Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls

July 16, 2025Maria

Introduction To Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls

Ready to experience a dessert that’s as whimsical as it is delicious? Say hello to Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls—a creative, no-bake treat that transforms the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake into fun, bite-sized sushi-style rolls. These dessert rolls combine layers of fluffy cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry jam all rolled into an eye-catching spiral that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just impressing your friends on social media. Not only do these rolls look like sushi, but they also slice and serve like it too—elegant, fun, and totally unexpected. This is a playful recipe that brings creativity into your kitchen while delivering all the comforting flavors you know and love from strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake. Best of all? You don’t need an oven, fancy tools, or baking experience. Just a few pantry staples, a little rolling action, and you’ve got a dessert that’s a total showstopper.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

Dessert sushi has become a huge trend on TikTok and Instagram because it’s colorful, bite-sized, and ridiculously fun to make and eat. The combination of nostalgic flavor (hello, strawberry shortcake!) with a sushi-style presentation makes it feel modern and unique. It’s also no-bake, which makes it perfect for warmer months or when you want to whip up a crowd-pleasing dessert without heating the kitchen. People love it for parties, birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or just for cute lunchbox treats. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike and is completely customizable—swap in your favorite fruits, cookies, or fillings to make it your own. Once you slice into that first roll and see the gorgeous swirl inside, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ No-Bake Magic – No oven needed and no baking skills required ✅ Fun to Make and Eat – A great family or party activity ✅ Creamy, Fruity, and Light – Sweet but not too heavy ✅ Incredible Presentation – A visual treat with flavor to match ✅ Customizable and Versatile – Adapt it to any flavor combo you love

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor and texture:

For the Cake Roll Base:

🍰 12–15 soft vanilla snack cakes (Twinkies, ladyfingers, or store-bought pound cake slices)
🍓 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
🧈 1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies or golden Oreos (for texture)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

🍰 8 oz cream cheese, softened
🥄 1/3 cup powdered sugar
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🥛 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
🍓 Optional: 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries (for extra berry goodness)

For Topping and Assembly:

🍓 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (for rolling)
🍰 Extra crushed shortbread or cake crumbs
🍦 Whipped cream, for garnish
🍫 Optional: white chocolate drizzle or strawberry syrup

Preparation:

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling 🍰

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating again until light and spreadable. The filling should hold its shape but still be creamy. Fold in diced fresh strawberries if using, or leave plain for a smooth finish. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Create the Roll Base 🍰

On a clean surface, lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Unwrap your vanilla snack cakes or use thin pound cake slices and press them together, side by side, to form a flat rectangular sheet (about 8 x 10 inches). Use a rolling pin to gently press and flatten the cakes into one even layer—seal any gaps with a bit of cream filling or softened cake to create a seamless base.

Step 3: Add the Fillings 🍓

Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam evenly over the cake sheet, followed by an even layer of cheesecake filling. Smooth everything out with a spatula but avoid getting too close to the edges. Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies or Oreos over the top for texture and that classic “shortcake” vibe.

Step 4: Roll It Up! 🍙

Using the plastic wrap as a guide, carefully roll the cake up into a tight spiral, sushi-roll style. Go slowly to prevent the filling from squeezing out. Once rolled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up. This chilling time helps the roll set and makes slicing much easier.

Step 5: Slice and Garnish ✂️🍓

Once chilled and firm, unwrap the roll and use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pieces (like sushi). Wipe the knife between slices for clean cuts. Roll each piece in a mixture of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and shortbread crumbs for a beautiful, crunchy outer layer. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry slice, or a drizzle of white chocolate if desired.

Variation:

Want to customize your strawberry sushi rolls? Try these fun twists:

Tropical Sushi – Use mango preserves and pineapple bits instead of strawberry
Chocolate Shortcake – Use chocolate snack cakes and Nutella instead of jam
Lemon Berry Roll – Add lemon zest to the filling and blueberry jam
Mini Cheesecake Bites – Cut smaller pieces and serve them as dessert “nigiri”
Vegan Version – Use dairy-free cream cheese, almond milk, and vegan sponge cake
Birthday Sushi – Add rainbow sprinkles to the filling and roll in crushed vanilla wafers

COOKING Note:

These dessert rolls are very forgiving, but here are a few tips for success:

Use soft snack cakes or thinly sliced pound cake—they roll better than dense cake
Chill the roll before slicing to keep the shape intact
Don’t overfill—thin layers work best for clean spirals
Keep fillings spread evenly to avoid clumping or tearing
Use a serrated knife or very sharp knife for slicing cleanly

Serving Suggestions:

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls are perfect for:

🍓 Afternoon tea or brunch
🍰 Valentine’s Day dessert boards
🎂 Kid’s birthday parties or baby showers
🍽️ Fancy plated desserts with white chocolate drizzle
🎁 Edible gifts—wrap individual pieces in mini parchment wraps with ribbon

Serve them chilled with:

🍓 Fresh berries on the side
🍫 A dipping sauce like melted chocolate or whipped topping
🍹 A strawberry lemonade or sparkling rosé for adult pairings
☕ A cup of hot coffee or sweet iced tea

Tips:

Use plastic wrap or parchment to help roll evenly and tightly
For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and dry before each slice
Use jam or preserves with some texture for more strawberry flavor
Add a layer of whipped topping if you want a fluffier interior
Prepare ahead and store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1–2 hours

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Piece Approximate):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 140mg

FAQs:

Can I use homemade cake instead of snack cakes?

Absolutely! Just be sure it’s a soft, flexible sponge cake that can be pressed and rolled easily.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! These keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days when tightly wrapped.

Can I freeze dessert sushi rolls?

It’s not recommended, as freezing may change the texture of the cake and filling.

Are these rolls gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free cake and cookies for a GF version.

What other fillings can I use?

Try Nutella, lemon curd, raspberry jam, or flavored cream cheese for fun twists.

Conclusion:

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls are the kind of treat that instantly sparks joy. They’re playful yet elegant, simple yet impressive. With creamy cheesecake filling, bright strawberry flavor, and a tender cake base, each slice is like a little dessert masterpiece. And while they may look like sushi, the flavor is pure comfort—with a twist of fun. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a themed dessert board, or just want to get creative in the kitchen, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. No oven. No stress. Just sweet, strawberry bliss in every bite.