The Ultimate Healthy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cups: Vegan, Gluten-Free & Easy!

Say hello to your new favorite summer dessert! These healthy Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a dream come true for anyone craving a guilt-free, refreshing treat. They begin with an irresistible edible protein sugar cookie dough base, crowned with a light and fluffy strawberry ice-cream like topping, and enveloped in a creamy, crunchy white chocolate coating. Not only are these delights entirely vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare, coming together in less than 15 minutes. This makes them the ultimate quick summer snack or dessert, perfect for warm days or anytime you need a sweet escape!

Experience the Magic of No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Since the overwhelming success of my original cookie dough bars, I’ve been eager to explore new flavor combinations. With summer just around the corner and strawberry season in full bloom, it was only natural to infuse these frozen treats with a vibrant berry twist! These no-bake strawberry shortcake cups are a testament to how simple, healthy ingredients can create an unbelievably delicious dessert.

The foundation of these frozen delights is a wholesome, no-bake, high-protein, sugar cookie-style “shortbread” base. This provides a satisfying chewiness and a hint of classic shortbread flavor without any baking. Next, they are generously topped with a luscious strawberry coconut whipped cream that firms up beautifully in the freezer, transforming into an almost ice cream-like layer. Finally, each cup is frozen solid and then coated in a crisp, sweet white chocolate shell. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich white chocolate is truly divine, reminiscent of a delightful hybrid between strawberry cheesecake and classic strawberry shortcake. Prepare to be amazed by their flavor and ease!

Are you a fan of cookie dough? Don’t stop here! Be sure to try my other healthy cookie dough recipes like these mouth-watering protein cookie dough bars, energizing oatmeal cookie dough overnight oats, or my creamy healthy cookie dough ice cream/frozen yogurt!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

These healthy strawberry shortcake cups aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly convenient and cater to a variety of dietary needs. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Truly No-Bake: Forget turning on your oven, which is especially a blessing during the sweltering summer months! This recipe requires zero baking, making it perfect for quick assembly and less heat in the kitchen. All you need is a bowl for mixing and a simple silicone cupcake or muffin mold for shaping.
• Naturally Sweetened: We avoid refined sugars, relying on natural sweeteners like maple syrup and the inherent sweetness of strawberries to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that won’t leave you with a sugar crash.
• Protein-Packed Power: Each cup is packed with plant-based protein, thanks to the addition of protein powder in both the base and the topping. This makes them a satisfying snack that keeps you fuller for longer, supporting your healthy lifestyle.
• Wholesome Whole Food Ingredients: We prioritize whole food ingredients, ensuring you’re fueling your body with nutritious components rather than artificial additives. You can feel good about every bite!
• Ideal for Meal Prep: These strawberry shortcake cups are fantastic for meal prepping healthy treats. Make a batch on the weekend and store them in the freezer for easy access to a delightful dessert or snack throughout the week.
• Allergy-Friendly Goodness: This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be dairy-free, egg-free, grain-free, and gluten-free. This means more people can enjoy these scrumptious treats without worry, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or for those with specific dietary requirements.

Recipe Video: How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Watch how incredibly simple it is to whip up these delightful no-bake strawberry shortcake cups! This video will guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

Mastering Your Strawberry Shortcake Cups: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these vegan and gluten-free strawberry shortcake cups is a breeze. For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe card located at the bottom of this post. Here’s a quick overview of the simple process:

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible treats. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

For the Protein Cookie Dough Base:

• Almond Flour: This is the secret to achieving that perfect, tender cookie dough texture for our shortbread base. It provides a rich, slightly sweet flavor. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free option, Tiger Nut flour is an excellent alternative that maintains a similar texture. While oat flour can technically work, it’s much more absorbent and will alter the texture, potentially requiring extra liquid like a splash of plant-based milk.
• Protein Powder: I highly recommend a vanilla-flavored protein powder, such as Macro Mike Vanilla Buttercream, as it significantly enhances the flavor of the base. It also boosts the nutritional profile, making these cups more satisfying. You can use my code “amb-dani” for a discount on your order!
• Cashew or Almond Butter: For the most neutral flavor that allows the strawberry to shine, cashew butter is your best bet. Almond butter also works wonderfully. I do not recommend peanut butter due to its strong, distinctive flavor. For a delicious nut-free alternative, Oat Haus Granola Butter is a fantastic choice!
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners provide the perfect amount of sweetness without any refined sugars. Maple syrup keeps the recipe strictly vegan.
• Vanilla Extract & Pinch of Salt: These essential flavor enhancers bring out the best in the other ingredients, adding depth and balance to the cookie dough base.

For the Creamy Ice Cream-Like Layer:

• So Delicious Coconut Whip or Cool Whip Alternative: This forms the light, airy, and dairy-free whipped topping that transforms into a delightful ice cream-like layer when frozen. Ensure it’s well-chilled for best whipping results.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: Another scoop of vanilla protein powder adds to the creamy texture and boosts the protein content of the topping, making it even more nutritious.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the whipped layer, complementing the strawberry perfectly.
• Strawberry Jam: The star of the show! You can use your favorite store-bought strawberry jam (opt for one with minimal added sugars) or whip up a batch of homemade jam. For an extra fiber boost and reduced sugar, consider using chia jam. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of strawberry intensity!

