The Ultimate Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake: A Gluten-Free Spring Dessert Dream

Discover the secret to a perfect plant-based spring dessert: Vegan Strawberry Shortcake made with Artisana Organics Cashini, crowned with sweet macerated strawberries and refreshing fresh mint. This elegant, dairy-free treat is ideal for any celebration!

Happy spring, everyone! As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, there’s an undeniable lightness in the air, a sense of renewal and playful energy. And for many, spring also ushers in the mischievous delight of April Fools’ Day. Are you someone who embraces the spirit of lighthearted pranks?

I wasn’t always a jokester, but ever since dating my partner, M, I’ve fully embraced my inner prankster. Our household has developed its own charming (and sometimes slightly chaotic) tradition of April Fools’ Day antics, often centered around things M loves most, like his nut butters!

Let me share a brief, chuckle-worthy history of April Fools’ Day at F&V HQ:

Three years ago, during the quiet days of the quarantine pandemic, a nameless, tagless plant was delivered via Whole Foods. I shrewdly replaced a deceased plant with this new, vibrant one and patiently waited to see how long it would take M to notice the swap. (Spoiler alert: That “nameless” plant is now our largest Monstera, affectionately dubbed “our child,” and it has triumphantly taken over an *entire* corner of our living room. So, perhaps the ultimate joke was on me after all, as it now requires significant attention!)

Two years ago, my prank game escalated. While at a bachelorette party on April 1st, I executed a masterpiece: filling an empty Artisana Organics Cashew Butter jar with… Tahini! The best part? M called me, utterly perplexed, asking why his beloved cashew butter tasted so “bitter.” My girlfriends and I dissolved into fits of uncontrollable laughter, an unforgettable moment of long-distance mischief.

Last year, I leveraged the previous year’s prank. I convinced M that Artisana Organics, having heard about his unfortunate tahini-infused cashew butter experience, had created special jars of “Cashini” just for him! I thoroughly enjoyed watching him grapple with belief versus disbelief, weighing my usual honesty about brand partnerships against my well-established history of April Fools’ pranking.

This year, the prank is still under wraps, but one thing is certain: it absolutely has to involve both cashew and tahini in some creative way. And speaking of cashew and tahini, you know what else perfectly blends these two incredible ingredients?

These absolutely divine Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcakes! Made with the exceptional Artisana Organics Cashini, these shortcakes are incredibly moist and flavorful, offering a unique twist on a classic. They’re beautifully topped with juicy, macerated strawberries and a scattering of fresh mint, creating a truly classy and elegant spring dessert!

This recipe is not only a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors but also a testament to how simple and delicious plant-based baking can be. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, gluten, or simply looking for a wholesome yet indulgent treat, these shortcakes are a must-try. The combination of sweet strawberries, rich Cashini, and light coconut whipped cream creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake? The Perfect Plant-Based Indulgence

Strawberry shortcake is a quintessential spring and summer dessert, beloved for its simple charm and irresistible combination of tender cake, sweet berries, and creamy topping. Our vegan version elevates this classic, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with dietary restrictions or who prefer a plant-based lifestyle. By using Artisana Organics Cashini, we infuse the shortcakes with a delightful, nutty depth and a wonderfully moist texture that traditional recipes often lack without dairy. This recipe is also naturally gluten-free, ensuring a light and satisfying treat for all.

What You Need to Make These Irresistible Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcakes

Crafting these magnificent shortcakes requires just a few wholesome, plant-based ingredients that come together to create a truly magical dessert. Here’s what you’ll need for the tender, flavorful shortcake base:

• Ground flaxseed: This magical ingredient acts as our “flax egg,” binding the dough beautifully and replacing traditional eggs in this vegan recipe. It’s also packed with omega-3s!
• Full-fat coconut milk: Essential for richness and moisture, full-fat coconut milk contributes to the creamy texture and subtle tropical notes of the shortcakes.
• Unrefined coconut sugar: A healthier alternative to refined sugars, coconut sugar provides a delicate sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Artisana Organics Cashini: The star ingredient! This unique blend of raw cashew butter and tahini adds an unparalleled depth of flavor, richness, and healthy fats, making these shortcakes exceptionally tender and unique.
• Superfine almond flour: For a delicate, light texture and a dose of protein, almond flour is a fantastic gluten-free choice.
• Gluten-free oat flour: This adds a wholesome chewiness and structure to the shortcakes, complementing the almond flour beautifully.
• Baking powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the shortcakes rise to be light and fluffy.
• Himalayan sea salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the nutty notes of the Cashini.

