There’s something truly magical about warm, sweet desserts fresh from the oven—especially when they bring together the best of multiple worlds. Imagine a soft, fluffy roll filled with rich, tangy cheesecake and bursting with juicy strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, planning a cozy weekend treat, or simply craving something indulgent, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the perfect solution. They’re part strawberry shortcake, part cheesecake, part cinnamon roll—and all delicious.
This recipe was born out of a nostalgic craving for strawberry shortcake and a deep love for cheesecake. Combining the two in roll form gives them a playful twist that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving at bridal showers, or simply spoiling yourself on a slow Sunday morning. If you’re looking to impress guests—or just treat yourself to something extraordinary—you’ll want to bookmark this one.
🧁 Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dessert deserves a spot in your baking repertoire:
- Irresistibly Creamy and Fluffy: Each bite delivers a contrast of textures—pillowy soft roll, smooth cheesecake, and fresh, juicy strawberries.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a sweet breakfast, mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or show-stopping dessert.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
- Customizable & Make-Ahead Friendly: Swap in seasonal fruits, prep ahead for brunches, or even freeze for later!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need for these dreamy cheesecake rolls:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your fluffy, tender dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the rolls rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Gives extra lift and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – For a hint of sweetness in the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Creates a soft, slightly tangy dough.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The star of the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped – Juicy, tart, and sweet.
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – Whipped to soft peaks for that finishing touch.
- Additional strawberries – For a vibrant, fruity garnish.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this easy process to whip up a batch of these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls in no time.
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add the softened butter and mix using a fork or pastry cutter until the texture becomes crumbly. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing to keep the rolls tender.
3. Roll It Out
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the edges as straight as possible for even rolls.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Rolls
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the top.
Carefully roll up the dough from the long edge into a tight log. Slice it into 1-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
7. Whip the Cream
While the rolls bake, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will be your luscious topping.
8. Finish and Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly before topping with the whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries. Serve warm for the best experience!
📌 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Rolls
Want to make sure your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls turn out bakery-worthy? Keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use Cold Butter for the Dough: Similar to making biscuits, using cold butter creates a lighter, flakier dough.
- Chill the Cheesecake Filling (Optional): If your filling feels too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes before spreading to keep it from oozing out during baking.
- Go Slow When Rolling: Be gentle and slow when rolling to avoid squishing the filling.
- Add Lemon Zest: For a bright twist, add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
🥣 Variations and Swaps
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Try one of these creative variations for a new twist:
- Blueberry Bliss: Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries or a berry medley.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the rolls before serving.
- Graham Cracker Crumble: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a nod to classic cheesecake crusts.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep this recipe accessible for everyone.
🥄 How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
These rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Weekend Brunch: A show-stopping centerpiece for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an elegant treat.
- Picnic-Perfect: Pack them into containers for a summer picnic or outdoor get-together.
- Party Platter: Miniaturize them by slicing the dough thinner for bite-sized party treats!
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the rolls up to the baking step and refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight. In the morning, just bake and top them fresh!
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked (but untopped) rolls for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave, then add your toppings.
🛒 Shopping List
Here’s a handy shopping list to take to the store:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Buttermilk
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries
- Heavy cream
📲 Share the Love!
If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or Pinterest with #ShortcakeCheesecakeRolls. Whether you’re baking with kids, impressing your brunch guests, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Pin it, share it, or save it for later! Your future self will thank you.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Roll)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g