If you adore the sweet combination of strawberries and creamy cheesecake but want something a little different from the usual desserts, you’ll fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. It takes all the classic flavors you love about strawberry shortcake and cheesecake, then wraps them up in a golden, flaky crescent roll. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery roll filled with luscious cream cheese and juicy, sugary strawberries, topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs and a cloud of whipped cream. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy weekend or impressing guests at a celebration, these rolls are an absolute game changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and flaky texture in our Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Provides the rich, smooth cheesecake filling that’s utterly dreamy.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a delicate sweetness to the cream cheese without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): The star fruit, offering a juicy burst of natural sweetness and color.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Helps macerate the strawberries, transforming them into a luscious glaze.
- Crescent roll dough (8 oz): The buttery, flaky base that wraps all the delicious filling.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brushed on top to give the rolls a golden, irresistible crust.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1/4 cup): Adds a nostalgic crunch and ties all the shortcake memories together.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Whipped up into a cloud-like topping to finish your masterpiece.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cream Cheese Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), so it’s ready for those beautiful rolls. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the filling is luxuriously creamy. This blend is what will keep each bite decadently rich and sweet.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
Next, toss your sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a separate bowl. This simple step draws out their juices, making them sweet, tender, and jammy—exactly what you want nestled inside the rolls. Let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough and Spread the Filling
Unroll the crescent roll dough into one large sheet and press the seams to create a smooth surface. Then, spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures every roll has that creamy center without spilling over during baking.
Step 4: Add Strawberries and Roll Up
Scatter the beautifully macerated strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Roll the dough tightly from one longer edge into a log shape, sealing that gorgeous filling inside. Cut the log into eight equal-sized slices to create perfect little individual rolls.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Grease a baking dish and arrange the rolls cut side up so they puff beautifully. Brush each with melted butter to encourage a gorgeous golden color, then sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for that wonderful shortcake crunch. Place the dish in your preheated oven.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection and Whip Cream
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. While baking, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. This freshly whipped cream will add the light, airy finish these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe deserves once they cool slightly.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, don’t forget to crown each warm roll with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a fresh strawberry slice or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm and sweetness. These small touches elevate the presentation and flavor to something truly special.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine as a standalone dessert or a delightful breakfast treat. Pair them with a simple green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the creaminess and fruity brightness, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange the rolls on a decorative serving platter with scattered strawberries and mint leaves. You can drizzle a little strawberry sauce or melted white chocolate over the top to add a wow factor. Even stacking a few rolls for a cute dessert tower adds a playful touch to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and believe me, that’s a good problem to have), store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days without losing their tender texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cheesecake rolls either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps restore their flaky exterior and gooey filling without making them soggy, so they taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best because they hold their texture when macerated, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess juice before using to avoid soggy rolls.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese, or can I substitute?
Cream cheese is key to get that tangy cheesecake flavor and creamy texture. Substituting with mascarpone or ricotta will change the taste and consistency but can work in a pinch if you adjust sweetness accordingly.
How long do the rolls keep after baking?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe within two days when stored in the refrigerator. Beyond that, they’re still safe to eat but might lose some freshness.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan cream cheese, dairy-free crescent rolls, and plant-based butter, you can absolutely adapt this recipe. The results will be delicious and suitable for various dietary needs.
What’s the best way to slice the rolled dough evenly?
Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the log into equal pieces. Chilling the rolled dough briefly before slicing can also help maintain clean, even edges.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy, fun, and impressively delicious, combining beloved flavors into a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and share this sweet creation with the people you love – it’s sure to make any day brighter.
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet freshness of strawberries, all wrapped in soft, golden crescent roll dough. These delightful dessert rolls are topped with graham cracker crumbs and a dollop of whipped cream, making them perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat or a special occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they offer a unique twist on classic strawberry shortcake flavors.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Dough and Topping
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Incorporate the powdered sugar into the cream cheese and continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Flavor the Mixture: Stir in the vanilla extract and beat again until the cheesecake mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Sweeten Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a separate bowl, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and toss gently to coat.
- Macerate Strawberries: Let the sugared strawberries sit for about 10 minutes to develop their juices and sweetness.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and press the perforated seams to create a smooth, single sheet.
- Spread Cheesecake Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Add Strawberries: Distribute the sugared strawberries evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log shape to encase the filling.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 8 equal-sized pieces carefully so they hold their shape.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and place the rolls cut side up in the dish with some space between them.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly coat the tops of the rolls with melted butter using a brush for richness and browning.
- Add Graham Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the buttered roll tops for added texture and flavor.
- Bake Rolls: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: While baking, pour the heavy cream into a bowl and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Top each warm roll with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones; thaw and drain excess liquid before use.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls to prevent squishing the dough and filling.
- These rolls are best served warm to enjoy the gooey cheesecake and juicy strawberries.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
