If you love the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. These delightful, golden rolls blend the buttery tenderness of shortcake dough with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—from the flaky, buttery dough to the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling and the bright burst of fresh strawberries—ensuring every bite sings with flavor and texture.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the shortcake dough, ensuring a tender and flaky roll.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the dough a light, fluffy lift without overwhelming the texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough for that perfect dessert base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates that rich, buttery taste and flakiness that make the dough irresistible.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Keeps the dough moist and tender while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a cozy, aromatic warmth.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a gorgeous golden finish after baking.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy base of the cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese’s flavor with a subtle fragrant touch.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Whipped and folded in to add lightness and a fluffy texture to the filling.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Brightens the rolls with juicy, fruity freshness.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for macerating strawberries): Draws out natural juices from the strawberries for a syrupy sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This sets the foundation for perfect baking and easy cleanup, so your rolls come out just right every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This mixture forms the backbone of your dough, and sifting these together ensures even distribution of rising agents for a light, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key to getting that beautiful shortcake crumb with tiny butter pockets that melt when baked.
Step 4: Add Cream and Vanilla
Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix, or the rolls could become tough. This delicate balance keeps the dough tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. This shape will help you spread the cheesecake filling evenly and roll up the dessert with ease.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This rich blend is the irresistible heart of your rolls.
Step 7: Whip and Fold the Cream
Whip the heavy cream in another bowl until it holds stiff peaks, then carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This folding technique gives the filling a light, airy feel while maintaining that luscious creaminess.
Step 8: Assemble the Rolls
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over your dough rectangle, leaving a small edge clear to seal the roll without any filling oozing out. This careful layering is what makes every bite delightfully creamy and neat.
Step 9: Roll and Slice
Starting at one long end, roll the dough tightly into a log and use a sharp knife to slice it into 8-10 even pieces. These spiraled treats are as pretty as they are delicious.
Step 10: Prepare for Baking
Place each roll into a greased or lined baking dish with a bit of space between them so they can puff up beautifully. Brush the tops with beaten egg to ensure a stunning golden sheen after baking.
Step 11: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will already be enough to make you eager for the first bite.
Step 12: Macerate the Strawberries
While the rolls bake, toss sliced strawberries with sugar (if using) and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the berries release their natural juice, adding that perfect syrupy sweetness to complement the creamy rolls.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, top each one generously with the macerated strawberries and get ready to indulge in this spectacular fusion of flavors. Each bite is a happy dance of sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar atop your rolls for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves also brighten the presentation and add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk or chilled sparkling water. Their creamy texture pairs beautifully with these light accompaniments, making the dessert feel even more indulgent without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in clear glass trifle bowls layered with extra cream cheese filling and strawberries for an elegant showstopper. Alternatively, stack them on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar and scattered strawberry slices for a rustic, inviting look perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled rolls before baking by placing them on a tray lined with parchment, freezing until firm, then transferring them to an airtight container. When ready, bake straight from frozen just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Baked rolls can be frozen and thawed gently in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to revive their warmth and softness. Avoid microwaving as this can make the texture rubbery or overly soft. A gentle toast in the oven brings back that fresh-baked magic with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch but tend to be watery once thawed, which might make the rolls soggy. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and forgiving. With some patience and care in rolling, even novice bakers can achieve beautiful, delicious results.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, mascarpone is a wonderful substitute that will give a slightly sweeter and richer flavor to the filling, complementing the strawberries beautifully.
How long do the rolls need to cool before serving?
Let the rolls cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This brief rest helps the filling set slightly while still warm enough to enjoy the soft cake and fresh strawberries at their best.
Can I add other fruits to the rolls?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches make excellent alternatives or additions. Just keep the maceration step to enhance their natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is one of those rare treats that combines comfort, elegance, and joy all in one delightful bite. I hope this recipe inspires you to bake it soon and share it with your favorite people, creating sweet memories just like the ones that come with every roll. Trust me, once you try it, these rolls will become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire.
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful fusion of classic shortcake and creamy cheesecake, rolled into bite-sized pastries. Soft, flaky dough envelops a luscious vanilla cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries macerated in sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect for dessert or a special brunch treat.
Ingredients
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.
- Make the Shortcake Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract gently until just combined. Overmixing will toughen the dough, so stop once the dough comes together.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to achieve a light, airy filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other to form a log. Slice the log into 8 to 10 even pieces for uniform rolls.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolls in a greased or lined baking dish with a small space between each. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the filling is set.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: While the rolls bake, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar (if using) and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup.
- Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then top each with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries and their juices. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to facilitate easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the rolls tender and flaky.
- The optional sugar in the strawberry topping enhances sweetness, but adjust according to your preference and the natural sweetness of your strawberries.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with other berries for a different twist.
