Vegan Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Easy Layered Summer Dessert)
This vegan gluten-free strawberry shortcake trifle is a light, layered summer dessert made with fresh strawberries, dairy-free cream, and gluten-free cake. Easy, elegant, and perfect for gatherings.
Nothing says summer quite like a chilled, layered dessert filled with fresh strawberries, fluffy cream, and soft cake. This Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is a beautiful, no-fuss dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to assemble, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
It’s the kind of recipe that works for everything from backyard BBQs and picnics to holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual weeknight treats when you want something sweet but still light and refreshing. The layers come together in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy, making it especially perfect for warm weather when you want dessert that won’t weigh you down.
Each spoonful delivers a mix of juicy strawberries, creamy coconut whipped layers, and soft gluten-free cake that soaks up all the flavor as it chills. The result is a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, with minimal effort required.
Because it can be made ahead of time and served straight from the fridge, it’s also a stress-free option when you’re hosting. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just making something special for your family, this trifle is the kind of recipe that always gets attention—and disappears quickly once it hits the table.
If you love easy vegan desserts like this, you may also enjoy:
Easy Vegan Strawberry Icebox Pie (No-Bake Summer Dessert You’ll Love)
No Bake Coconut Tart (Vegan + Gluten-Free Summer Dessert)
Easy 3-Ingredient Mango Banana Nice Cream (Healthy + Creamy Frozen Treat)
Healthy Homemade Bomb Pops (Easy Red White and Blue Popsicles)
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
This dessert checks every box for a perfect summer treat:
Completely vegan and dairy-free
Gluten-free and easy to adapt
Made with simple, everyday ingredients
No complicated baking techniques required
Beautiful layered presentation
Perfect make-ahead dessert
It’s also a great option when you need a dessert that looks impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Simple, Stunning Summer Dessert Everyone Will Love
This Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is also one of those desserts that feels effortlessly beautiful without requiring any complicated steps or special equipment. Built in simple layers, it transforms basic ingredients into something that looks bakery-worthy, making it perfect for both casual entertaining and special occasions.
What makes it especially appealing is its balance of textures and flavors. The sweet, slightly tangy strawberries soften into the cake layers, while the dairy-free cream adds richness and a smooth finish to every bite. As it chills, everything melds together, creating a spoonable dessert that is light yet satisfying.
It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to different occasions and serving styles:
Make it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining (it actually tastes better after chilling)
Serve in jars or glasses for individual portions at parties, picnics, or BBQs
Use any gluten-free cake base you prefer, from vanilla sponge to pound cake
Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for extra color and flavor
If you enjoy simple, seasonal desserts like this, you may also love exploring other easy vegan treats and gluten-free baking ideas that highlight fresh fruit and minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
Vegan Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Ingredients
- For the Shortcake:
- 3 Cups gluten-free flour
- 1 Cup almond flour
- 1/4 Cup coconut sugar
- 4 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tsp salt
- 4 Tsp baking powder
- 1/4 Cup softened coconut oil
- 1/2 Cups full-fat coconut milk (the liquid part, not the cream)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Vegan butter (to brush on shortcakes)
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 4 cans of full-fat coconut milk (refrigerated overnight- use only the cream part that separates from the liquid)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Also needed:
- 2lbs strawberries- hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 415 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all the dry shortbread ingredients and add the coconut oil. Make sure it is thoroughly mixed so there are no clumps.
- In a small bowl, combine the liquid coconut milk and the apple cider vinegar. Stir into the dry ingredients.
- Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and form the dough into 1 inch disk. Use a drinking glass to cut a circular shape. The dough will make approximately 12 shortcakes.
- Brush the tops of the shortcakes with vegan butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 415 for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- To make the whipped cream: scoop the cream part of the coconut milk out of the cans and into a large bowl. Add the maple syrup. Beat until the cream form peaks (3-5 minutes)
- To assemble the trifle: cust each shortbread into 6 sections. Layer shortbread on the bottom, then whipped cream. Add a layer of strawberries and repeat.
- Enjoy!
