Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
If you have a soft spot for luscious desserts combining fresh fruit, creamy filling, and a hint of cake, then you’re going to adore these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. This recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic strawberry shortcake by rolling fluffy cake layers around a rich cheesecake filling with juicy strawberries. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion and ideal when you crave something truly irresistible and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully without fuss.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The rolled form creates a stunning swirl that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.
- Perfect Balance: Combines creamy cheesecake with fruity strawberries and tender cake for an unforgettable bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit dietary needs or personal flavor preferences without losing its charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients, each adding a unique touch to texture, flavor, and color. With a handful of pantry basics and fresh strawberries, you’ll build a dessert bursting with delightful layers and balanced sweetness.
- Cake base: Flour, sugar, and eggs create a light, spongy cake that rolls without cracking.
- Cream cheese: Provides the rich, tangy foundation for the cheesecake filling.
- Fresh strawberries: Add juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens fillings and dusts the final roll for extra appeal.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Heavy cream or whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the cheesecake filling for smoothness and volume.
- Lemon zest or juice: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the dessert.
Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Whether you want to accommodate special diets, switch up the flavors, or use what’s in your pantry, these variations keep the rolls exciting while maintaining that beloved blend of cream, cake, and fruit.
- Berry swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute with almond or gluten-free flour blends without losing moisture or taste.
- Chocolate delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling or dust cocoa powder on top.
- Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese and whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans inside the roll for a crunchy texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layer
Start by mixing your flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a thin, even cake batter. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until just golden and springy to the touch—this ensures it rolls easily without cracking.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the cake bakes, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream and lemon zest to create a light, fluffy filling rich in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Layer Fresh Strawberries
Slice the strawberries thinly, then spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over the cooled cake. Arrange the strawberries on top for a fresh and juicy burst in every slice.
Step 4: Roll and Chill
Carefully lift the cake using the parchment paper and roll it tightly but gently from one edge to the other. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to let it set and develop its flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the chilled roll from the wrapper, dust generously with powdered sugar, and slice into rounds. Serve chilled for the creamiest, most refreshing taste.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It ensures the filling mixes smoothly without lumps.
- Don’t overbake the cake: Slightly underbaked is better to keep it soft and flexible for rolling.
- Roll while warm: Rolling the cake while it’s slightly warm prevents cracks and keeps the roll tight.
- Dry strawberries: Pat the strawberries dry so the filling doesn’t get watery.
- Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the roll well before slicing to maintain neat, defined slices.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by topping the rolls with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra sweetness and color.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a refreshing mint leaf for contrast that complements the rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the slices on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries scattered around, or use clear glass plates so the pretty swirl is visible from all angles — perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and moisture.
Freezing
Freeze uncut rolls wrapped well in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so avoid reheating. Let the rolls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if too chilled.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chilling the rolls before slicing allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling and best flavor profile.
Are these rolls gluten-free?
Standard recipes use wheat flour, but you can swap it with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are ideal, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
How long will these rolls keep in the refrigerator?
When properly stored, the rolls stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make these dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create a dessert that brings smiles and sweet moments to your table. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite you’ll love sharing with friends and family.
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine a light, spongy cake rolled around a rich, creamy cheesecake filling studded with fresh strawberries. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a stunning swirl presentation, ideal for parties or a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- Flour – quantity as needed for thin spongy cake layer
- Sugar – quantity as needed for sweetness
- Eggs – quantity as needed for structure
- Vanilla extract – a few teaspoons for aroma
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese – full-fat, softened for smooth filling
- Powdered sugar – to sweeten the filling and dust on top
- Vanilla extract – to enhance flavor
- Heavy cream or whipping cream – whipped to soft peaks for lightness
- Lemon zest or juice – for a fresh tangy contrast
Fresh Fruit
- Fresh strawberries – thinly sliced for layering and garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layer: Mix flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a thin, even batter. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until just golden and springy to the touch to ensure flexibility for rolling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream and lemon zest or juice for a light and fluffy filling rich in flavor.
- Layer Fresh Strawberries: Slice strawberries thinly and spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over the cooled cake layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly on top for juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Chill: Using the parchment paper, carefully lift the cake and roll it tightly but gently from one edge to the other. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to let it set and develop flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chilled roll from the plastic wrap, dust generously with powdered sugar, and slice into rounds. Serve chilled for a creamy and refreshing taste.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don’t overbake the cake; a slightly underbaked cake remains soft and flexible for easier rolling.
- Roll the cake while it’s still slightly warm to prevent cracking and achieve a tight roll.
- Pat strawberries dry to avoid watery filling.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing to maintain neat and defined slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, cheesecake roll, dessert roll, strawberry dessert, creamy cake roll, make-ahead dessert