Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls The Ultimate Dessert Mash-Up

Introduction To Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the kind of dessert that instantly evokes comfort, joy, and indulgence. Imagine a dessert that combines the best parts of a classic strawberry shortcake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a soft, sweet roll. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t just satisfy a craving—it creates a full sensory experience with every bite. The soft, pillowy dough surrounds a luscious cheesecake filling swirled with fresh strawberry preserves and crumbles reminiscent of shortcake topping.

Why is this recipe so popular?

This recipe has gained massive popularity for its creative mash-up of two beloved desserts—strawberry shortcake and cheesecake—into a form that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Foodies and home bakers are always on the lookout for unique dessert hybrids, and this one checks all the boxes: nostalgic flavors, creamy textures, visually stunning presentation, and versatility. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped catapult this dessert into viral status, thanks to its swirl of strawberry-red and creamy-white layers that are eye-catching and highly photogenic.

It appeals to dessert lovers across generations: those who grew up loving strawberry shortcake and those who adore a good cheesecake twist. Additionally, the recipe allows for flexibility—you can make it ahead, customize fillings, or simplify it using shortcuts like pre-made dough or jam. In short, its popularity lies in the perfect marriage of flavors, easy customizations, visual appeal, and the joy of reinventing the classics into something fresh and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll love this recipe because it takes familiar, comforting ingredients and elevates them into something incredibly special. The rolls are soft and tender, the cheesecake filling is luxuriously rich, and the strawberry element adds just the right amount of tart sweetness to balance everything out. Every bite is creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy, wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that melts in your mouth. If you’re a fan of decadent desserts but still crave that hint of freshness, this one delivers on all fronts.

It’s also a versatile recipe—you can make the dough from scratch if you’re in the mood to bake from the heart, or use crescent rolls or puff pastry when time is tight. The rolls are also great both cold and warm, making them perfect for any season. Serve them fresh for brunch, refrigerate for a chilled treat, or bake them the night before for an easy dessert the next day. It’s also family-friendly—kids and adults alike fall in love with them—and they’re perfect for special occasions like birthdays, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or any time you want to treat yourself and others.

Ingredients:

For the Dough (if homemade):

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sugar (if using fresh strawberries)

For the Shortcake Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers or golden Oreos
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder

For the Glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy. Stir in the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Set aside. If using fresh strawberries, place them in a small saucepan with lemon juice and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and become syrupy, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool. If using preserves, skip this step.
Step 3: Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Spoon the strawberry mixture or preserves over the cream cheese and use a spatula to gently swirl it across the surface.
Step 4: Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal and cut into even slices—about 1 ½ inches thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Bake the rolls for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. While they’re baking, make the shortcake crumble by mixing crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and strawberry Jell-O powder in a bowl until it forms a crumbly texture. Remove rolls from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before sprinkling the shortcake crumble generously over the top. Drizzle with optional vanilla glaze before serving.

Variation:

There are endless ways to make this recipe your own. Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a berry twist. Use chocolate chips in place of fruit for a cheesecake-chocolate combo. Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrus boost. For the dough, you can use puff pastry or crescent roll dough if you’re short on time—these work well and still yield a flaky, delicious result. You can even turn the recipe into mini rolls by cutting smaller slices and baking in muffin tins. For a gluten-free version, use a GF-friendly dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Want to go over-the-top? Add white chocolate drizzle or a scoop of strawberry ice cream on the side when serving.

Cooking Note:

When using fresh strawberries, ensure they’re not too watery; cook them down until slightly jam-like to prevent soggy rolls. If you’re making this dessert ahead of time, assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature before baking. For the crumble, the cookies should be finely crushed but not powdered to retain a bit of crunch. When spreading the cream cheese and fruit layers, avoid overfilling—the rolls may fall apart when slicing if there’s too much filling. A serrated knife or dental floss works best to slice clean, even rolls without smashing them.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls warm out of the oven with a drizzle of glaze and a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or dessert. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent summer treat. For brunch gatherings, place the rolls on a cake stand and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves to create a beautiful centerpiece. If serving cold, refrigerate the rolls and serve with a chilled berry compote or whipped cream on the side. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, birthday brunches, or Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed.

Tips:

For best flavor, use high-quality cream cheese and ripe strawberries. If you’re making your own dough, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and your yeast is fresh and active. Don’t overbake—once the tops are golden and the centers are just set, pull them out. Let the rolls cool slightly before applying the crumble and glaze so everything adheres nicely without melting away. To keep leftovers moist, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. Freeze extra rolls individually and thaw overnight for a quick treat later.

Prep Time:

25 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 15 minutes (including rise time)

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 340 per roll
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 210mg
Fats: 17g

Conclusion:

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and nostalgia all wrapped into one irresistible roll. Combining the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the bright, fruity freshness of strawberries and the classic crumbly texture of shortcake makes this dessert unforgettable. The layers melt together into a symphony of flavor that works for breakfast, dessert, or any moment when you want to indulge a little. Whether you’re serving a crowd or baking for yourself, these rolls will brighten your table and bring smiles all around. They’re proof that with a bit of creativity, your favorite desserts can come together in ways that are both familiar and entirely new.

One bite in, and you’ll understand exactly why everyone is obsessed with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls.

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