Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a dream come true for dessert lovers. They blend the light, airy texture of a cake roll with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a delightful shortcake crumb for a satisfying crunch. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer parties.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake Roll:

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup milk

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Topping:

  • 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
  • ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

  1. Prepare the Cake Roll: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.

  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold it into the egg mixture. Stir in the milk.

  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake is set.

  5. Once baked, immediately roll the warm cake (with the parchment paper) into a log. Let it cool completely.

  6. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  7. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the diced strawberries.

  8. Prepare the Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Topping: Combine the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Stir until it resembles coarse crumbs.

  9. Assemble the Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Gently roll it back up without the parchment paper.

  10. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or whipped topping over the roll and press the strawberry shortcake crumbs onto the surface.

  11. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 120mg

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls! 🍓🍰

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

These rolls are not just another sweet treat—they offer a unique combination of textures and flavors. The fluffy sponge cake provides a delicate base, while the cheesecake filling adds a smooth, tangy contrast. Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and a juicy bite, complemented by the buttery, crumbly shortcake topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy elements, making it an irresistible indulgence.

A Creative Twist on a Classic

Strawberry shortcake is a well-loved dessert, typically made with biscuits or sponge cake layered with whipped cream and strawberries. Cheesecake, on the other hand, is known for its dense, creamy texture. By combining the best elements of both, this recipe takes the traditional shortcake to the next level. Instead of biscuits, a light sponge cake is used as a base, and instead of simple whipped cream, a rich cheesecake filling provides extra depth of flavor. The shortcake crumb topping adds that signature crunch, making it an all-in-one dessert.

The Role of Key Ingredients

  • Eggs & Flour: The sponge cake base relies on eggs for structure and flour for stability. Whipping the eggs with sugar creates a light and airy batter.
  • Cream Cheese & Heavy Whipping Cream: These ingredients give the filling its signature richness. The cream cheese provides tanginess, while the whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: They bring natural sweetness and juiciness, ensuring a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
  • Vanilla Wafer Cookies & Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These create the signature shortcake crumb topping. The cookies add crunch, while the freeze-dried strawberries intensify the strawberry flavor.

The Perfect Occasion for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

This dessert is incredibly versatile. It can be a centerpiece for birthdays, summer barbecues, or holiday dinners. Its vibrant colors and elegant presentation make it an eye-catching treat, while the fresh flavors keep it light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, as the flavors develop beautifully when left to chill in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

  • Prevent Cracks in the Cake Roll: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks. If cracks do form, don’t worry—frosting and toppings will cover them up.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allowing the roll to set in the fridge for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
  • Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
  • Ensure the Filling is Smooth: Beating the cream cheese until completely smooth prevents lumps in the cheesecake filling.
  • Customize the Topping: While the shortcake crumb topping is traditional, you can experiment with crushed graham crackers, white chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of strawberry glaze.

How to Store and Serve

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. The cake remains moist, and the filling stays fresh without becoming too soft. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.

To serve, slice the roll into even portions and garnish with extra strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on classic strawberry shortcake or a new way to enjoy cheesecake, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. The combination of fluffy sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and crunchy shortcake topping makes every bite pure bliss. Perfect for celebrations or a simple treat at home, this dessert is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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