As a little girl, I loved strawberry shortcake. In my pre-vegan cooking days, I used the boxed pancake mix and added milk and eggs. With this recipe, you get that same crispy but light, sweet but slightly savory flavor in the shortcake. Strawberries are key, but once that magical strawberry month passes, you could use any ripe fruit in this-- it's awesome with blueberries, raspberries, and/or peaches.
2 c. all-purpose flour (* or 1/2 spelt)
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. cold vegan margarine, cut into small pieces
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 c. cold nondairy milk
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 Tbsp. agave nectar for strawberries
1 c. raw cashews, soaked overnight
1/2- 2/3 c. water (start with less)
1 Tbsp. maple syrup or agave nectar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400º F. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add in margarine pieces and pulse (or use hands to pinch it) until the margarine is combined. The mixture should look like small pebbles. Add the nondairy milk and stir just until combined.
Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface until it is soft. Split the dough into two equal circular pieces and roll or pat the dough until it reaches about ¾-1 inch in thickness. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Once the dough is in the oven, cut the strawberries into thin pieces and mix in the sugar. The strawberries will develop a sweet juice as the dough is baking.
Prepare the whipped cashew cream by blending all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Adjust the flavors according to your tastes, and store in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the shortcake. The recipe should make about 2 cups of cashew cream.
Allow the dough to cool completely before assembling. To assemble, layer the shortcake with biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream, saving a few strawberries for decorating the top.
Per serving: 372 calories, 19g fat, 160 calories from fat, 9g protein, 45g carbohydrates, 3g dietary fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 1.1mg manganese, 26.4mg vitamin C