Vegan Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Easy Layered Summer Dessert)
Ingredients needed:
For the Gluten-free Shortcakes:
3 Cups gluten-free flour
1 Cup almond flour
1/4 Cup coconut sugar
4 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tsp salt
4 Tsp baking powder
1/4 Cup softened coconut oil
1/2 Cups full-fat coconut milk (the liquid part, not the cream)
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Vegan butter (to brush on shortcakes
For the Whipped Cream:
4 cans of full-fat coconut milk (refrigerated overnight- use only the cream part that separates from the liquid)
1/4 cup maple syrup
Also needed:
2lbs strawberries- hulled and sliced
This trifle may look complicated, but it’s anything but! The first step is to make the shortbread. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and then add the coconut oil and combine. Then add the dairy-free buttermilk (a mixture of coconut milk and apple cider vinegar) and stir together. Form the dough into 1 inch thick disks using your hands. Then, cut circular shapes out using a narrow drinking glass. Place on the lined pan and cook the shortbread for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
To make the coconut whip cream: Refrigerate 4 cans of full-fat coconut milk for 24 hours. Scoop the cream part into a large bowl (leave the liquid). Add the maple syrup and beat with a hand mixer for 3-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
Now comes the fun part- making the trifle! Cut each biscuit into 6 sections. Layer the shortbread at the bottom of the dish (use 6). Then, add half the whip cream and a layer of sliced strawberries. Add another layer of shortbread, whip cream, and strawberries. Refrigerate and when you are ready to serve let stand for 15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert is ideal for preparing in advance.
Best made 4–12 hours before serving
Can be stored in the fridge overnight
Add final garnish right before serving for freshness
Serving Ideas
This trifle is beautiful enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday treats.
Serve it for:
Summer BBQs
Bridal showers
Baby showers
Birthday parties
Holiday gatherings
Weekend family desserts
For more easy entertaining desserts, check out:
9 Easy Plant Based Vegan Salads You’ll Want to Make on Repeat
Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Thai Crunch Peanut Salad
Fresh & Flavorful Vegan Greek Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
Vibrant Black Bean Mango Salad
How to Grill Pizza
Variations You Can Try
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize.
Chocolate Strawberry Trifle
Add layers of crumbled vegan brownies instead of vanilla cake.
Mixed Berry Trifle
Swap half the strawberries for blueberries and raspberries.
Lemon Strawberry Trifle
Add lemon zest to the cream for a bright citrus flavor.
Light Coconut Version
Use extra coconut milk pudding instead of whipped cream for a softer texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This trifle works because each layer balances the others:
Strawberries add freshness and natural sweetness
Coconut cream adds richness without dairy
Gluten-free cake absorbs flavor and moisture
Light chilling time brings everything together
It’s a simple combination, but the result feels elevated and bakery-worthy.
More Vegan Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like:
Easy Vegan Smores Cookie Bars
Vegan Blueberry Galette
Best Vegan Fluffernutter Cookies
Best Vegan Peach Cobbler
Easy Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Nice Cream
FAQ Vegan Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Is this Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle easy to make?
Yes, this is a very easy dessert to assemble. There’s no complicated baking technique involved—just simple layering of cake, strawberries, and dairy-free cream. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect if you want a beautiful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, this dessert is best when made a few hours ahead. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together and the cake to soften slightly as it absorbs the strawberry juices. You can make it the morning of your event or even the night before for convenience.
What can I use instead of coconut cream?
If you don’t want to use coconut cream, you can substitute it with any vegan whipped topping or dairy-free whipped cream alternative. Just make sure it is thick enough to hold the layers in the trifle without becoming watery.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but frozen strawberries can work if needed. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid so the trifle doesn’t become too runny.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a certified gluten-free cake or sponge base, the entire dessert is gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you are serving someone with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, this trifle works beautifully in jars or small glasses. Individual portions are great for parties, picnics, and easy serving without slicing.
This Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for summer entertaining or anytime you want a beautiful dessert without complicated steps.
Once you make it, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for gatherings because it’s easy, reliable, and always a crowd favorite.
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this vegan strawberry pie, or any of my other easy vegan pies, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleny. Happy baking!
