Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls: Irresistible Sweet Treats

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine the best of two beloved desserts into one show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. These delightful rolls feature a tender, cake-like exterior wrapped around a luscious cheesecake filling, topped with fresh strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or when you want to impress your family with something truly special, these rolls deliver bakery-quality results without requiring professional pastry skills.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Are the Ultimate Dessert Mashup

Sometimes the most incredible culinary discoveries happen when we dare to combine two favorite things into something entirely new. That’s exactly what happened when I first experimented with merging the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the rich indulgence of cheesecake. The result? These absolutely divine Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls that have become the most requested dessert in my household.

The genius of this recipe lies in its layered approach to flavor and texture. Instead of choosing between the light, summery freshness of strawberry shortcake and the decadent creaminess of cheesecake, you get both in every single bite. The sponge cake provides that familiar shortcake foundation, while the cheesecake filling adds richness and tang that perfectly balances the sweet strawberries.

What makes these rolls particularly special is their elegant presentation. Unlike traditional sheet desserts that can sometimes look homemade (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), these individual rolls have a sophisticated, bakery-inspired appearance that makes them perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheesecake Rolls

For the Sponge Cake Base:

• 6 large eggs, separated and at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened completely
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• ¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Clean kitchen towel
• Large mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on each side. This overhang will help you lift the cake out later—trust me, it’s a game-changer for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Sponge Cake

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate, spotlessly clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture that makes the rolls so tender.

Gently fold the flour and salt into the egg yolk mixture, then carefully fold in the whipped egg whites in three additions. The key here is to maintain as much air as possible—fold gently but thoroughly.

Step 3: Bake and Roll the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the top springs back when lightly touched. While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar.

Starting from one short end, roll the cake up in the towel—this creates the muscle memory for the final roll shape. Let it cool completely in this rolled position, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Luscious Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the strawberry jam. The result should be light, airy, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Fresh Strawberry Topping

Combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them macerate for about 15 minutes—this draws out their natural juices and creates a light syrup that adds incredible flavor.

For the whipped cream topping, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat, as you want it to hold its shape but remain silky smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface, leaving about a ½-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake (without the towel this time), wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential—it allows the filling to set and makes slicing much cleaner.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the roll to create clean edges, then slice into 1-inch thick rounds. Top each slice with macerated strawberries and a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll Success

After making these rolls countless times (and learning from a few early disasters), I’ve developed some foolproof techniques:

Temperature matters tremendously: Room temperature eggs whip better and create more volume. If you forget to take them out early, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.

Don’t skip the towel roll: This step trains the cake to roll without cracking. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt looked more like a broken log than an elegant roll!

Cream cheese consistency is key: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps that no amount of beating will smooth out.

Gentle folding technique: When incorporating the egg whites, use a rubber spatula and fold from the bottom up, rotating the bowl as you go. This preserves the air bubbles that make the cake light and tender.

Sharp knife for clean slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the most beautiful presentation. Dental floss also works wonderfully for clean slicing.

Creative Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try these delicious variations:

Mixed Berry Version: Replace strawberries with a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a more complex flavor profile.

Lemon Blueberry: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and top with fresh blueberries and lemon curd.

Chocolate Strawberry: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate base that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Peach Cobbler Style: Use diced fresh peaches with a pinch of cinnamon in place of strawberries for a summer twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are perfect for entertaining because they can be made largely in advance:

• The filled, unsliced roll can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving
• Sliced rolls keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• For best results, add the fresh strawberry topping and whipped cream just before serving
• The cake base can be made and frozen (wrapped well) for up to 1 month

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My cake cracked when rolling: This usually happens when the cake is too cool or overbaked. Roll while still slightly warm, and make sure not to overbake.

The filling is too loose: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and fully beaten before adding other ingredients. If it’s still loose, chill for 30 minutes before spreading.

Uneven slices: Use a ruler to mark your cuts before slicing, and always use a clean, sharp knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these without a jelly roll pan? A: While a jelly roll pan works best, you can use a 13×9-inch pan in a pinch. The cake will be slightly thicker, so adjust baking time accordingly.

Q: How far in advance can I make these? A: The complete rolls can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving for the best appearance.

Q: Can I freeze the finished rolls? A: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing the complete rolls as the texture changes. You can freeze the unfilled cake base for up to 1 month.

Q: What if I don’t have strawberry jam? A: You can substitute with any berry jam or even make a quick strawberry puree by mashing fresh berries with a little sugar.

Why These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Will Become Your Signature Dessert

In a world where we’re constantly looking for ways to elevate our home baking, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer the perfect combination of impressive presentation and approachable technique. They look like they came from an upscale bakery, but the reality is that with a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can master this recipe.

The combination of textures—from the tender sponge cake to the creamy cheesecake filling to the fresh, juicy strawberries—creates a dessert experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, these rolls deliver every single time.

Most importantly, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls represent the joy of baking—taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something magical that brings people together around the table.

Ready to create your own bakery-worthy dessert at home? Try these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls and watch as they become the most requested treat in your recipe collection. Your family and friends will be amazed by your culinary creativity!

Print