Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine everything people love about strawberry shortcake and classic cheesecake, wrapped into a soft, tender rolled dessert. Each slice reveals beautiful swirls of cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry layers, creating a visually impressive treat that tastes just as delightful as it looks.
The first time I made these rolls, I wanted something that felt nostalgic but elevated. Traditional strawberry shortcake is always a crowd-pleaser, but rolling it into a cake-style format with a cheesecake filling gave it a bakery-quality finish. I also found that chilling the roll before slicing makes a significant difference, allowing for clean, defined swirls and a firmer texture.
This dessert works wonderfully for spring gatherings, summer celebrations, or holiday tables. It feels light and fruity yet indulgent enough to serve as a centerpiece dessert. With balanced sweetness and creamy texture, it is sure to impress both visually and in flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls offer the perfect balance of soft sponge cake, rich cheesecake filling, and bright strawberry flavor. The rolled presentation creates elegant slices without requiring complicated techniques. The flavors are fresh and familiar, yet the format makes them feel special.
They are also adaptable. You can use fresh strawberries when in season or high-quality preserves when fresh fruit is not available. The cheesecake filling adds stability and richness without overwhelming the delicate sponge.
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls: A Creamy, Fruity Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cake rolls filled with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry shortcake flavors, then topped with sweet strawberries for a decadent and fruity dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Spread batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow cake to cool slightly, then carefully roll it up with parchment paper and let cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread cheesecake filling evenly, then re-roll tightly.
- Mix diced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Slice rolls and top with sweetened strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Chill the rolled cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Use stabilized whipped cream for a firmer filling.
- Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Add crushed shortbread cookies on top for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Provides structure to the sponge cake while keeping it light and tender.
Baking powder
Helps the sponge rise evenly and maintain a soft texture.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Eggs
Essential for structure and creating the airy sponge texture when beaten properly.
Granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake and contributes to its light structure.
Vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to both the cake and filling.
Milk
Keeps the sponge moist and tender.
Unsalted butter
Adds richness to the cake base.
For the filling:
Cream cheese
Forms the rich and creamy cheesecake layer inside the roll.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the filling while maintaining smooth texture.
Heavy cream
Whipped into the filling for a lighter, mousse-like consistency.
Fresh strawberries
Provide natural sweetness, texture, and vibrant color.
Strawberry preserves
Enhance strawberry flavor and ensure consistent sweetness throughout the roll.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts, then gently fold into the batter until smooth.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
While still warm, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Allow it to cool completely in the rolled shape.
For the filling, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Whip heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then fold into the cream cheese mixture. Spread strawberry preserves evenly over the cooled cake, followed by the cheesecake filling. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh strawberries on top.
Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, keeping it tight but gentle to prevent cracking. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filli
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 to 12 slices
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the roll tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice just before serving for the best presentation. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can easily be customized to suit different preferences or seasonal ingredients. For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a thin layer of strawberry compote in addition to the preserves. This adds extra moisture and intensifies the fruit profile.
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly and increase the whipped cream for a softer, mousse-like filling.
You can also experiment with different berries. Raspberries or blueberries work beautifully and provide a slight tart contrast to the creamy filling.
For added texture, sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers over the filling before rolling. This creates a subtle crunch reminiscent of traditional strawberry shortcake.
To make the dessert more elegant, drizzle white chocolate over the chilled roll before slicing. A dusting of powdered sugar also enhances presentation without overwhelming sweetness.
If preparing for a special occasion, garnish each slice with a fresh strawberry half and a small dollop of whipped cream for a polished finish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 slices):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
This dessert is rich and creamy, best enjoyed as an occasional treat. Adjustments such as reducing sugar or using light cream cheese can modify the nutritional profile.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Roll While Warm
Rolling the sponge while warm prevents cracking later.
Do Not Overbake
A slightly underbaked sponge remains flexible and easier to roll.
Chill Before Slicing
Refrigeration helps the filling set and creates clean, defined slices.
Whip Cream Separately
Folding whipped cream into the filling creates a lighter texture.
Use Fresh Strawberries
Fresh fruit provides better texture and natural sweetness than frozen.
FAQs
Why did my cake crack?
It may have been overbaked or not rolled while still warm.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared one day in advance and kept refrigerated.
Can I freeze the roll?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for best texture, but thawed and drained frozen berries can be used.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine soft sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry flavor into an elegant rolled dessert. With its beautiful presentation and balanced sweetness, it is perfect for celebrations or seasonal gatherings. Light yet indulgent, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic strawberry shortcake that is sure to impress every time.
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