If you adore the luscious flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake, then you are in for a treat with this Tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. Imagine soft, delicate crepes rolled around a dreamy cheesecake filling, studded with juicy, macerated strawberries and a buttery cookie crumb surprise. This delightful dessert is both elegant and simple, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls bring together classic shortcake charm with a cheesecake twist that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of these strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls depends on just a few simple ingredients, each one carefully chosen to build that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From creamy cream cheese to fresh strawberries and buttery crumbs, the components come together beautifully without fuss.
- Cream cheese: Provides the silky base for a rich and creamy filling that’s key to the cheesecake experience.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the strawberries, bringing out natural flavors and balancing the tanginess of cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and subtle depth, elevating the overall taste with its fragrant notes.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it makes the filling light and fluffy for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fresh strawberries: Diced and macerated; they deliver vibrant color and juicy bursts of fruity goodness.
- Crushed cookies: Mixed with melted butter to create a sandy, buttery crumb layer for delightful texture contrast.
- Melted butter: Binds the cookie crumbs, adding richness and helping the crumbs stay in place inside the roll.
- Crepes: The soft, thin wraps that hold everything together; they’re delicate yet sturdy enough to roll tightly.
- Powdered sugar: For a final dusting that offers a pretty finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for that luscious filling that will hug the strawberries inside your roll. The texture should be velvety without lumps, so take your time and beat it well.
Step 2: Whip in the Heavy Cream
Next, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this adds an amazing lightness to the cheesecake filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture for a cloud-like consistency that’s both airy and decadent. This delicate balance is what makes the rolls feel indulgent without being overpowering.
Step 3: Macerate the Strawberries
Dice fresh strawberries and toss them with a little sugar, then let them sit for about 10 minutes. This maceration draws out their natural juices, intensifying their sweetness and making the strawberries tender. These juicy gems will be the bright, fruity heart inside each cheesecake roll.
Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Crumb Mixture
Combine your crushed cookies with melted butter until the texture resembles sandy crumbs. This buttery layer provides a delightful contrast to the soft crepes and creamy filling, adding a bit of crunch and richness to each bite. It also helps keep the filling and strawberries nicely contained.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Lay out a crepe flat on your workspace, then spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over it. Sprinkle the buttery cookie crumbs evenly on top, followed by spoonfuls of the macerated strawberries. Now comes the fun part—carefully roll your crepe tightly, like sushi, ensuring everything stays snug inside.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Wrap your rolled crepe tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step firms everything up, making it easier to slice beautiful 1-inch pieces without squishing the filling out. Once chilled, slice into elegant rounds that show off the colorful layers inside.
Serving Touch: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Before serving, lightly dust the cheesecake rolls with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and an extra whisper of sweetness. This simple touch instantly elevates your dessert’s presentation and invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of strawberry sauce enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile of your rolls beautifully. A few whole strawberries on the side can also add a nice pop of color and reinforce that fresh-fruit vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesecake rolls with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small scoop of lemon sorbet to complement the berries’ natural sweetness and cut through the creaminess for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden platter for a charming, homey feel or arrange them neatly on a fancy dessert tier to impress at gatherings. For a twist, try stacking mini rolls vertically with alternating layers of whipped cream and strawberry slices around the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Storing them well helps preserve the fresh flavors and keeps the texture just right so you can enjoy them later without disappointment.
Freezing
While these rolls are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place the tightly wrapped rolls in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving to maintain their creamy texture.
Reheating
Since these rolls are best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a warmer dessert, enjoy them at room temperature, but avoid microwaving to keep the delicate layers intact and preserve the fresh strawberry flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the rolls soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping cream cheese for a vegan alternative, using dairy-free whipped cream, and vegan butter for the crumbs, you can create a delicious vegan version of this dessert.
What type of cookies work best for the crumbs?
Golden shortbread or graham crackers are ideal, as they offer a buttery flavor and crisp texture that complement the creamy filling and strawberries perfectly.
Can I make the crepes from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade crepes add an extra touch of love and freshness to the recipe, but store-bought crepes work just as well for a quicker option.
How long do the rolls last once assembled?
Once assembled and refrigerated, the rolls are freshest within 24 to 48 hours. Beyond that, the crepes may start to lose their softness and the filling may become watery.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe—its seamless blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery elements carved into bite-sized delights. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these rolls are bound to bring smiles and happy sighs all around. Go ahead, try making them yourself and discover how simple ingredients become an extraordinary dessert that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.
PrintTasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Delight in these Tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, a simple yet elegant dessert combining creamy cheesecake filling, fresh macerated strawberries, and a buttery cookie crumb base, all wrapped in delicate crepes for a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Base and Assembly
- 1 cup crushed cookies (such as shortbread or digestive)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 4–6 large crepes
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy filling.
- Macerate Strawberries: Toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and allow them to sit for 10 minutes, releasing their natural juices to become sweet and juicy.
- Make Cookie Crumbs: Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles sandy crumbs, which will add a crunchy base to the rolls.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay out each crepe flat, spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling on top, then sprinkle a layer of the buttery cookie crumbs. Finally, evenly distribute the macerated strawberries over the crumbs.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll each crepe tightly like sushi, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and chill the rolls.
- Serve: Slice the chilled rolls into 1-inch pieces, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Crepes can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- The rolls can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the cookie crumb mixture.