For the Creamy White Chocolate Coating:

• White Chocolate Chips: The final touch that gives these shortcake cups their irresistible crunch and creamy exterior. Choose high-quality white chocolate chips that align with your dietary needs. Pascha offers amazing vegan white chocolate chips, while Lily’s & Bake Believe are excellent sugar-free options. Evolved Chocolate also provides a great paleo white chocolate bar for those following a paleo lifestyle.
• Coconut Oil: A small amount of coconut oil is crucial here. It helps to thin out the melted chocolate, making it easier to dip the frozen cups and ensuring a smooth, even coating.

Simple Steps to Crafting Your Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of homemade, healthy strawberry shortcake cups:

• Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Cookie Dough Base – In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, protein powder, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon or two of almond flour until it’s pliable but not dry. Evenly divide this delicious dough among the wells of a silicone muffin tin, pressing it firmly into the bottoms to create a solid base about halfway full.
• Step 2: Craft the Fluffy Ice Cream Layer – Scoop approximately two-thirds of the coconut whip (or your chosen whipped topping) into a large bowl. Add the vanilla protein powder and vanilla extract, then whip the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. Gently fold in the strawberry jam until just combined, creating a beautiful pink, creamy topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the cookie dough layers in the muffin tin, filling them almost to the top. Place the entire muffin tin into the freezer and allow it to set for 4-5 hours, or ideally, overnight, until thoroughly firm.
• Step 3: Apply the Crunchy Chocolate Coating – Once the shortcake cups are completely frozen and solid, it’s time for their final flourish. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips with the coconut oil until smooth and fluid. Carefully remove the firm shortcake cups from the freezer and gently pop them out of the silicone mold. Dip each frozen cup entirely into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated cups onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet or plate. Immediately return them to the freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate coating is completely set and crunchy.
• Storage: Once the chocolate is set, transfer your finished healthy strawberry shortcake cups to an air-tight container. Store them in the freezer to maintain their firm, refreshing texture. For the best enjoyment, let them thaw for about 3-4 minutes at room temperature before indulging.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Shortcake Cups

While these no-bake strawberry shortcake cups are perfect as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add Fresh Strawberry Chunks: For an extra burst of fresh fruit flavor and texture, you can finely dice fresh strawberries and gently stir them into the strawberry coconut whip layer before freezing. Just remember that they will become frozen and firm, adding a delightful icy bite!
• Experiment with Different Jams: Don’t limit yourself to strawberry! Raspberry jam would be absolutely delicious in the whipped topping, offering a tart and sweet alternative. Blueberry or mixed berry jam could also create exciting new flavor profiles.
• Crunchy Toppings: Before the white chocolate coating sets in the freezer, consider sprinkling a pinch of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra pop of color and intense strawberry flavor. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (if not nut-free) or shredded coconut could also add a lovely texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success

To help you achieve the best possible results with your healthy no-bake strawberry shortcake cups, here are some common questions and expert advice:

• Can I make these strawberry shortcake cups nut-free? Absolutely! To make this recipe completely nut-free, simply swap the almond flour in the base for tiger nut flour. For the nut butter, use a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter (SunButter) or a granola butter alternative like Oat Haus Granola Butter.
• Do I really need protein powder for this recipe? While protein powder adds a fantastic creaminess to both layers and significantly boosts the nutritional content, it is optional. If you prefer to omit it, you can substitute it with an extra spoonful or two of cashew or almond butter in the base, and perhaps a bit more coconut whip in the topping to maintain the desired consistency.
• What kind of muffin tin should I use? For effortlessly removing your frozen shortcake cups, a silicone muffin tin is highly recommended. The flexibility of silicone makes popping out the frozen treats incredibly easy without any sticking.
• Can I make smaller portions? Yes! If you’re looking for smaller, more macro-friendly treats, you can definitely use a mini muffin tin. Adjust the portion size accordingly when pressing the base and adding the topping. The freezing time might also be slightly reduced for smaller cups.
• How long do these last in the freezer? When stored in an airtight container, these no-bake shortcake cups will stay fresh and delicious in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. They are perfect for preparing in advance!
• Can I use frozen strawberries? While fresh strawberries are ideal for flavor and texture, you can certainly use frozen strawberries if fresh are not in season. Thaw them first, then use them to make a quick homemade chia jam, or finely dice them and incorporate them into the topping as a variation.

Explore More Healthy No-Bake Treats You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy, healthy, and delicious no-bake desserts, you’re in for a treat! Here are more recipes from our collection that you might enjoy:

• Delightful Strawberry Frozen S’mores
• Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
• Classic-Inspired Healthy Dilly Bars
• Simple 2-Ingredient Orange Sorbet
• Wholesome Healthy Snickers Bites
• Easy 2-Ingredient Rolo’s Copycat
• The Best Vegan Frozen Yogurt
• Quick & Refreshing Strawberry Yogurt Bites
• Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfait

If you give this amazing recipe a try and fall in love with these healthy strawberry shortcake cups, it would truly mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below! Don’t forget to tag me in your beautiful creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats – I love seeing what you make!