Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Picture this: fluffy, golden rolls swirled with a luscious strawberry compote and rich cheesecake filling, topped with buttery crumble and a drizzle of sweet glaze. The aroma alone will have you hovering near the oven, and the first bite? Pure bliss. These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a dreamy mashup of your favorite desserts, rolled into one irresistible treat.

Behind the Recipe

I’ve always loved the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake—the soft sponge, the juicy berries, the whipped cream. But one day, while craving something a little more decadent, I started experimenting. What if I combined that with the creamy goodness of cheesecake and the cozy comfort of a cinnamon roll? That’s how these rolls came to life. They’re rich, fruity, creamy, and comforting—all the things you want in a dessert that feels like a hug.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Strawberry shortcake has roots in 19th-century American cuisine, often made with biscuits or sponge cake layered with strawberries and whipped cream. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has been around since ancient Greece, evolving over centuries. By merging the two into a soft roll, this recipe takes two iconic desserts and creates a modern twist that feels familiar yet exciting. It’s a sweet evolution of tradition.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Let’s take a quick peek at why these rolls are destined to become a favorite:

Versatile: Great for brunch, dessert, or special occasions.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and fresh strawberries.

Quick and Easy: Easier than they look, especially with store-bought dough.

Customizable: Use different fruits or flavor the glaze as you wish.

Crowd-Pleasing: A surefire hit at parties and potlucks.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before, bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for next-day indulgence.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want gooey, bakery-worthy rolls every time? These tips help:

• Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
• Roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Bake until just golden to keep them soft and pillowy.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing so it doesn’t melt away.
• Macerate strawberries ahead of time for deeper flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These tools will make the process seamless:

Mixing Bowls: For various fillings and toppings.

Electric Mixer: To whip the cheesecake filling to creamy perfection.

Rolling Pin: Helps evenly flatten the dough.

Baking Dish: Keeps the rolls snug and soft.

Pastry Brush: Ideal for adding egg wash or butter on top.

Spatula: Makes spreading filling quick and clean.

Ingredients in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Each bite is layered with flavor thanks to these star ingredients:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 400g – Provides the structure and soft crumb for the dough.
2. Granulated Sugar: 50g – Sweetens the dough.
3. Instant Yeast: 7g (1 packet) – Helps the rolls rise and fluff up.
4. Warm Milk: 240ml – Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough.
5. Unsalted Butter: 60g (melted) – Adds richness and moisture.
6. Egg: 1 – Binds the dough and gives a tender crumb.
7. Salt: 1/2 tsp – Balances the sweetness.
8. Strawberries: 250g (fresh, chopped) – The fruity star of the filling.
9. Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp – Brightens and preserves the berries.
10. Cream Cheese: 225g (softened) – Adds creamy richness to the filling.
11. Powdered Sugar: 80g – Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
12. Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Enhances both filling and glaze flavor.
13. Brown Sugar: 50g – Adds warmth to the strawberry filling.
14. Cornstarch: 1 tbsp – Thickens the strawberry mixture.
15. Heavy Cream: 2 tbsp – For making a rich glaze.
16. Crushed Shortbread Cookies: 1/2 cup – For the buttery crumble topping (optional).
17. Milk (for glaze): 2 tbsp – Adjust consistency of the drizzle.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to make a few changes? No problem:

All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour can be used for more chew.
Instant Yeast: Active dry yeast works—just proof it first.
Strawberries: Swap with raspberries or blueberries for variation.
Cream Cheese: Mascarpone is a delicious alternative.
Shortbread Cookies: Use graham cracker crumbs for a similar crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries: Juicy, bright, and slightly tart, these berries bring color and natural sweetness.

Cream Cheese: The rich, smooth heart of the filling that adds indulgence and depth.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Ready to roll? Let’s bring this dessert to life step-by-step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until soft and elastic (about 8–10 minutes). Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   While the dough rises, combine strawberries, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook until thickened. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly, then the cooled strawberry mixture. Roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place in baking dish.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes. Bake for 25–28 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls. Top with crushed cookies if using.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Best served warm with an extra drizzle of glaze or a scoop of whipped cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The softness of the roll contrasts beautifully with the thick, creamy cheesecake filling and the burst of fruity strawberry swirl. The crushed cookie topping gives just the right crunch, while the glaze adds a silky sweet finish. Each bite is a play of textures and flavors that complement without overwhelming.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to guarantee success:

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Don’t overbake—the centers should be just set and fluffy.
• Cool the strawberry filling before spreading to prevent soggy dough.
• Add a pinch of salt to the glaze for flavor balance.

What to Avoid

Watch out for these common missteps:

• Hot filling: Can melt the cream cheese and make rolling messy.
• Overproofing: Rolls can collapse in the oven. Keep the second rise to 30 minutes max.
• Skipping parchment paper: Makes cleanup harder and may cause sticking.
• Thick glaze: Thin it slightly for a better drizzle.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rise)
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Baked rolls store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. Freeze for up to a month, wrapped tightly in foil.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. These rolls also shine as a brunch centerpiece—just add fresh berries on the side.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Try these:

• Make a trifle: Layer with whipped cream and more strawberries.
• French toast casserole: Chop and bake with custard for a weekend breakfast.
• Ice cream topper: Warm and drizzle over vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips

For the best results:

• Always use room temperature ingredients for even blending.
• A bench scraper makes cutting rolls clean and easy.
• Brush rolls with butter right out of the oven for added shine.

Make It a Showstopper

Make these rolls bakery-beautiful:

• Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top before serving.
• Dust with freeze-dried strawberry powder for color.
• Use a star tip for a decorative cream cheese swirl.

Variations to Try

Get creative with these twists:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Swap glaze for melted chocolate.
• Lemon Berry: Add lemon zest to the dough and use mixed berries.
• Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the crumble topping.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans inside the roll.
• Jam-Filled: Use strawberry jam instead of fresh fruit for simplicity.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I use store-bought dough?

A1. Yes, refrigerated crescent or roll dough can work in a pinch.

Q2. Can I make these gluten-free?

A2. You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.

Q3. Can I use frozen strawberries?

A3. Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

Q4. How do I know when the rolls are done?

A4. They should be golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Q5. Can I skip the crumble topping?

A5. Absolutely—it’s optional, but adds a delicious texture.

Q6. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

A6. Mascarpone or ricotta are good alternatives.

Q7. Can I double the recipe?

A7. Yes! Just use two baking pans and rotate them during baking.

Q8. How do I keep the rolls from unraveling?

A8. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the pan.

Q9. Can I make mini rolls?

A9. Yes, cut smaller slices and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Q10. Are they freezer-friendly?

A10. Definitely—freeze baked, cooled rolls and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. They’re soft, sweet, rich, and bursting with berry goodness. Once you try them, you’ll want to bake a batch every weekend. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.

Watch How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls