Sugar-Free Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for Diabetics

Gather these simple ingredients to create your healthy and delicious sugar-free strawberry shortcake:

• 9-14 ounces sugar-free angel food cake (255-397g)
• 2 lbs fresh strawberries (907g)
• 2 tablespoons Swerve granular sweetener, divided
• 1 medium lime
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup heavy cream

You can find a printable recipe card with full details further down the page!

Choosing Your Sweetener: Swerve and Beyond

For this recipe, we utilize Swerve granular sweetener, a popular sugar substitute known for its excellent taste and baking properties. Swerve is a blend primarily made with erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels. It measures cup-for-cup like sugar, making it an easy 1:1 replacement in most recipes. While other 1:1 sugar alternatives exist, it’s crucial to ensure they match the sweetness profile of white sugar, as some, like many allulose-based sweeteners, may offer less intensity. Erythritol, found in Swerve, is well-tolerated by most and has a minimal impact on the glycemic index, making it a favorite for those managing diabetes or following low-carb diets.

Understanding your sugar substitute is key. Unlike artificial sweeteners, erythritol is naturally occurring and less likely to cause digestive upset. Its granular form integrates seamlessly into the strawberries and whipped cream, dissolving perfectly to create a smooth, sweet experience. Always check labels and consider your personal preferences when selecting a sweetener, but for this recipe, Swerve offers a reliably delicious and diabetic-friendly result.

The Light Base: Angel Food Cake Explained

Angel food cake stands out as an exceptional base for this sugar-free shortcake, offering a refreshing departure from the heavier biscuits or pound cake typically used. Its airy, delicate texture and naturally low-fat profile contribute to a significantly lighter dessert. This cake is predominantly made from egg whites, which contribute to its impressive protein content and minimal fat, making it an excellent choice for a health-conscious treat.

You have two convenient options for your sugar-free angel food cake:

1. Purchase Pre-Made: Many grocery stores carry pre-made sugar-free angel food cakes, with brands like Hill & Valley often available. Always check the nutrition label to confirm it aligns with your dietary needs.
2. Bake Your Own: If you enjoy baking, you can use your favorite angel food cake recipe and simply swap the regular sugar for Swerve or another preferred 1:1 sugar substitute. Baking it in a classic tube pan allows for a beautiful presentation, as you can fill the center with generous amounts of fresh strawberries and cream. Making it from scratch also gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s exactly to your specifications.

The choice of angel food cake is fundamental to keeping this dessert light and airy, providing a perfect contrast to the rich strawberries and creamy topping.

Perfectly Ripe Strawberries: The Heart of the Shortcake

The success of any strawberry shortcake hinges on the quality of its strawberries. For the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness, select strawberries that are deep red throughout, from tip to stem. This indicates they are fully ripe, juicy, and packed with their inherent sugars and aromatic compounds. Avoid berries with white or green patches, as these will lack the desired sweetness and can have a slightly tart, unripe taste.

Strawberries are not only delicious but also a fantastic choice for a diabetic-friendly or low-carb diet. They are naturally low in carbohydrates and calories, yet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C. Their high fiber content also helps in moderating blood sugar responses. Paired with the zest and juice of lime, the strawberries undergo a process called maceration, where they release their natural juices to create a luscious, flavorful syrup without any added sugar.

Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly rinsing your fresh strawberries under cool water. Gently remove the green tops (hull them) and slice the berries into your desired size – half, quarter, or even smaller chunks for an easier bite. Place the sliced strawberries into a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Swerve sweetener, the fresh juice and zest from one lime, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the strawberries are well-coated. Set the bowl aside for at least 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the strawberries to naturally release their sweet, syrupy juices through a process called maceration. This creates a vibrant, natural strawberry sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Whip the Cream: In a separate, chilled bowl, pour the heavy cream. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Swerve sweetener. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn granular. Soft peaks mean the cream holds its shape but the tip gently curls over, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for shortcake. Ensure your cream is very cold before whipping for the best results.

Assemble and Serve: To serve, slice your sugar-free angel food cake into individual portions. For each serving, place a slice of cake on a plate. Generously spoon the macerated strawberries, including their delicious natural syrup, over the cake. Finally, add a dollop or a generous swirl of the freshly whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices or a tiny sprinkle of lime zest. It’s crucial to assemble the shortcake just before serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy and to maintain its delightful airy texture. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant, and healthy dessert immediately!

For a more rustic and casual presentation, which is often my preferred method, simply slice the angel food cake into larger portions and spoon the syrupy strawberries and fluffy cream directly over each slice. This allows for a more relaxed approach to serving while still delivering maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Author: Summer Yule

My easy sugar-free strawberry shortcake recipe is a better fit for low-carb diet plans, offering a refreshing and healthy twist on a beloved classic. It’s designed to be delicious while supporting your dietary goals.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 2 votes

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Course

Snack, Dessert

Cuisine

American

Servings

6

Calories

241 kcal per serving

Level 3 Recipe: Weight Maintenance and Active Lifestyles. It’s important to clarify that calling this dessert “sugar-free” refers to no *added* sugars. Strawberries naturally contain sugars. A truly sugar-free version would omit the fruit, which wouldn’t resemble shortcake at all! Therefore, this is more accurately described as a low-sugar strawberry shortcake, focusing on minimizing refined sugar while celebrating natural fruit sweetness.

Strawberries are an excellent choice for low-carb and diabetic-friendly diets due to their minimal impact on blood glucose levels when consumed in reasonable portions. They offer a wealth of nutrients without the glycemic spike associated with high-sugar fruits.

Low-Fat Version: Angel food cake is inherently low in fat, providing a lighter foundation than traditional shortcake. To further reduce fat content and calories, consider substituting the homemade whipped cream with a fat-free whipped topping available at most grocery stores. This simple swap significantly lightens the dessert without sacrificing its creamy appeal.

Keto Version: While the strawberries and sugar-free whipped topping are low in carbohydrates, angel food cake is not keto-friendly due to its flour content. For a true low-carb, keto-compliant alternative, use a keto biscuit or shortcake base made with almond flour or coconut flour. These provide a sturdy yet tender foundation that fits strict ketogenic dietary guidelines.

Gluten-Free Version: To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, replace the angel food cake with store-bought gluten-free biscuits or pound cake. Alternatively, you can follow a dedicated gluten-free strawberry shortcake recipe that uses alternative flours. Ensure all other ingredients, like whipped topping (if used), are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition information is an estimate for one serving and can vary based on the specific brand of sugar-free angel food cake and other ingredients you choose. Always refer to the labels of your products for the most accurate information.

Calories:

241 kcal

Carbohydrates:

31 g

Protein:

15.3 g

Fat:

16.5 g

Saturated Fat:

9.4 g

Vitamin C:

149.5 % DV

Calcium:

10.8 % DV

Iron:

3.5 % DV

Keywords

diabetic friendly strawberry shortcake, sugar free strawberry shortcake, low-carb strawberry shortcake, healthy strawberry shortcake, Swerve recipe, angel food cake dessert, keto-friendly dessert, gluten-free dessert option

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