Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls: A Sweet Swirl of Summer Delight 🍓🍰✨

1. Introduction

Indulge in the delightful fusion of two classic desserts with these irresistible strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls. This recipe masterfully combines the comforting, nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy, decadent richness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a convenient and utterly delicious roll. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a delightful dessert after dinner, or just a simple special treat any day of the week. These strawberry cheesecake rolls are sure to impress your family and friends, and they’re also a fantastic option for potlucks and gatherings. Whether you are a seasoned baker looking for a new showstopper or a novice in the kitchen wanting to try something a little different, this shortcake rolls recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and yields stunning, Instagram-worthy results. Prepare to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones craving more! If you’re looking for more fantastic recipes, check out our recipe index!

2. What are Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls?

Strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls represent a delightful and innovative twist on traditional desserts, cleverly blending the best features of classic strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake into one handheld, unforgettable treat. Imagine layers of flaky, golden-brown dough, perfectly baked to a buttery perfection, encasing a velvety, smooth cheesecake mixture that melts in your mouth. Then, add the burst of sweet and slightly tart, juicy strawberries. The combination is simply divine! These rolls offer a perfect balance of textures and complementary flavors, making them an instant hit with anyone who tries them. This cheesecake roll recipe is not only surprisingly easy to make, but it’s also incredibly visually appealing, making it perfect for serving at celebratory gatherings and special occasions, or simply enjoying as a special, well-deserved homemade treat. For another treat, you should check out these great Cheesecake flavored snacks here.

3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The harmonious mix of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet, fresh strawberries is undeniably a match made in dessert heaven. The creamy tang of the cheesecake perfectly complements the bright, fruity sweetness of the strawberries.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy name fool you! Even beginner bakers can achieve stunning, near-perfect results with this straightforward, easy-to-follow recipe. We break down each step to ensure your success.
• Impressive Presentation: These delightful rolls look absolutely beautiful and elegant, making them perfect for serving to guests at parties, brunches, or any special occasion where you want to impress. They’re guaranteed to be a conversation starter!
• Versatile: Enjoy these strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls for breakfast, brunch, as a delectable dessert, or as a sweet snack any time of day you’re craving a little something special. They are incredibly adaptable.
• Portable: These rolls are conveniently shaped and easy to pack for picnics in the park, potlucks with friends, or as delicious on-the-go treats when you need a little pick-me-up.

4. Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our flaky, delicious rolls.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become light and airy.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create a perfect texture.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed: Essential for creating a flaky, tender crust. Make sure it’s very cold!
  • 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roll.
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The key ingredient for our creamy, decadent cheesecake filling. Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling to perfection.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake filling, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
• For the Strawberry Filling:
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the perfect sweet and slightly tart flavor.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Helps to macerate the strawberries and draw out their natural juices, creating a delicious strawberry syrup.
• For the Topping:
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor to the tops of the rolls.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy topping. Consider using sparkling sugar for an extra special touch! We used it to make our Whipped Root Beer Cream Pie with Sparkling Sugar!

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your clean fingers (work quickly to keep the butter cold!) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces for the best results. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in tougher rolls. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Handle the dough with care to maintain its tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Gently toss to coat all the strawberry slices and let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to macerate and release their flavorful juices. Maceration is key! This process not only softens the strawberries but also intensifies their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls. It creates a luscious strawberry syrup that will infuse the entire roll with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the prepared dough. Next, sprinkle the macerated strawberries (including the delicious syrup) evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring they are distributed consistently. This will guarantee that every single bite of your rolls is bursting with that irresistible strawberry cheesecake flavor. Carefully and tightly roll the dough up, starting from one of the long sides. Be sure to keep the roll tight to achieve that beautiful spiral effect. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier). Brush the tops of the rolls generously with melted butter and then sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls are beautifully golden brown and the filling is set. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Let the baked strawberry cheesecake rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Cooling them slightly allows the filling to set a bit more. Enjoy these absolutely delightful strawberry cheesecake rolls warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic either way! For another great recipe, be sure to check out this take on strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls!

6. Tips for the Perfect Rolls

• Use Cold Butter: Using cold butter is absolutely crucial for creating a flaky and tender dough. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start cutting it into the flour mixture. Consider even chilling the butter in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before using it.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten, which will result in tough and chewy rolls. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
• Macerate the Strawberries: Letting the sliced strawberries sit with sugar is essential. This helps to draw out their natural juices, intensify their flavor, and create a delicious syrup that will permeate the rolls.
• Evenly Distribute the Filling: Ensure that both the cream cheese filling and the macerated strawberries are spread evenly over the dough. This will ensure that every single bite is bursting with flavor.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the rolls while they are baking in the oven to prevent them from burning. They should be a beautiful golden-brown color when they are done.

7. Variations and Additions

• Add Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest added to the cream cheese filling can introduce a bright, fresh, and citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
• Use Different Berries: Feel free to experiment with different types of berries! Try using a mix of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a completely different flavor profile.
• Include Nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor even more.
• Drizzle with Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top of the cooled strawberry shortcake rolls can add an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful, elegant finishing touch. This shortcake rolls recipe is easily customizable!
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the strawberries for a delightful chocolate-strawberry cheesecake experience. Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work particularly well. If you like brownies, you can try one here.

8. Serving Suggestions

These delectable strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls are absolutely delicious all on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to help elevate your experience and make them even more special:

• With Whipped Cream: Serve the rolls with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light and airy whipped cream perfectly complements the richness of the cheesecake filling and the sweetness of the strawberries. We also have some whipped cream recipes for you to try.
• With Ice Cream: Pair the warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry ice cream for a truly decadent and irresistible dessert. The combination of warm and cold is heavenly!
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Include these delightful rolls as a part of a larger brunch spread alongside other breakfast and brunch favorites like eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these rolls with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat. The flavors complement each other perfectly.

9. Conclusion

These incredible strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls are an absolutely delightful and surprisingly easy-to-make treat that perfectly combines the very best elements of two beloved classic desserts. With their luscious and creamy cheesecake filling, the bright and refreshing flavor of sweet strawberries, and the satisfying flakiness of the homemade dough, these rolls are guaranteed to be a resounding hit with your family and friends. Follow this detailed cheesecake roll recipe carefully for guaranteed perfect results every single time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and creative additions to create your own unique and personalized twist. Most of all, enjoy the delectable sweet swirl of summer that you’ll find in every single delicious bite! You can also try these great Snacks. And if you’re a fan of baking, you might also enjoy checking out our recipes for cookies and cupcakes! You can learn more about us!

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