add the vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar. This step will help activate the baking powder, making the cake fluffy.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake doesn’t collapse and stays light and airy.

Assembling the Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled, it’s time to assemble your gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake! Slice the cake into two even layers. In a separate bowl, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with a little sugar. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to release their juices.

Whip up some heavy cream or dairy-free whipped topping, and you’re ready to assemble. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer of the cake, add a generous amount of strawberries and their juice, and top with the second layer of cake. Garnish with more whipped cream and fresh strawberries for the finishing touch.

Now, slice and enjoy your gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake! This dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Let me know if you’re ready for the final section!

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Best Way to Serve Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Once you’ve assembled your gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake, it’s time to serve it! This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, summer BBQs, or any celebration where you want to offer something light and refreshing. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• Individual Servings: If you’re hosting a party or a gathering, consider slicing the cake into separate portions. Serve each piece with extra whipped cream and a few more fresh strawberries on top. This adds a personalized touch that everyone will appreciate.
• Layered Presentation: For a show-stopping dessert, consider serving the cake in layers—top the bottom layer with whipped cream and strawberries, and then place the second layer on top. Drizzle extra strawberry syrup (from the macerated strawberries) on top for added flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: If you want to add more flair to your gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake, top it with a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of lemon glaze. These simple additions elevate the dessert, making it even more irresistible.

Bonus Tips for Success:

• Moisture is Key: Gluten-free cakes can sometimes be drier than their traditional counterparts, so make sure not to overbake the cake. Check for doneness early, and be sure to let it cool completely before slicing.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream and strawberries can also be stored separately to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This cake can easily be made the day before you need it. Just assemble it and refrigerate it overnight for the flavors to meld when you’re ready to serve, slice and enjoy.

Is Pillsbury Strawberry Cake Mix Gluten-Free?

For those who are looking for a shortcut, you might be wondering if you can use Pillsbury Strawberry Cake Mix to make a gluten-free strawberry shortcake. Unfortunately, most Pillsbury cake mixes are not gluten-free, but you can always look for a gluten-free cake mix alternative from other brands. Make sure to check the label for any gluten-containing ingredients, or better yet, choose a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix and create your cake base from scratch. This way, you know exactly what’s in your dessert!

Is Hummingbird Cake Gluten-Free?

Hummingbird cake, a popular Southern treat, is not traditionally gluten-free. However, you can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. With its rich layers of banana, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting, a gluten-free hummingbird cake can be just as delightful as the original, especially when paired with fresh strawberries for a bit of added sweetness.

For more Recipes Facebook and Pinterest

FAQ Section