Name: Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; – 1/2 tsp baking powder (gluten-free); – 1/4 tsp salt; – 1/4 cup sugar; – 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; – 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk); – 1 large egg; – 1 tsp vanilla extract; – 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; – 1/2 cup heavy cream; – 2 tbsp powdered sugar; – 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Who says you have to miss out on delicious desserts just because you’re avoiding gluten? These gluten-free strawberry shortcake bites are here to prove that you can indulge in sweet treats without compromise. Picture this: fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit bites topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of creamy whipped cream. It’s a bite-sized version of the classic dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just satisfying a sweet craving. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating sweet moments. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these strawberry shortcake bites are sure to impress. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile:

These bite-sized beauties are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more elegant affairs. Plus, they’re small enough to make sharing (or not sharing) easy!

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need expensive gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe—simple ingredients make these shortcake bites both delicious and affordable.

Quick and Easy:

With a little prep and just 30 minutes, these strawberry shortcake bites come together in no time. A perfect dessert when you need something sweet but don’t have hours to bake.

Customizable:

Add a twist to the classic by swapping out the strawberries for other berries or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also use dairy-free cream for a vegan-friendly version!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re gluten-free or not, everyone will love these light and fluffy shortcake bites with a sweet strawberry topping. They’re guaranteed to disappear in no time.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple, but the results are extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The base of these shortcakes. Choose a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.
Baking Powder: Helps the shortcake bites rise to a perfect, airy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky, tender texture in the shortcakes.
Eggs: For binding everything together and providing structure.
Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk): To bring everything together and create the right consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the shortcakes.
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced and sweetened with a little sugar, these will be the star of the topping.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy, creamy topping that adds the perfect finish to these shortcake bites.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking and create these irresistible gluten-free strawberry shortcake bites!

Preheat Your Equipment:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect golden-brown shortcakes.

Make the Shortcake Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Form the Shortcakes:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just a couple of times. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out small rounds. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Shortcakes:

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

Prepare the Strawberries:

While the shortcakes bake, slice the strawberries and sprinkle them with a little sugar to help draw out the juices. Let them sit for a few minutes until they become syrupy.

Assemble the Shortcake Bites:

Once the shortcakes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut each shortcake in half horizontally, and spoon a generous amount of the sweetened strawberries onto the bottom half. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half of the shortcake on top.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the shortcake bites immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of warm shortcake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped goodness.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 12 shortcake bites
Calories per serving: 180

(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites

These strawberry shortcake bites are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for extra fun:

With a Side of Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
For a Brunch Spread: These shortcake bites are perfect for brunch gatherings. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, quiche, and mimosas.
As a Party Treat: Set up a little shortcake bar with whipped cream, fresh berries, and toppings like chocolate chips or nuts for a fun party snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use your favorite non-dairy milk for a completely dairy-free version.
Try Different Berries: While strawberries are classic, you can swap them out for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries depending on what you have on hand.
Keep the Shortcakes Soft: Don’t overmix the dough! Just gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together for a tender, soft shortcake.

FAQ’s

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, if you don’t need to make it gluten-free, you can use all-purpose flour instead of the gluten-free blend.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are ideal, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the shortcake bites and strawberries separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the shortcake bites ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Set up a shortcake bar with whipped cream, berries, and other fun toppings so guests can build their own personalized bites!
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacement for a vegan version.
What type of whipped cream should I use?
You can use homemade whipped cream, store-bought, or even a dairy-free whipped topping if you want to keep it vegan.
Can I use a different sweetener for the strawberries?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative if you prefer a different sweetener.
Can I freeze the shortcake bites?
Yes, freeze the baked shortcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.
How do I make sure my shortcakes are light and fluffy?
Be gentle with the dough! Overworking it can result in dense shortcakes, so knead and mix just enough to combine the ingredients.

Conclusion

These gluten-free strawberry shortcake bites are the perfect combination of light, fluffy shortcakes, fresh sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped goodness. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a delicious, bite-sized dessert, these little treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab those strawberries and get baking—you’re in for a treat!\

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites