Have you ever bitten into a dessert that instantly transported you to sun-drenched summer days, regardless of the season? What if you could combine the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all wrapped in a warm, fluffy roll?
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls deliver exactly that magic. The perfect balance of tangy strawberries, velvety cheesecake filling, and soft, pillowy dough creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and extraordinary. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
Gather these ingredients to create your perfect batch of summer-inspired rolls. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberry cheesecake rolls, diced small
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour, use reduced-fat cream cheese, and replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
While this might seem lengthy, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls require 25% less active time than traditional cinnamon rolls. Most of the time is hands-off while the dough rises, allowing you to multitask during preparation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the dough rises, combine diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the strawberry notes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and flour, mixing until well combined and no lumps remain. The flour helps stabilize the filling during baking, preventing it from becoming too runny while maintaining that signature cheesecake texture.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Keep the dough thickness even (about ¼ inch) for consistent baking. If the dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
Step 5: Add the Fillings
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the cheesecake layer, distributing it evenly. Avoid overfilling, which can make rolling difficult and cause leakage during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 equal rolls. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion. For perfectly even rolls, mark the log at intervals before cutting.
Step 7: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 8: Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or sugar as needed. Pour over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the crevices for maximum flavor in every bite.
Nutritional Information
Each Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll contains approximately:
- Calories: 385 per roll
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugars: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Vitamin C: 15% of daily recommended intake (from strawberries)
This dessert provides a significant source of energy and contains beneficial vitamins from the fresh strawberries. While indulgent, each roll delivers a more balanced nutritional profile than many commercial pastries, which often contain 25-40% more sugar and artificial ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform these delicious rolls into a more nutritious treat with these smart substitutions:
- Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Use Greek yogurt cream cheese for higher protein content and fewer calories
- Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar to lower the glycemic impact
- Add chia seeds to the strawberry filling for omega-3 fatty acids and extra fiber
- Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-light version
- Create a glaze with Greek yogurt and honey instead of powdered sugar for fewer refined sugars
For those following specific diets, try using gluten-free flour blend for the dough and plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version that still maintains the core flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls with these creative serving ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert
- Pair with fresh strawberry compote and a dollop of whipped cream for extra strawberry goodness
- Create a brunch platter with the rolls as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits
- Slice leftover rolls horizontally and toast lightly for a unique breakfast sandwich base
- Serve alongside a strawberry-infused iced tea or lemonade for a complete summer treat
These rolls shine brightest when served about 15 minutes after baking, when they’re still warm but not too hot, allowing the flavors to fully develop while maintaining that perfect soft texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the dough: This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough rolls instead of tender ones. Knead just until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and help the dough rise properly. Cold ingredients can inhibit yeast activation by up to 50%.
- Overfilling the rolls: Too much filling will leak out during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for perfect balance.
- Cutting with a dull knife: This compresses the dough and ruins the spiral shape. Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Skipping the cooling period: Adding glaze to rolls that are too hot will cause it to melt completely and run off. Allow 10-15 minutes of cooling time.
- Rushing the rise times: Proper rising develops flavor and texture. Rushed dough can result in dense, less flavorful rolls.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Keep your rolls fresh and delicious with these storage recommendations:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The moisture from the strawberries can make them spoil faster than regular cinnamon rolls.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to restore their soft texture.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
For best results, store unglazed rolls and add fresh glaze when serving. This prevents the glaze from being absorbed completely and maintains that perfect balance of textures.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls represent the perfect marriage of three beloved desserts: strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, and cinnamon rolls. The combination of tangy strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and soft, pillowy dough creates a treat that’s perfect for special brunches, summer gatherings, or anytime you need a bit of sunshine on your plate.
Have you tried making these delightful rolls? Share your experience in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later and explore our other fruit-filled pastry recipes. Your summer dessert game will never be the same!
