Explore a healthier twist on a much-loved classic dessert – the Strawberry Shortcake! This isn’t your typical shortcake; instead, our version is rich in nutrients, low in calories, and bursting with the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh strawberries. This Healthy Strawberry Shortcake recipe is an ode to all dessert lovers who are on a quest to maintain their health without compromising on taste.
So if you crave the creamy, fruity goodness of strawberry shortcake but dread the calorie overload, this blog post is for you. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free indulgence and discover how to make a Healthy Strawberry Shortcake that’s as good for your waistline as it is for your palate!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake
Is Strawberry Shortcake healthy? It is in this lightened up recipe. Get ready for a mouthwatering treat!
We’re about to make a Healthy Strawberry Shortcake that’ll blow your socks off. First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees. Then, give your muffin tins a little love by greasing them up with nonstick spray.
Now it’s time to work some magic with the batter! Combine whole wheat pastry flour, sugar and baking powder. Take some cold light butter and crumble it into the flour mixture. You want to see those little pea-sized pieces of butter throughout, it adds a special touch.
In a separate bowl, get ready to whisk. We’re talking lemon zest, egg, and reduced fat buttermilk. Give it a good mix and then combine it with the flour mixture. Boom, you’ve got yourself a batter! Pour that heavenly mixture into eight muffin cups and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes.
While your muffins are baking, let’s get those strawberries ready. Grab a saucepan and toss in your strawberries, some lemon juice and cornstarch. Set the heat to medium and let it all cook until the strawberries become soft and release their yummy juices. Give them a light mash with a fork and let that sauce cool down.
Now for the grand finale – assembling our masterpiece! Take those cooled, mouthwatering biscuits and cut them in half. On each half, add a dollop of whipped topping and a spoonful of the strawberries, oh my! Take the other half of the biscuit and place it on top, creating a heavenly sandwich of strawberry goodness.
And now, my friend, it’s time to enjoy. Serve it up immediately and prepare to have your taste buds dance with delight. You’ve just made a healthy strawberry shortcake that’s out of this world. Trust us, this is a dessert you won’t want to miss!
Strawberry Shortcake Topping Ideas
On a Nutrisystem weight loss plan? You can count each serving of this Healthy Strawberry Shortcake as one SmartCarb and two Extras.
Certainly, adding different toppings to your Strawberry Shortcake recipe can take it from delicious to divine while keeping its health quotient high. Here are some healthy topping ideas:
- Fresh Berries – Apart from strawberries, you can top your shortcake with a variety of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for an antioxidant boost.
- Greek Yogurt – Swap the traditional whipped cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. It’s high in protein and adds a tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds – Sprinkle some chia seeds or ground flaxseeds on top for a dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts and Seeds – Chopped almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch and healthy fats to your shortcake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream – A dairy-free alternative to regular whipped cream, coconut whipped cream is light, creamy and pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings – Grate a little dark chocolate over your shortcake for a decadent touch without too many extra calories.
- Mint Leaves – A few fresh mint leaves can add a burst of refreshing flavor and make your dessert look even more appetizing.
Remember, the key to a healthy dessert is balance. Choose your toppings wisely to create a Strawberry Shortcake that’s not just tasty but also nourishing. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on add-ins and serving sizes!
More Fruity Dessert Recipes
Looking for more sweet and fruity treats that fit into your healthy diet? Check out these other Nutrisystem-approved dessert recipes with fruit:
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 170
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 3 Tbsp. white sugar
- 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
- 3 Tbsp. light butter, cold
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 egg
- ½ cup reduced fat buttermilk
- 2 cups strawberries
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 cup light whipped topping
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease muffin tins with nonstick spray.
- Combine the flour, sugar and baking powder.
- Crumble cold butter into the flour mixture. You should see small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, egg and buttermilk. Mix this into the flour mixture to create a batter.
- Pour the batter into 8 muffin cups.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the muffins from the pan to cool completely.
- Prepare the strawberries: Place strawberries, lemon juice and cornstarch in a saucepan set to medium heat. Cook until the strawberries are soft and release their juices. Use a fork to mash the strawberries lightly. Let the sauce cool completely.
- To assemble, cut the biscuits in half. Top with a dollop of whipped topping and a spoonful of the strawberries. Place the other half of the biscuit on top. Serve immediately.