Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert

Strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls combine the best elements of two beloved desserts—strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake—wrapped in a light, tender cake roll. This dessert is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, making it a perfect treat for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors – The sweet, tangy strawberries, rich cheesecake filling, and soft cake create an exquisite combination.
• Elegant presentation – The rolled cake looks impressive but is easier to make than it seems.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare it in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:

• ½ cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the flour mixture, followed by the milk and melted butter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
7. While warm, carefully roll the cake in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, whipping until fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

1. Mix crushed vanilla wafer cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.
2. Stir in melted butter until combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cheesecake filling evenly.
2. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the filling.
3. Gently roll the cake back up, peeling away the parchment paper.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the roll from the refrigerator and dust with powdered sugar.
2. Sprinkle with the strawberry shortcake crumble.
3. Slice and serve chilled.

Variations and Tips

• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate before rolling the cake.
• Berry Mix: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for variety.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep my cake from cracking?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks. If it does crack, frosting or crumble can cover imperfections.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.

What if my filling is too runny?

Chill the cheesecake filling before spreading it onto the cake to help it firm up.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your vanilla wafers are gluten-free.

How can I make the roll more stable?

Refrigerating the rolled cake before slicing allows it to set and hold its shape better.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it until serving.

What’s the best way to slice it neatly?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

How do I make the crumble stick better?

Press the crumble onto the roll gently right before serving for the best adherence.

Can I replace cream cheese with mascarpone?

Yes, mascarpone adds a slightly richer and creamier texture.

Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?

Reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling slightly and use unsweetened whipped cream.

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls are a show-stopping dessert that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the light, fruity flavors of strawberry shortcake. Whether for a holiday table, summer party, or a simple indulgence, this delightful dessert is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite!

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