Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites

Who doesn’t love a little bite-sized dessert that’s as sweet as it is beautiful? These Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites are like little clouds of happiness that will melt in your mouth. With a buttery, fluffy shortcake base, fresh, juicy strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream on top, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. You get all the comforting flavors of a traditional strawberry shortcake in an adorable, gluten-free version! They’re light, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious, making them the perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites

Super Flavorful

The combination of sweet strawberries, rich whipped cream, and tender shortcake is pure dessert magic. Each bite is a burst of freshness and comfort, and the gluten-free twist doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor or texture.

Bite-Sized Perfection

Who can resist a mini dessert? These little bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner. They’re easy to serve, share, and enjoy, all while feeling a little more elegant than your usual dessert.

Gluten-Free and Delicious

Whether you have dietary restrictions or are just looking for something lighter, these strawberry shortcake bites are gluten-free and still totally indulgent. You don’t need to worry about missing out on flavor or texture with these beauties.

Quick and Easy

Making a fancy dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. These shortcake bites are simple to prepare, and while they look impressive, they come together quickly without a ton of effort. They’re perfect for when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Versatile

Feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different twist. You can also customize the whipped cream by adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Bites:

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it’s a good blend)
• Baking powder (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• Egg
• Milk (or a non-dairy substitute like almond milk)
• Vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries (sliced)
• Sugar (for macerating the strawberries)

For the Whipped Cream:

• Heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these gluten-free strawberry shortcake bites? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by preparing the strawberries. Slice them and sprinkle with a little sugar. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes so they can release their juices and become nice and sweet. This will create a simple strawberry syrup that adds extra flavor to your bites.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Shortcake Bites

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface with gluten-free flour, and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut the dough into small circles (about 1-2 inches in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcake bites are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

While the shortcake bites are baking, make your whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream can turn into butter!

Step 5: Assemble the Bites

Once the shortcake bites have cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble. Slice each shortcake in half and spoon a little bit of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half of the shortcake on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the strawberry shortcake bites immediately for the best experience. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 2% DV

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites

These mini strawberry shortcake bites are a treat on their own, but here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Before serving, dust the top of the shortcake bites with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. It’s a simple trick that makes them look even more irresistible.

Serve with a Side of Fresh Fruit

To complement the strawberries, serve these bites with other fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or even kiwi for a colorful fruit platter. This makes for a lovely and refreshing dessert spread.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

These shortcake bites make an excellent addition to any dessert platter. Serve them alongside cookies, brownies, and mini cheesecakes to create a variety of sweet treats for guests to enjoy.

With a Warm Drink

Pair these bites with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy, satisfying dessert experience. The warm drink contrasts nicely with the cold whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Additional Tips

• Make Them Ahead: You can make the shortcake bites ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just assemble with whipped cream and strawberries right before serving to keep them fresh.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream for the whipped cream and non-dairy butter and milk for the shortcake base.
• Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer your whipped cream a little sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking. A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can also give the cream a lovely flavor boost.
• Frozen Shortcake Bites: These shortcake bites freeze well! You can freeze the baked shortcake and whipped cream separately. When ready to serve, thaw and assemble with fresh strawberries.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the shortcake bites without an egg?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the dough.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A2: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work fine for the filling. Just thaw them and follow the same steps for macerating them with sugar. Keep in mind that they may release more liquid, so drain any excess before assembling.

Q3: Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?
A3: Yes, you can use any gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 flour replacement blend for best results.

Q4: Can I make these strawberry shortcake bites ahead of time?
A4: You can prepare the shortcake base and whipped cream ahead of time, but assemble the bites right before serving to keep them fresh. The shortcake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Q5: Can I make a larger gluten-free strawberry shortcake cake instead?
A5: Yes, you can! Simply bake the shortcake in a round cake pan and cut into slices instead of bite-sized portions. The assembly process remains the same.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Leftover shortcake bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. It’s best to store the whipped cream separately and assemble before serving again.

Q7: Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?
A7: Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream will work just fine if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s dairy-free if you’re going for a dairy-free version.

Q8: How do I make these shortcake bites lower in sugar?
A8: You can reduce the sugar in both the shortcake and whipped cream to your preference. You can also use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar if needed.

Q9: Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
A9: Of course! These shortcake bites would be delicious with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You could even try a peach or mixed fruit filling for a fun twist.

Q10: Can I make these without the whipped cream?
A10: Sure! While whipped cream adds that classic touch, you could serve these with a scoop of ice cream or yogurt if you prefer something a little lighter or different.

Conclusion

These Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Bites are a sweet, light, and delicious treat that will satisfy your dessert cravings without the gluten. They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests with their cuteness and flavor. So go ahead, grab a few of these little bites, and enjoy the perfect combination of fluffy shortcake, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped goodness!

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