If you love the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake combined with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then you are in for a real treat with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. These delightful rolls bring together fresh strawberries, luscious cream cheese filling, and buttery crescent dough in a perfectly baked roll that’s simultaneously rich, fresh, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a beautiful and delicious homemade dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. Each component shines on its own but works harmoniously to create a dessert that is creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy with a buttery crust.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Provides the smooth, rich base for the cheesecake filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling evenly and melts perfectly into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant depth to the filling.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): The star ingredient, fresh and juicy for optimal flavor.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural sweetness.
- Crescent roll dough (8 oz package): Creates the golden, flaky, and tender outer layer that wraps everything together.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Brushed on top for a rich, glossy finish and added moisture.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1/4 cup): Sprinkle on top for a pleasantly crunchy texture contrast.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Whipped to soft peaks to crown each roll with a light and fluffy touch.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to get things heated up just right. Then, beat the cream cheese in a bowl until it turns silky smooth — this base is what brings the creamy cheesecake goodness to life. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness and aromatic depth, blending everything into a luscious filling.
Step 2: Sweeten and Macerate the Strawberries
While the filling comes together, slice your fresh strawberries and sprinkle them with granulated sugar. This simple step helps bring out the strawberries’ natural juices and intensifies their flavor, making every bite juicy and sweet.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and press the perforated seams to create one large, smooth sheet. This will be the canvas for your cheesecake and strawberry masterpiece.
Step 4: Assemble Your Rolls
Spread the creamy cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent overflow. Next, distribute the sugared strawberries across the top, ensuring each roll will have plenty of fruity goodness when sliced.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, creating layered swirls of cream cheese and strawberry inside. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 even slices, ready to be baked to perfection.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Brush melted butter atop each one to promote a golden, buttery crust, then sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for an extra touch of crunch and subtle sweetness.
Step 7: Bake and Whip the Cream
Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up and develop a gorgeous golden brown color. While they bake, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks, ready to add that final fluffy flourish.
Step 8: Serve with Whipped Cream
After the rolls have cooled slightly, top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream for the perfect creamy contrast and an elegant finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe shine, add a few fresh strawberry slices on top of the whipped cream or lightly dust with powdered sugar. A sprig of fresh mint can also bring a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
Though these rolls are a treat all on their own, you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light berry compote for a stunning dessert spread. A chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea will complement the sweet and creamy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a beautiful wooden board or tiered dessert stand to showcase their swirls and colors. For celebrations, drizzle them with a simple strawberry glaze or white chocolate drizzle for extra flair that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this dessert over multiple occasions.
Freezing
These rolls also freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls warm again, reheat gently in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crescent dough soggy and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the rolls soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream for vegan alternatives like cashew cream cheese and coconut cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day you want to serve them.
What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If crescent dough isn’t available, puff pastry makes a great alternative. It will give you a similarly flaky texture and golden finish but might bake a bit differently, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How long should I whip the heavy cream for topping?
Whip the heavy cream just until soft peaks form so it’s light and airy but still holds its shape. Overwhipping can cause it to become grainy or turn into butter, so watch closely!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyous about baking up the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe, and sharing them fresh from the oven with loved ones brings an extra smile to the table. Their perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors wrapped in buttery dough makes them a total winner for any occasion. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl – I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite just like it is in my kitchen!
Print
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
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine creamy cheesecake filling with fresh, sugared strawberries rolled into flaky crescent dough. Baked to golden perfection and topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs, these sweet, indulgent rolls are perfect for dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy, providing a perfect base for the filling.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Incorporate the powdered sugar into the cream cheese and continue mixing until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and beat again to achieve a uniformly creamy cheesecake filling.
- Prepare Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a separate bowl, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and toss gently to coat.
- Macerate Strawberries: Allow the sugared strawberries to sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices and become syrupy.
- Roll Out Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface, creating one large sheet.
- Seal Seams: Press the perforated seams together on the dough to form a smooth, uniform surface ready for filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border along the edges to prevent spilling.
- Add Strawberries: Distribute the macerated strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring it holds together well.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 8 equal-sized pieces, preparing them for baking.
- Arrange in Dish: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter and place the sliced rolls evenly spaced inside.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter to promote browning and flavor.
- Add Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the buttered tops for added texture and taste.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Whip Cream: While baking, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, creating a light topping.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Top each roll with a dollop of freshly whipped cream just before serving for a delightful finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry if preferred, though texture may vary slightly.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar amount slightly.
- Make sure to tightly seal the dough when rolling to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
