Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love all things fruity and creamy, this Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls filled with luscious cream cheese, bursting with fresh strawberries, and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. This delightful combination of flavors and textures will brighten any breakfast, brunch, or dessert occasion, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to make at home. Let me take you through the magic of creating these irresistible rolls that marry the charm of a classic cinnamon roll with the freshness of strawberries and the indulgence of cheesecake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You will only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a showstopping dessert. Each component brings something special, whether it’s the softness of the dough, the tangy sweetness of the cheesecake filling, or the fresh vibrancy of the strawberries.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a soft, tender dough that rises beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the yeast and dough.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The essential ingredient for that fluffy, airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 3/4 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and ensures a soft dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives stability to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor of your rolls.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the filling that makes it so irresistible.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the delicate cream cheese flavor.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Offers freshness and a burst of natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps the strawberry filling from getting too runny.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to give a warm, comforting spice.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic cinnamon roll character.
• 2 tablespoons softened butter: Melts into the filling for extra richness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant finish to the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and salt—in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix creates the structure for your roll dough.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and richness, ensuring your dough will be tender and fluffy.

Step 3: Form and Knead Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic—that’s your dough telling you it’s ready! Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth. This mixture will be the creamy swirl inside each roll.

Step 5: Prepare Strawberries

Toss the chopped strawberries gently with cornstarch. This step is key to keeping the fruit filling thick and luscious without sogginess inside the rolls.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough and Add Fillings

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, then scatter the strawberries on top.

Step 7: Add Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Topping

Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the strawberries. Dot with small bits of softened butter to add richness as the rolls bake.

Step 8: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even rolls, each packed with that delicious filling.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover them to rise again for about 30 minutes. This step ensures the rolls will be light and airy once baked.

Step 10: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. While still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it generously over the rolls.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle fresh sliced strawberries or lightly roasted nuts on top of the glaze. A few mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness, making each roll look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk. If you’re serving a brunch, fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait would beautifully complement their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls into a centerpiece by serving them on a rustic wooden board or layered in a colorful cupcake liner for individual portions. You can also stack them in a tiered cake stand for a charming dessert display perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, refrigeration will keep them fresh for 4–5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls by microwaving for 15–20 seconds or heating in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If you want to refresh the glaze, add a little extra drizzle of powdered sugar glaze to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen berries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the cornstarch to avoid excess liquid that could make the dough soggy.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese is essential for that classic cheesecake flavor and creamy texture. If you need a substitute, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work, but the taste and consistency may vary slightly.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then refrigerate it covered overnight. Take it out an hour before rolling it out, then proceed with the filling and baking as usual.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for the strawberries?

Cornstarch is important to thicken the strawberry juices and prevent a soggy filling. If you don’t have it on hand, a small amount of flour or arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute with similar effect.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be a lovely golden brown on top and smell irresistibly sweet. Gently poking the center with a toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet dough.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen—comforting, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing these with family, friends, or treating yourself, each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and spiced flavors that linger long after the last crumb is gone. Give this recipe a try and watch how these rolls become a cherished classic in your home!

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