Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls is combines the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy burst of fresh strawberries, all wrapped in a delicate, buttery shortcake crust – a refreshing take on a classic favorite.

The creamy cheesecake filling pairs harmoniously with the tartness of the strawberries, while the buttery crumbs bring in a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re preparing for a casual gathering or a more elegant affair, this dessert not only tastes extraordinary but also looks stunning, making it the perfect option for both simple and fancy occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its elegant appearance, the recipe is remarkably straightforward. You don’t need advanced baking skills to create something that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and buttery crumbs delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
• Customizable: Want to get creative? This recipe is versatile. You can experiment with different berries and flavoring options or even add chocolate for a new spin on the classic.
• An Easy Yet Impressive Dessert to Wow Your Guests: Its stunning presentation and delightful flavors make it the perfect dessert for any occasion, ensuring you’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

To make these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Opt for full-fat cream cheese and in-season strawberries for the freshest, most flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich, creamy base for the filling. Full-fat cream cheese will give the dessert its indulgent texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): This is whipped to create a light, airy texture for the cheesecake filling, making it fluffy and smooth.
• Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): These bring a burst of freshness, a tangy contrast to the sweet, creamy filling, and vibrant color to the rolls.
• Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers (1 1/2 cups): These will form the crunchy, buttery crumb layer that complements the soft filling.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Used to bind the crumbs together and add richness to the flavor.
• Large crepes or thin cake layers (6): These act as the base for rolling up the cheesecake filling and other components.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: A light, sweet finishing touch that adds elegance and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Making the Dreamy Filling

Begin by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. The texture should be creamy and velvety. Once the mixture is well-blended, gently fold in the heavy whipping cream, which has been whipped to soft peaks. Be careful not to overmix; folding allows you to keep the lightness of the whipped cream, resulting in a soft, cloud-like filling. This cheesecake mixture will be smooth, rich, and ready to spread onto your crepes.

Preparing the Buttery Crumbs

To create the delicious crumb layer, crush your shortbread cookies or graham crackers into fine crumbs. The texture should be similar to wet sand, which will ensure the crumbs stick together once mixed with the melted butter. Add the melted butter to the crumbs and stir until the mixture is evenly combined. The butter provides richness and binds the crumbs together, creating that perfect contrast in texture. These crumbs should be crispy yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Assembling the Rolls

Now that you have your filling and crumb mixture ready, it’s time to assemble the rolls. Lay out your crepes or thin cake layers on a clean, flat surface. This step works best if you have everything in place, so take a “mise en place“ approach: have your filling, crumbs, and strawberries ready to go. Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling over each crepe, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly. Then, sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the filling and top with fresh, diced strawberries.

Once everything is layered, gently roll the crepe into a tight yet delicate shape. Think of it like rolling sushi – the goal is to keep the filling intact while maintaining a soft, tender roll. Don’t roll too tightly; a gentle hand ensures that the crepes hold their shape while remaining easy to slice.

Chilling and Slicing

Once all the rolls are assembled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the filling firm up, making the rolls easier to slice. After chilling, remove the rolls from the fridge and slice them into 1-inch pieces. A sharp knife will help you achieve neat, clean cuts. Once sliced, dust the rolls with powdered sugar for a polished finish. The result? Perfectly bite-sized rolls that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Tips and Tricks

Chill Thoroughly Before Slicing: Chilling the rolls helps set the cheesecake filling, making it easier to slice without the filling oozing out.

How to Get the Right Texture for the Rolls: The crepes or cake layers should be thin enough to roll easily but thick enough to hold the filling. Too thick, and they may overpower the filling; too thin, and they may tear.

Customizing the Filling to Your Liking: If you prefer a tangier filling, increase the amount of cream cheese. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes: If the filling is too runny, try adding more whipped cream or refrigerating it for longer. If the rolls are too soft, give them more time to chill.

Variations

While this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is delicious as is, there are endless possibilities for customization:

• Chocolate Twist: Add a couple of tablespoons of melted chocolate or sifted cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling for a richer flavor.
• Berry Blend: Mix in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a vibrant and fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour in the crepes with a gluten-free alternative to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of fresh lemon zest in the filling will brighten up the dessert with a refreshing citrus note.

This versatile recipe allows you to experiment and create your own version of the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls that suits your tastes.

Related Recipes

• Mango Cheesecake
• Blackberry Cheesecake
• Cinnamon Roll Casserole
• Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

To prevent cracking, roll the crepes while they are slightly warm. Using parchment paper can also help with the rolling process.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?

While whipped topping can be used, freshly whipped cream will provide a more authentic, flavorful texture.

What other fruits can I use?

Mangoes, peaches, or raspberries make wonderful alternatives to strawberries and can add a tropical twist.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these rolls can be prepared a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Why do the rolls need to chill?

Chilling allows the filling to set, making the rolls easier to slice and ensuring the perfect texture.

What if I can’t find crepes?

If crepes aren’t available, you can substitute them with thin layers of sponge cake or even tortillas for a different twist.

How long do these keep?

The rolls will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Conclusion

This easy strawberry shortcake cheesecake roll recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberries, and crunchy shortcake crumbs, all wrapped in soft, thin crepes. The dessert is an elegant yet simple no-bake treat that’s sure to impress guests on any occasion. With its vibrant colors, light texture, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect dessert for everything from casual get-togethers to more formal events. Try it today and experience the magic of strawberry shortcake in a whole new way!