Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1

Remove the leaves from your strawberries and cut them into chunks. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with sugar. Let them rest for at least 20-30 minutes.

Step 2

Start with the shortcakes. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a jug, combine the oat milk and apple cider vinegar. Briefly whisk to combine, then set aside for 10 minutes, this will be our vegan buttermilk.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and caster sugar.

Step 5

Cut the vegan butter into small chunks, then add it to the flour mixture. Use your hands to rub it into the dry ingredients and lift the flour/butter whilst you do so to add air to the mix.

Step 6

Stir the lemon zest into the vegan buttermilk, then pour the mix into the large bowl. Combine with a spatula.

Step 7

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to roughly 3/4 inch height. Divide into 4 equal pieces and gently shape each piece - round or square, to your preference. You can also use a pastry cutter to create the clean sharp edges of a typical shortcake.

Step 8

Brush the top with a little plant milk, sprinkle with a little sugar and bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden.

Step 9

Remove them from the oven and let them cool down for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack, before slicing.

Step 10

Place the coconut whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl.

Step 11

Sprinkle in the sugar and vanilla extract, then begin whisking using an electric whisk on medium speed.

Step 12

Slowly increase the speed to medium-high as the cream thickens until stiff peaks form. Stop whisking immediately and place the whipped coconut cream into the fridge.

Step 13

Slice the shortcake.

Step 14

Place a spoonful of whipped coconut cream onto the bottom half of the shortcake.

Step 15

Top with strawberries.

Step 16

Place the top half of the shortcake on top.

Step 17

Optional: you can decorate the top with a little more whipped cream & strawberries to make them look pretty, if you like!