If you’re searching for a dessert that effortlessly combines creamy, fruity, and flaky textures in every bite, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. Imagine luscious cream cheese blended with sweet strawberries, all wrapped up in golden puff pastry and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s an absolute showstopper that’s perfect for gatherings or a delightful treat to make any day feel special. With this recipe, you’ll have that perfect balance of rich cheesecake filling and that irresistible strawberry shortcake vibe in a fun, handheld roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy smoothness of cream cheese to the crisp, buttery shortbread crunch and the vibrant freshness of strawberries.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery base that holds the filling together beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Softened to achieve a luscious and smooth cheesecake layer.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, enhancing the richness of the filling.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped to bring that juicy burst of fruity freshness and color.
- Crushed shortbread cookies: Give a delicate, buttery crunch and enhance the shortcake experience.
- Egg (beaten): Used for an egg wash to give the rolls a stunning glossy golden finish.
- Powdered sugar: For a light and sweet dusting right before serving that makes the rolls look irresistible.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick. Next, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This dollop of cheesecake goodness is what makes these rolls so luscious and indulgent.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold your puff pastry sheet and roll it out just a bit to even the thickness. This creates the perfect sturdy yet flaky foundation to hold all those delicious layers — just be careful not to roll it too thin or it might tear once filled.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This keeps your filling nice and secure as you roll. Then scatter the chopped fresh strawberries and crushed shortbread cookies evenly on top. These little bursts of flavor and texture bring your strawberry shortcake vision to life.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from the longer side, gently roll the pastry into a tight log without pressing too hard to keep it light and airy. Once rolled, slice the log into 6 to 8 equal pieces, depending on your preferred size for serving. These will be your beautiful strawberry cheesecake pinwheels.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the rolled pieces cut side up on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden shine, then pop them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and have a stunning, deep golden brown finish.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow your rolls to cool slightly before dusting them lightly with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a little sweet elegance and makes the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make these pastries pop even more, consider a gentle drizzle of strawberry glaze or a swirl of white chocolate over the top once cooled. Fresh mint leaves or extra sliced strawberries add a burst of color and fresh aroma that says “summer celebration.”
Side Dishes
These rolls are sweet and rich enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the whole experience. A light cup of tea or coffee complements the creamy and fruity notes perfectly, making it a delightful pairing for brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a pretty platter lined with parchment and sprinkle with additional crushed shortbread cookies for extra texture. Alternatively, turn them into a dessert board highlight with berries, nuts, and small bowls of additional cream cheese or mascarpone to spread on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy beyond the initial baking day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked rolls placed on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or leftover rolls in a warm oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their flakiness and warm gooey filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy. Frozen strawberries work perfectly when fresh ones aren’t in season.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
With some swaps like vegan cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry, it’s possible! Just check ingredient labels carefully and remember the texture and richness may vary slightly.
How long do these rolls keep fresh once baked?
Stored properly in the fridge, they stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within that time frame.
Is it okay to substitute shortbread cookies with another cookie?
Yes, you can use graham crackers or even digestive biscuits if you like. Just choose a cookie with a buttery texture that complements the strawberries and cream cheese.
Can this recipe be doubled easily?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use two sheets of puff pastry, baking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the oven. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully joyful about making and sharing the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe. It brings together classic flavors with a fun twist that’s sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweetness, they’re a surefire way to brighten your day and your dessert table. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortbread cookies for a delightful and easy-to-make dessert. Perfectly golden and dusted with powdered sugar, these rolls offer the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a portable, elegant form.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit & Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Roll Out Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to even out the thickness for consistent baking.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and crushed shortbread cookies on top of the cream cheese layer for added flavor and texture.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet into a log starting from the longer side. Slice the roll into 6 to 8 equal pieces to create individual rolls.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolls cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- For added flavor, drizzle strawberry glaze or melted white chocolate over the rolls once cooled.
- Ensure the puff pastry remains cold before baking to achieve maximum flakiness.
