The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is an absolute showstopper that brings together the best elements of a classic strawberry shortcake and a rich, creamy cheesecake, all wrapped up in soft, tender sweet rolls. Imagine biting into a fluffy swirl of butter, cream cheese filling, and luscious strawberry jam, topped with a delightful shortcake crumble and a silky vanilla glaze. This recipe is a perfect treat whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something indulgent and comforting. Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible rolls that combine freshness, sweetness, and a touch of decadence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward crafting your own batch of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender dough and creamy filling to the vibrant strawberry layer and crunchy shortcake crumble, ensuring a balance of textures and flavor that sings.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the sweet roll dough and crumble, providing structure and softness.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for that perfect dough rise and fluffy texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture, helping the dough remain tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens dough, filling, and strawberry layers for balanced sweetness throughout.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dough, filling, and crumble–don’t skip this for that classic buttery flavor.
- Egg: Supports dough elasticity and richness in the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla extract: Provides fragrant warmth in dough, filling, and glaze.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake filling, bringing creamy tang and smooth texture.
- Fresh strawberries: Bright, juicy, and slightly tart, these give the rolls their signature strawberry flavor.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the strawberry layer’s brightness and balances sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture into a luscious jam-like consistency preventing soggy rolls.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the butter-sugar filling and crumble topping.
- Powdered sugar: For that sweet, glossy glaze finishing touch.
- Heavy cream or milk: Smooths out the glaze to just the right consistency.
- Salt: Just a pinch in dough and fillings to enhance all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For greasing, to keep your dough from sticking and rising beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Roll Dough
Start by activating your yeast with warm milk and sugar until it’s foamy and bubbly. This lively mixture breathes life into your dough. Combine it with the flour, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt, mixing until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Add flour gradually so it’s manageable but still tender. Knead until the dough transforms silky and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled — this step is the secret behind those fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While your dough rises, whip up that luscious cheesecake filling. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, an egg yolk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until perfectly smooth and creamy. Keep this chilled until you are ready to assemble; this tangy layer will add luxurious richness and a velvety texture to each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Next, cook fresh chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice to a juicy, fragrant compote. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it into a softly-set jam. Once cooled, this strawberry layer will bring that sweet fruity burst we all dream of in strawberry shortcake.
Step 4: Make the Butter-Sugar Filling and Shortcake Crumble
Mix softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until spreadable — a simple, delectable layer that melts into the roll dough. Then whisk together flour, sugars, salt, and cubed cold butter for the crumble topping, using your fingers or utensils to combine until crumbly with little butter lumps. Chill this crumble until roll assembly.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down your risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the butter-sugar layer evenly, followed carefully by the cheesecake filling and then the cooled strawberry mixture. Roll it up tightly from the long edge, pinch the seam closed, and cut into 12 even rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased pan, leaving room to rise again.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise and Bake
Cover and let the rolls puff up nearly doubled in size; this second rise ensures tenderness and height. Preheat your oven and sprinkle the chilled crumble generously on top before baking the rolls until golden, with a lightly toasted crumb layer. If needed, tent with foil to prevent over-browning while baking through perfectly.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
The final touch is a smooth vanilla glaze drizzled over warm (not hot) rolls to set into pretty streaks above the crumble topping. For an extra burst of freshness, scatter sliced strawberries on top right before serving. This completes the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries add vibrant color and juicy freshness that complements the rich cheesecake and sugary crumble beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate snow-kissed look that makes these rolls irresistible to the eye and palate alike.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity iced tea to balance their sweetness. For a fuller brunch, add some fresh whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side to tie together a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your rolls on a rustic wooden board topped with fresh mint sprigs or edible flowers to make them a centerpiece of your dessert table. You could also slice and layer them with additional fresh strawberries and cream for a decadent trifle variation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because these rolls have a cheesecake filling, they should be stored covered in the refrigerator to keep fresh and safe. Stored properly, they’ll stay delicious for about 3 days and remain moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping or baked rolls once cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating to enjoy freshly baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
Warm individual rolls gently in the microwave for about 15 to 25 seconds for a soft, just-baked feel. To heat multiple rolls, place them covered with foil in a low oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes. Refresh with a drizzle of glaze or extra fresh strawberries before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor for the strawberry layer, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent overly wet rolls.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
The cornstarch-thickened strawberry layer helps prevent sogginess by holding moisture in a jam-like consistency. Also, avoid overfilling the rolls and spread fillings evenly to keep everything balanced.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
To make these rolls vegan or dairy-free, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan egg replacer. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly, but they can still be delicious.
What is the best way to slice the rolls neatly?
Using a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss helps in cutting clean, even slices without squashing the rolls, keeping the beautiful swirl intact.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and assembling the rolls for best results.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe a try—it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will brighten your table and mood. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these rolls bring a touch of homemade magic to any occasion. Dive into the process and enjoy every moment of turning simple ingredients into such a heavenly treat!
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with sweet, tangy strawberries wrapped in soft, fluffy sweet roll dough. Topped with a buttery shortcake-style crumble and a vanilla glaze, these delightful rolls offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for brunch, dessert, or a special treat.
Ingredients
Sweet Roll Dough:
- 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 43°C / 110°F)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral oil (for greasing bowl)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp water (if needed to help dissolve cornstarch)
Butter-Sugar Filling:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
Shortcake-Style Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Extra fresh strawberries, sliced
- Dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet roll dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast over, stir gently, and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, whisk 3 cups flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and yeast mixture; stir or mix with dough hook until dough forms. Add remaining flour gradually if dough is too sticky. Knead dough by hand for 6-8 minutes or 4-5 minutes with mixer until smooth and elastic. Oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt, and beat until smooth. Chill until use.
- Prepare the strawberry layer: Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes until softened. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, add to strawberries, cook 1-2 minutes until thickened into a jam-like consistency. Cool completely.
- Make the butter-sugar filling: Mix softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until spreadable. Set aside at room temperature.
- Prepare the shortcake-style crumble: Whisk flour, sugars, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and vanilla, cut butter in until coarse crumbs form with pea-sized pieces. Chill crumble in refrigerator.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down risen dough. Roll into 30 x 40 cm rectangle. Spread butter-sugar filling, then cheesecake filling, and finally the strawberry layer evenly over dough, leaving a small border. Roll dough tightly into a log, pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 rolls and place in greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish with space between.
- Second rise: Cover rolls with plastic wrap or towel; let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Sprinkle crumble over rolls, pressing lightly. Bake 25-32 minutes until golden and centers set, tenting with foil if browning too fast. Cool in pan 15-20 minutes.
- Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cream/milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency if needed. Drizzle over warm rolls.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with sliced strawberries and powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Storage and reheating: Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave 15-25 seconds or in oven at 150°C (300°F) covered for 10 minutes. Add fresh strawberries or more glaze before serving leftover rolls.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best dough results.
- Make sure strawberry mixture is thick enough to prevent leaking.
- Do not overmoisten crumble; use milk sparingly if needed.
- For neat slices, allow rolls to cool more completely before cutting.
- Store refrigerated due to cream cheese filling to keep rolls fresh and safe.
- Can substitute light cream for heavy cream in glaze for a lighter finish.