That’s it! With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable vegan dessert.

How to Effortlessly Make Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake

While these shortcakes may look like they belong in a fancy patisserie, I assure you, they are surprisingly simple to make! I’ve streamlined the process with convenient shortcuts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.

Begin by preparing your flax egg: in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with filtered water. Give it a good stir and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the flaxseed will absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency, acting as a perfect plant-based binder.

Next, introduce the creamy elements: add the full-fat coconut milk, unrefined coconut sugar, and the star Artisana Organics Cashini to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with a spatula until all these wet ingredients are beautifully combined and smooth. The Cashini will lend a rich, nutty aroma and a wonderfully soft base to your dough.

Now, for the dry ingredients: add the superfine almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, baking powder, and a delicate pinch of Himalayan sea salt to the wet mixture. Continue mixing with your spatula, gently folding the ingredients until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a perfectly combined dough will be thick, slightly sticky, and uniform.

Once your dough is ready, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for approximately an hour. This crucial step allows the flours to fully hydrate and the dough to firm up, making it much easier to handle and contributing to the shortcakes’ tender texture.

While your dough is chilling, you’ll have ample time to ponder your next brilliant April Fools’ comedic act. Or, perhaps, simply relax and anticipate the deliciousness to come!

A Baker’s Secret: How to Form Perfect Shortcakes Without Special Tools

Forget the rolling pin and cookie cutters! This recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to create beautifully rustic shortcakes with just your hands and a glass. Let me show you how to achieve perfectly shaped delights:

After the hour of chilling, your dough will be more manageable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Scoop out about two Tablespoons of the chilled dough. Using your hands, gently roll it into a neat ball. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic charm is part of the shortcake’s appeal!

Place the dough ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a clean glass, gently flatten the ball into a disc, aiming for a diameter of about 3 inches. This creates the classic shortcake shape.

Repeat this process until all of the dough has been used, ensuring you leave adequate space between each disc on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and spreading. This recipe typically yields 6 to 9 shortcake discs, depending on their size.

For a golden finish, lightly brush the top of each shortcake with a little extra full-fat coconut milk and sprinkle them with a touch more coconut sugar. This creates a beautiful caramelization and adds an extra layer of sweetness to the crust.

Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the bottoms are firm. When removed from the oven, the shortcakes should feel firm to the touch but still tender inside, not hard or brittle. Allow them to cool slightly before assembling.

Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Topping: Sweet and Tangy Macerated Berries

Now that your shortcakes are baking to perfection, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the luscious strawberry topping. Macerating the strawberries brings out their natural sweetness and creates a wonderful syrup that coats every bite.

Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant and irresistible topping:

• Fresh strawberries: The fresher, the better! Opt for ripe, juicy berries for the most intense flavor.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the berries’ sweetness without overpowering them.
• Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and maple syrup.

That’s all it takes to create a truly spectacular topping!

Making the Strawberry Topping: Simple Steps for Bursting Flavor

While your shortcakes are in the oven, you can efficiently prepare this delicious strawberry topping. The process is quick and yields incredible results.

First, thoroughly wash and slice your fresh strawberries. Place the sliced berries into a small mixing bowl. Next, drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the strawberries, ensuring they are lightly coated. Follow with a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Using a spatula, gently stir the ingredients to coat all the strawberries in the liquid. Then, simply allow them to sit and macerate. This process helps the strawberries release their natural juices, creating a delicious, syrupy consistency and intensifying their flavor.

You have the flexibility to prepare this topping in advance or just before you plan to serve. The longer the strawberries sit and marinate, the more their juices will break down, resulting in an even richer and saucier topping. This maceration process is key to unlocking the full, vibrant flavor of the berries, making them the perfect complement to the rich Cashini shortcakes.

The Cloud-Like Crown: What You Need for Dreamy Coconut Whipped Cream

No shortcake is truly complete without a generous dollop of creamy, dreamy whipped topping. For our vegan version, we turn to the wonders of coconut whipped cream, a light and luscious alternative that perfectly complements the rich shortcakes and sweet strawberries.

