Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

This vibrant dessert transforms classic strawberry shortcake and cheesecake flavors into playful sushi rolls that are as fun to make as they are to eat. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance that brightens any occasion.

I first made these rolls for a summer brunch and they quickly became the highlight of every get-together thanks to their whimsical look and irresistible taste.

Ingredients List

• Four large eggs at room temperature: lighten the cake batter for a tender crumb
• Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps the cake rise evenly
• Vanilla extract: enhances flavor in both cake and filling choose pure vanilla for the best result
• All-purpose flour: provides structure to hold the rolls together
• Baking powder: ensures the cake rises nicely producing a soft texture
• Salt: balances the sweetness highlighting all other flavors
• Powdered sugar: is used for dusting and in the creamy filling opt for fine sugar to avoid grittiness
• Cream cheese softened: for a smooth silky cheesecake layer use full fat for richness
• Heavy whipping cream: is chilled to whip perfectly into fluffy peaks
• Fresh strawberries diced: for texture and purée for topping select firm ripe berries for sweetness and color
• White chocolate chips melted: to drizzle adding indulgence and creaminess
• Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers: add delightful crunch and complement the creamy elements
• Extra fresh strawberry halves: make a pretty garnish and burst of freshness

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit thoroughly beat eggs with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy. Gently fold in sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour batter evenly into a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until the cake springs back gently when touched.

Make The Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy without lumps.

Whip The Cream:

Place a separate bowl and beaters in the fridge beforehand. Beat chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form ensuring it holds shape firmly without becoming grainy.

Assemble The Rolls:

Lay a clean sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spread a thin generous layer of whipped cream evenly over the plastic wrap. Carefully place the cake layer on top and spread the cream cheese filling in a thin even layer. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the filling. Gently roll the cake starting from one edge into a tight spiral using the plastic wrap to help guide and hold the shape. Chill briefly to set.

Decorate And Serve:

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled rolls. Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers on top for crunch. Arrange halved fresh strawberries in rows across the rolls to add visual appeal. Slice into sushi roll pieces about one to two inches thick and serve immediately for best texture and taste.

This dessert always reminds me of the first time I shared it with close friends—it disappeared in minutes with everyone asking for the recipe.

Best Storage Practices

Store leftover rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream fresh. Consume within two days for optimal texture. If stored too long, the cake can become soggy and strawberries lose their freshness.

Ingredient Swaps

Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a richer milder flavor. Heavy cream can be swapped for coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still whips nicely. You can experiment with blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a seasonal twist.

Serving Pairings

These dessert rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top elevates the presentation and adds complexity.

This dessert is a delightful fusion that brings smiles and satisfies sweet cravings with every bite.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I ensure the cream cheese filling is smooth?

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.

→ What’s the best way to get stiff peaks with the whipped cream?

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, then whip cold heavy cream until it holds firm peaks for stable texture.

→ Can I substitute the shortbread cookies for other toppings?

Yes, graham crackers or crushed nuts also provide a nice texture and complement the sweet filling well.

→ How should the strawberry puree be incorporated?

The puree is lightly sweetened and spread inside the rolls to enhance the fresh berry flavor without overpowering the creaminess.

→ Is it necessary to chill the assembled rolls before slicing?

Chilling helps the layers set firmly, making slicing easier and maintaining the sushi roll shape.