Are you yearning for the sweet, summery delight of strawberry shortcake but hesitant due to concerns about refined sugars, processed flours, and artificial ingredients? The traditional version, while undeniably delicious, can often leave you feeling guilty and sluggish. What if you could indulge in this classic treat without compromising your health?
The good news is you can! This article unveils a delicious and nourishing recipe for whole food strawberry shortcake, a healthier alternative that celebrates natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients. Say goodbye to processed foods and hello to a guilt-free dessert that will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
Defining Whole Food in This Dessert
The term “whole food” refers to foods that are unprocessed, unrefined, or processed as little as possible before consumption. These foods are as close to their natural state as you can get. In the context of this strawberry shortcake recipe, we’re making conscious substitutions to replace refined ingredients with their healthier, whole food counterparts.
Instead of refined white flour, we’ll use whole wheat flour or almond flour. Whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ, providing fiber and nutrients stripped away during the refining process. Almond flour offers healthy fats and protein, making it a fantastic gluten-free option.
Rather than refined sugar, we’ll embrace natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. These sweeteners, while still sugars, contain trace minerals and antioxidants not found in processed white sugar. They also tend to have a slightly lower glycemic index, meaning they cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar.
And finally, we’ll forgo the traditional dairy-based whipped cream in favor of coconut cream or cashew cream. These plant-based options are lower in saturated fat and offer a creamy, decadent texture that perfectly complements the strawberries and shortcake.
Exploring the Health Benefits of This Delightful Treat
This whole food strawberry shortcake isn’t just about swapping ingredients; it’s about creating a dessert that actively contributes to your well-being. The nutrient density of the whole food ingredients makes this dessert a treat you can feel good about.
Strawberries, the star of the show, are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and protects against cell damage. They also contain other beneficial antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant red color and have been linked to improved heart health.
The use of whole wheat flour contributes a significant amount of fiber to the dessert. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management. If you opt for almond flour, you’ll be adding a boost of healthy fats, which are crucial for brain function and hormone production.
Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey provide a touch of sweetness while also offering trace minerals like manganese and potassium. These minerals play important roles in various bodily functions. Moreover, the minimally processed nature of these sweeteners retains more of their natural enzymes and antioxidants compared to refined sugar.
Compared to a traditional strawberry shortcake, this whole food version boasts a superior nutritional profile. It’s lower in refined sugar, higher in fiber, and contains a wider range of vitamins and minerals. By choosing whole food ingredients, you’re transforming a typically indulgent dessert into a treat that nourishes your body from the inside out. It’s a truly guilt free whole food strawberry shortcake
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Let’s delve deeper into the key ingredients that make this whole food strawberry shortcake a success.
Strawberries are at their peak during the spring and summer months. Choose berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid berries that are dull, bruised, or moldy. Before using them, gently wash and hull the strawberries. Slicing the berries and macerating them with a touch of maple syrup or honey will draw out their natural juices and intensify their flavor.
When it comes to flour, you have several options. Whole wheat flour provides a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. Almond flour offers a gluten-free alternative with a slightly sweet taste. You can also use a gluten-free blend if you have specific dietary restrictions. Experiment with different flours to find your favorite flavor and texture. Be mindful that almond flour tends to dry out baked goods more, so you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly.
Maple syrup and honey are excellent natural sweeteners. Maple syrup offers a rich, caramel-like flavor, while honey provides a floral sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries and your personal preference. Dates, soaked and blended into a paste, are another good option for a refined sugar free whole food strawberry shortcake.
A touch of fat is essential for creating a tender and flavorful shortcake. Coconut oil or butter work well in this recipe. Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor, while butter provides a rich, buttery taste.
For the whipped cream alternative, coconut cream and cashew cream are both fantastic choices. Coconut cream is naturally sweet and has a luscious, creamy texture. Cashew cream is rich and decadent, with a slightly nutty flavor. Both options are delicious and offer a healthier alternative to traditional whipped cream. You must chill the coconut cream overnight in the refrigerator for it to separate and whip properly. Similarly, cashews must be soaked for several hours before blending into a cream.
Crafting the Shortcake: A Step-by-Step Guide
First, begin by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature and preparing your baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk together your chosen flour (whole wheat or almond), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine your melted coconut oil or butter with the natural sweetener (maple syrup or honey) and mix well. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will result in a tough shortcake.
Next, gently fold in any desired additions, such as chopped nuts, seeds, or citrus zest. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for around fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
While the shortcakes are baking, prepare your strawberries. Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Macerate them with a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or honey to enhance their natural sweetness.
If you’re using coconut cream, ensure it has been chilled overnight. Scoop out the solid cream from the top of the can, leaving the watery liquid behind. Whip the coconut cream with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. If you’re using cashew cream, drain the soaked cashews and blend them with a touch of water and sweetener until smooth and creamy.
Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, slice them in half. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake, top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or cashew cream, and place the top half of the shortcake on top.
Exploring Delicious Variations
There are countless ways to customize this whole food strawberry shortcake to suit your taste and dietary needs.
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredient list of your flour blend to ensure it is free of any unwanted additives.
For a vegan version, ensure you’re using maple syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup is a plant-based sweetener, while honey is a product of bees.
Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries! This shortcake is delicious with other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a combination of berries.
Consider adding a touch of lemon zest, vanilla extract, or cinnamon to the shortcake dough for extra flavor. A sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp seeds can also add a boost of nutrients.
Serving and Presenting Your Creation
To assemble your whole food strawberry shortcake, start with the bottom half of the shortcake. Generously spoon the macerated strawberries over the bottom half, allowing the juices to soak into the cake. Top with a dollop of your chosen whipped cream alternative. Place the top half of the shortcake on top and garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder.
This dessert is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. A cup of herbal tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine pairs perfectly with this delightful treat.
Conclusion: Indulge Guilt-Free
This whole food strawberry shortcake is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy delicious desserts without compromising your health. By swapping refined ingredients for whole food alternatives, you’re creating a treat that nourishes your body and satisfies your cravings. The combination of sweet strawberries, tender shortcake, and creamy topping is a perfect symphony of flavors and textures. So, go ahead, indulge in a slice of this guilt-free delight and experience the joy of whole food baking. Share your creations and discoveries and enjoy the journey towards better eating. This whole food strawberry shortcake will not disappoint.
