If you are craving a dessert that truly dazzles both the eyes and the palate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. This delightful treat marries the tender crumb of shortcake dough with a luscious cream cheese filling, all wrapped up and baked to golden perfection. Layered with fresh, juicy strawberries on top, it captures the very essence of sweetness and freshness in every bite. Whether you’re serving these rolls at a brunch or a casual get-together, they are sure to become a memorable favorite amongst your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with these straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one brings its own magic—flour and baking powder create the perfect fluffy shortcake, while cream cheese and heavy cream lend a silky, rich texture. Fresh strawberries add a pop of color and natural sweetness, making this recipe both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, tender shortcake base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Baking powder: Provides a light, airy lift to the dough for that perfect fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and macerated strawberries.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the shortcake.
- Heavy cream: Used both in the dough and the cheesecake filling for incomparable creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Imparts warm, comforting aroma and flavor to the dough and filling.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden finish on baked rolls.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, delivering smooth, tangy richness that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without any grittiness.
- Fresh strawberries: Provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color for the topping.
- Sugar (optional for macerating): Helps the strawberries release their juices and intensifies their natural flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success before you even begin mixing the dough.
Step 2: Create the Shortcake Dough
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl for a balanced flavor base. Add softened butter, then work it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs—this texture is key for tender shortcakes. Finish by stirring in heavy cream and vanilla extract just until combined to avoid a tough dough.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Gently turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a thin rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. This flat shape is perfect for spreading the creamy filling and rolling up tightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy—this mixture is the decadent heart of the rolls. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to firm peaks and then fold it gently into the cream cheese blend, adding that irresistibly light, airy texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Slice Rolls
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on all sides to prevent overflow. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, then slice into 8 to 10 pieces, getting ready to bake those beauties.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your sliced rolls in a greased or lined baking dish with a little space between each. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until they are puffed, golden, and irresistible.
Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Topping
While the rolls bake, mix your fresh strawberries with optional sugar to macerate them, allowing their juices to develop a bright, vibrant syrup. This topping is the fresh, luscious contrast that makes the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe so special.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once slightly cooled, top each roll with a generous spoonful of those sweet, luscious strawberries and dive into a bite that’s equal parts creamy, fruity, and tender.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a subtle freshness. You can also drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate or a light glaze for extra sweetness and shine that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to amplify the creamy, dreamy flavors. Fresh fruit salads or a simple cup of herbal tea also make wonderful companions, balancing the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of macerated strawberries and cream cheese frosting on the side for guests to customize their own treats. For a brunch, stack them in tiers with fresh strawberry halves and edible flowers for a charming display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the cream cheese filling and the juicy strawberries, making for a quick grab-and-go treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls by arranging them in a container and wrapping tightly. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding to bake as directed. Baked rolls also freeze well, just thaw and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain a freshly baked texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crust, so oven warming gives the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries tend to be softer and release more liquid, which can make the topping soggy. If frozen are your only option, thaw and drain excess juice before macerating.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese is key for the authentic cheesecake flavor, you can try mascarpone or ricotta for a milder, creamier alternative, but the texture and tang will slightly differ.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming tough?
The key is not to overmix once the wet ingredients are added and to handle the dough gently when rolling it out to maintain a tender shortcake texture.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, a cream cheese alternative, and a flax egg for the wash, you can enjoy a vegan version, though textures and flavors will adjust accordingly.
What’s the best way to slice the rolled dough?
Use a sharp serrated knife or dental floss to gently slice without squishing the rolls, ensuring clean edges and neat presentation.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe enough for anyone craving a show-stopping, sweet dessert that feels homemade and comforting yet impressive. It’s a beautiful combination of classic flavors and textures that’s sure to brighten your day and delight your taste buds. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved recipe you’ll return to again and again!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine tender, buttery shortcake dough with a luscious cheesecake filling and fresh macerated strawberries. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these rolls are an irresistible dessert or sweet snack that balances creamy, fruity, and flaky textures all in one delightful bite.
Ingredients
Shortcake Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for macerating strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Shortcake Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the softened butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick to prepare for the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one long side to the other, then slice into 8-10 even pieces to form individual rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls separated in a greased or lined baking dish or baking sheet, leaving space between each roll. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: While the rolls are baking, combine the sliced strawberries with the optional sugar and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to macerate and release their natural juices.
- Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking. Top each roll with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries and their juices before serving for a fresh, fruity finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Use cold butter for best shortcake dough results.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
- The egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden color on the rolls.
- Strawberry maceration is optional but enhances sweetness and juiciness.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated overnight and warmed gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
