Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
The Ultimate Plant-Based Celebration Dessert That’ll Make Everyone Forget It’s Vegan!
Quick Key Info
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Vegan, Optional Gluten-Free
Essential Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring tools
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake Ingredients
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups non-dairy milk
- 9 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp strawberry preserves (optional)
Strawberry Topping
- 1-1½ lbs fresh strawberries
- Optional: Mint leaves for garnish
Vegan Whipped Cream
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk (chilled)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pro Baking Method
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (177°C)
- Prepare vegan “buttermilk” by mixing non-dairy milk with vinegar
- Sift dry ingredients
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently
- Divide batter between two greased cake pans
- Bake 30-35 minutes until golden
Whipped Cream Technique
- Chill coconut milk overnight
- Scoop solid cream from top
- Whip with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
Assembly Magic
- Cool cakes completely
- Layer with vegan whipped cream
- Decorate with fresh strawberries
- Optional: Swirl strawberry preserves
Crucial Baking Tips
- Never over-mix batter – keeps cake tender
- Chill coconut milk overnight for best whipped cream
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Dust strawberries in flour to prevent sinking
Troubleshooting
- Dense cake? You’ve over-mixed
- Runny cream? Ensure ingredients are ice-cold
- Strawberries watery? Drain excess juice
Delicious Variations
- Gluten-free flour blend
- Lemon-infused cream
- Add fresh basil for complexity
- Sheet cake alternative
Storage Wisdom
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Best served within 24 hours
- Keep covered to maintain moisture
Dietary Considerations
- Contains: Wheat, potential nut traces
- Allergen-friendly options available
- Low saturated fat compared to traditional cake
Why This Cake Rocks
- Packed with Vitamin C
- Lower in saturated fat
- Impressive party centerpiece
- Totally plant-powered deliciousness
Pro Tip: Serve slightly chilled for maximum flavor explosion! 🍓🎂
