Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like strawberry shortcake. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and bursting with flavor. But for those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, traditional versions loaded with sugar and white flour are off the menu—until now.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a Keto Strawberry Shortcake that delivers everything you love about the classic dessert—soft, buttery biscuits, sweet juicy strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream—without the carb crash. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving a guilt-free indulgence, this low-carb twist is sure to satisfy.
This isn’t just another keto dessert recipe—it’s a comprehensive guide with tips, variations, nutritional insights, and expert baking techniques to elevate your healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
1. Why Choose Keto Strawberry Shortcake?
✨ Flavor Meets Function
The ketogenic diet prioritizes fats and proteins while minimizing carbohydrates. But that doesn’t mean dessert is out of the question. This strawberry shortcake is:
- Low in net carbs (approx. 5g per serving)
- Gluten-free
- Refined sugar-free
- Rich in healthy fats and fiber
- 100% indulgent without the guilt
Unlike store-bought keto sweets that often taste artificial, this recipe uses whole ingredients, giving you control over flavor and texture.
2. Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
Here’s what makes this recipe delicious and keto-friendly:
🥥 For the Biscuits:
- Almond flour – Adds structure and healthy fats.
- Coconut flour – Absorbs moisture and creates a cakey texture.
- Baking powder – Gives rise to the biscuit for a fluffy crumb.
- Frozen butter – Essential for flakiness. Can sub with coconut oil.
- Eggs – For structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- Heavy cream – Adds moisture and tenderness.
🥄 Substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- No almond flour? Try sunflower seed flour as a nut-free option.
- Sugar substitute: Use monk fruit, erythritol, Swerve, or allulose.
🍓 For the Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh strawberries – The star of the dish.
- Lemon juice – Brightens and balances sweetness.
- Allulose or your preferred keto sweetener – Makes a syrupy, juicy mix.
🍶 For the Whipped Cream:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sweetener
- Vanilla extract
3. Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheese grater (for butter)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (for whipped cream)
- Serrated knife (to slice biscuits)
- Measuring cups and spoons
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into easy, foolproof steps:
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- Wash and hull 1½ cups of fresh strawberries.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1–2 tablespoons sweetener.
- Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to macerate.
🧁 Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- ¼ cup granulated sweetener
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Grate 3 tablespoons frozen butter into the flour.
- Use fingers to work it in until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk:
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)
- Mix wet ingredients into dry until dough holds together (not sticky).
- Divide into 6 equal balls. Flatten to 1-inch thick discs.
- Place on a lined baking sheet.
🔥 Step 3: Bake the Biscuits
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and firm.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes on the tray before transferring to a rack.
🥄 Step 4: Whip the Cream
- In a cold bowl, add:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sweetener
- ½ tsp vanilla
- Whip until stiff peaks form (3–4 minutes).
🍓 Step 5: Assemble the Shortcakes
- Slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
- Add a spoonful of strawberries and whipped cream on the bottom half.
- Top with the other biscuit half.
- Add another dollop of cream and a few strawberry slices.
- Serve immediately.
5. Pro Tips for Success
✅ Use frozen butter to create flaky layers—like traditional shortcakes.
✅ Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined.
✅ Let the strawberries sit long enough to release juices.
✅ Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster results.
✅ Adjust sweetener based on taste and type used. Some keto sweeteners are sweeter than others.
6. Creative Variations
- Chocolate Chip Biscuits: Add 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips to the dough.
- Berry Mix: Use a mix of blueberries and raspberries with strawberries.
- Mini Shortcakes: Make smaller biscuits for party-sized portions.
- Keto Angel Cake Style: Bake the dough in muffin tins for a taller, cake-like shape.
7. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sugar | 2g (natural) |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 240mg |
8. Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Biscuits: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.
- Strawberries: Refrigerate up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- Whipped Cream: Store in fridge for up to 2 days. Re-whip before using.
✅ For longer storage: Freeze biscuits for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes before using.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using too much coconut flour – It absorbs moisture quickly and can dry out the biscuits.
❌ Skipping the lemon juice – It enhances strawberry flavor and balances sweetness.
❌ Overbaking – Biscuits should be golden, not brown. Check at 15 minutes.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is this keto strawberry shortcake gluten-free?
Yes, it’s made with almond and coconut flours—naturally gluten-free.
❓ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Fresh is best for texture.
❓ Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
With only 5g net carbs per serving and no added sugar, it’s ideal for many diabetics, but always check with a healthcare provider.
❓ How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut oil in the biscuits and coconut cream for the whipped topping.
11. Best Ways to Serve Keto Strawberry Shortcake
- Elegant Party Plating: Garnish with mint leaves and a dusting of powdered erythritol.
- DIY Shortcake Bar: Let guests build their own at a summer gathering.
- Pair with Keto Beverages: Serve with iced bulletproof coffee, sparkling water with lemon, or keto rosé.
12. Final Thoughts: A Keto Classic Worth Celebrating
Keto Strawberry Shortcake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reminder that living low-carb doesn’t mean living without. It’s possible to recreate the desserts you love with clean ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and satisfying flavor.
This dessert brings together everything you want: texture, sweetness, richness, and nostalgia, all within keto guidelines. It’s a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your summer rotation—and one that your non-keto friends will love, too.
