Name: Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-492096H52M20S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¾ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2–3 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

One of my fondest childhood memories is helping my mum in the kitchen during strawberry season. The smell of fresh berries mixing with soft cake always made our home feel magical. That’s exactly the feeling I try to recreate with this Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Dessert. There’s something so special about sinking your spoon into a dessert that’s fluffy, fruity, and creamy all at once. Every bite brings a wave of nostalgia and warmth, and knowing it’s gluten-free makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family who have dietary needs.

I love making this Strawberry Shortcake Dessert for birthdays, family gatherings, or even a quiet Sunday treat. The strawberries are juicy and bright, the gluten-free shortcake is tender and slightly crumbly, and the whipped cream adds that light, airy sweetness that pulls it all together. Honestly, every time I make it, the first bite disappears before anyone can say “dessert”!

Why I Love Making This Recipe

What I adore about this dessert is how approachable it is. Even if you’ve never baked gluten-free before, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. The strawberries shine, the cake layer is soft and comforting, and the whipped cream brings everything together in a way that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. It’s a dessert that brings people to the table and sparks conversations, laughter, and memories.

Another reason I love it is versatility. You can serve it in a large trifle dish, as individual parfaits, or even as bars for easy grab-and-go treats. It’s always a hit, whether with kids, friends, or even a romantic evening at home. Plus, the best part? You don’t have to compromise on taste just because it’s gluten-free.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what you’ll need for a dessert that tastes like summer in every bite:

For the Gluten-Free Shortcake:

1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I love using one with xanthan gum included)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¾ cup milk (or almond milk for extra richness)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Little Kitchen Secrets:

Chill your butter and flour mixture before baking it helps create a tender, flaky shortcake.
Macerate strawberries for at least 30 minutes to really bring out their natural sweetness.
Use cold cream and a chilled bowl for perfectly fluffy whipped cream.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Prep the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them sit while you prepare the shortcake. This maceration step is key for juicy, flavorful strawberries.
Make the shortcake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the shortcake to cool completely.
Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — we want it light and airy.
Assemble the dessert: Once the shortcake has cooled, crumble it slightly into serving glasses or a large trifle dish. Layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds!

How I Serve It at Home

I like to serve this Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Dessert in clear glass cups the layers look beautiful, and it feels like a special treat even for an ordinary day. For family gatherings, I often use a trifle bowl so everyone can scoop their portion. A few mint leaves on top make it visually stunning and add a fresh aroma. I always serve with a small dessert spoon, so each bite is a perfect balance of shortcake, berries, and whipped cream.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shortcake will soften, but the flavor will intensify.
Make-ahead: You can prepare the shortcake and strawberries a day in advance. Whip the cream right before assembling to keep it light and airy.
Freezing: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual shortcake portions (without cream) for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

100-Word Short Version

This Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Dessert is my go-to for a cozy, comforting treat that everyone loves. Fluffy gluten-free shortcake layers meet juicy, sweet strawberries and cloud-like whipped cream for a dessert that’s simple but unforgettable. Chill the macerated strawberries, bake the tender shortcake, whip the cream to perfection, and layer them in a trifle dish or individual cups. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or an indulgent weekday treat. Easy, quick, and gluten-free, this dessert brings joy and warmth to every bite a sweet way to create memories around the table.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time: Prep 20 mins | Cook 25 mins | Total 1 hr 45 mins (including chilling)

🛒 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour</li> <li>¼ cup granulated sugar</li> <li>2 tsp baking powder</li> <li>½ tsp salt</li> <li>½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed</li> <li>¾ cup milk</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced</li> <li>2–3 tbsp sugar</li> <li>1 tsp lemon juice</li> <li>1 cup heavy cream</li> <li>2 tbsp powdered sugar</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> </ul>

👩‍🍳 Instructions: <ol> <li>Combine strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 30 mins.</li> <li>Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.</li> <li>Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk and vanilla. Spread in greased 8×8-inch dish.</li> <li>Bake 20–25 mins. Cool completely.</li> <li>Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.</li> <li>Layer crumbled shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream in a dish or cups.</li> <li>Chill 1 hour. Serve cold with extra strawberries on top.</li> </ol>

📝 Notes:

Chill your bowl and cream for fluffier whipped cream.
Macerate strawberries to enhance sweetness.
Gluten-free flour blends vary choose one with xanthan gum for best texture.
Make ahead by prepping shortcake and strawberries; whip cream before assembling.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 280 kcal 🍓 | Fat: 15g 🧈 | Carbs: 32g 🍰 | Protein: 3g 🥛 | Sugar: 18g 🍯

Conclusion

Every time I make this Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Dessert, I feel like I’m bringing a little piece of my childhood into my kitchen. Cooking isn’t just about recipes it’s about love, warmth, and creating memories. I hope this dessert brings the same joy to your home as it does to mine. From the first bite to the last, it’s a sweet reminder that some of the best moments in life are shared around the table, one comforting dessert at a time.