You have two excellent options here: you can either whip up your own homemade coconut cream (which is surprisingly simple!) or, for ultimate convenience, opt for a high-quality store-bought vegan whipped cream.

If you’re making it at home, here’s what you’ll need for this airy, dairy-free delight:

• Full-fat coconut cream (chilled overnight): This is the essential base. Chilling the can overnight is crucial, as it separates the thick cream from the liquid, allowing you to scoop out only the solid, whip-able part.
• Maple syrup: Just a touch of maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness to the whipped cream, enhancing its flavor without making it overly sugary.

And that’s genuinely all there is to it! With these two ingredients, you can create a topping that’s incredibly light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.

Whipping Up Perfection: How to Make Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream

Creating homemade coconut whipped cream is an easy and rewarding process. The key is proper preparation of your coconut cream.

First, ensure your can of full-fat coconut cream has been chilled in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the rich, solid cream to separate from the watery liquid. Carefully open the can and drain off the liquid part (you can save this for smoothies or other recipes!). Transfer only the thick, solid coconut cream into a chilled mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Begin whisking the coconut cream on medium-high speed. Within about 30 seconds to a minute, it should transform into a smooth, fluffy, and airy consistency, much like traditional whipped cream. Once it reaches this desired texture, add the maple syrup. Continue to whisk for a few more seconds to fully combine the sweetener.

The resulting Coconut Whipped Cream should be delightfully light, fluffy, and smooth, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the shortcakes and strawberries. It’s truly a game-changer for plant-based desserts!

Artisana Organics Raw Cashini: The Secret Ingredient Unveiled

Jokes and pranks aside, let’s talk about the genuine star of this show: Artisana Organics Raw Cashini. This exceptional product is truly amazing and quickly becoming a staple in my pantry. It’s a delicious, innovative blend of two of my absolute favorite nut/seed butters: creamy raw cashew butter and rich tahini! This fusion creates a flavor profile that is truly unique and versatile.

The beauty of Cashini lies in its simplicity and purity. The only ingredients are raw organic cashews, organic sesame seeds, and a hint of sea salt. This minimal ingredient list ensures you’re getting a product that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

What sets Cashini apart is its exquisite balance. It strikes the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making it incredibly adaptable for various culinary applications, from sweet treats like these shortcakes to savory dressings and sauces. I particularly appreciate that this nut/seed butter is entirely raw and minimally processed, preserving its nutrient density and vibrant, natural flavor. This commitment to raw, organic ingredients means you’re fueling your body with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.

As an added bonus, Artisana Organics Raw Cashini is naturally vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary preferences and health-conscious eaters. Its smooth, decadent texture and complex flavor truly make it a standout product, and it’s the secret weapon behind the incredible depth of these Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcakes!

How to Serve Your Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake (and Storage Tips!)

Assembling your Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake is the final, delightful step before indulging. To serve, simply place one of your perfectly baked shortcakes on a plate. Then, generously top it with a spoonful (or two!) of the airy coconut whipped cream, followed by a bountiful scoop of the glistening, macerated strawberries. Feel free to arrange them artistically or pile them high – it doesn’t really matter whether you layer the coconut whip or strawberries on first, as long as you get them on there! Garnish with a fresh mint leaf for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best experience!

Storage Tips: To keep any leftover shortcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The leftover macerated strawberries and coconut whipped cream should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For the best flavor and texture, recombine all the components just before serving again. This ensures the shortcakes remain tender and the topping fresh for a festive and delicious spring dessert every time.

Enjoy every delightful bite of this plant-based masterpiece!

More Irresistible Vegan Cake Recipes to Explore

If you’ve loved this Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious vegan cake recipes from our kitchen that you might enjoy:

• Vegan Chocolate Cake with Sweet Potato Frosting

• 1-Bowl Apple Oat Cake

• Vegan Holiday Fruit Cake

• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

We Want to Hear From You! Share Your Creations!

We absolutely adore seeing your culinary adventures! If you try this incredible Vegan Cashini Strawberry Shortcake recipe, please let us know how it turned out! Your feedback is invaluable and helps us create even more delicious content for you.

Be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your beautiful creations!

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by Artisana Organics, but all words, opinions, and delicious eats are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting the amazing sponsors that keep me hungry and inspired to create!