The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are an unforgettable twist on two classic favorites—cheesecake and strawberry shortcake—merged into one dreamy dessert. Imagine a soft sponge cake swirled with luscious cheesecake filling and dotted with fresh strawberries, all crowned with graham cracker crumbs for a nostalgic crunch.
Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, this rolled cake is as beautiful to present as it is delicious to eat. It’s ideal for brunches, garden parties, or just treating yourself to a sweet, creamy bite of happiness. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or creamy indulgence, this dessert satisfies every craving with a balance of tangy, sweet, and smooth textures.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Shortcake Roll:
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3 large eggs
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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Powdered sugar, for rolling
For the Filling:
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1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
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1 cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Topping:
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1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
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1/2 cup diced strawberries
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Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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In a large bowl, beat eggs for 3-5 minutes until thick and pale. Add sugar and vanilla; beat to combine.
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In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
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Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.
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Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.
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Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
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Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cheesecake filling evenly, and sprinkle diced strawberries over the top. Re-roll the cake gently.
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Chill for 1 hour, then top with crushed graham crackers, additional strawberries, and whipped cream before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
The Story Behind Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the epitome of dessert fusion. They take everything we love about traditional strawberry shortcake—fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream—and combine it with the rich, tangy decadence of a cheesecake. The result is a rolled dessert that’s light, fruity, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe has become a favorite for spring and summer gatherings, from baby showers and birthday parties to Sunday brunches and backyard barbecues. The vibrant red strawberries paired with the silky cream cheese filling not only taste amazing but also make for a visually stunning dessert.
This dish captures the nostalgia of a childhood favorite while offering a gourmet twist. The technique of rolling a sponge cake might look intimidating at first, but with the right method and a little patience, it turns into an easy and satisfying baking experience. And the reward? A spiral of soft cake, creamy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries in every slice.
Why Everyone Loves This Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls aren’t just beautiful—they’re a crowd-pleaser for multiple reasons. First, there’s the texture. The sponge cake is light and airy, a perfect base to cradle the rich cream cheese filling and chunks of sweet strawberries. The addition of whipped cream gives it an even softer, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Then comes the flavor: the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the subtle tanginess of cream cheese, and the buttery crunch of graham crackers all come together in perfect balance.
Another reason this dessert stands out is its versatility. It can be served chilled as a refreshing treat on a warm day or plated elegantly for a more upscale dinner party. Whether you’re looking for a light finish to a heavy meal or a show-stopping centerpiece for a dessert table, these rolls fit the bill.
Perfect for Seasonal Produce
Fresh strawberries are the true star of this dessert. Using seasonal berries makes a big difference in flavor. During spring and summer, strawberries are at their peak—juicy, fragrant, and naturally sweet. That natural sweetness eliminates the need for heavy sweeteners, allowing the fresh fruit to shine through. While this recipe works with store-bought strawberries year-round, there’s something extra special about making it when you’ve picked the berries yourself or bought them from a local market.
That being said, this roll can easily be adapted to other fruits depending on the season. Raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches would all be wonderful variations that keep the recipe exciting year-round.
The Role of Cheesecake in the Recipe
The cheesecake layer is what gives this dessert a rich and satisfying edge. Traditional strawberry shortcake is usually paired with whipped cream or a light frosting. But here, cream cheese adds depth and tang, complementing the sweetness of the cake and strawberries. When combined with whipped cream, the cheesecake filling becomes fluffy yet rich—light enough to spread easily and dense enough to hold its shape when the cake is rolled.
The balance between sweet and tangy makes this dessert less cloying than other overly sweet cakes, so you can enjoy more than one slice without feeling overwhelmed.
Graham Cracker Topping for a Crunchy Finish
What elevates this dish even further is the use of crushed graham crackers. This seemingly simple topping brings in an element of texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and creamy filling. It also adds a hint of buttery flavor that pays homage to classic cheesecake crusts. For an extra decadent touch, you can toast the graham crackers lightly before crushing them, which enhances the flavor with a toasty, caramelized note.
Not only do graham cracker crumbs offer crunch, but they also lend that signature cheesecake familiarity that bridges the shortcake and cheesecake elements seamlessly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This roll is best served chilled, making it ideal for warm-weather entertaining. For presentation, slice it just before serving to reveal the stunning swirl of cake, cream cheese, and berries. Dust the top with extra powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for a more festive look. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices or mint leaves for color contrast and freshness.
Because the roll sets in the refrigerator, it’s easy to prepare in advance—giving you more time to focus on your guests. It also holds its shape well, making it a smart choice for transporting to potlucks or parties.
Great for Beginner and Intermediate Bakers
Although this dessert might seem complex due to the rolling process, it’s actually a fantastic recipe for beginner and intermediate bakers to practice their skills. The sponge cake is forgiving, especially when you roll it in a towel while warm to prevent cracking. Plus, the cheesecake filling doesn’t require any baking, which simplifies the process.
With a little guidance and patience, anyone can achieve bakery-quality results. And the wow factor when you slice into it is worth every step. Even if the roll isn’t perfect, it will still taste phenomenal—and decorating with whipped cream and fruit can hide any imperfections.
Variations to Explore
There are many fun ways to customize this recipe. Some bakers like to swirl strawberry jam into the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. Others incorporate chocolate chips, white chocolate drizzle, or even a hint of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, you can substitute with gluten-free flour, dairy-free cream cheese, or sugar alternatives without losing the essence of the dish. The roll is incredibly adaptable while staying true to its strawberry shortcake roots.
Health Benefits in Moderation
While this is undoubtedly a dessert, it’s worth noting that strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Choosing reduced-fat cream cheese or swapping in Greek yogurt for part of the filling can lower the fat content without compromising on flavor. Additionally, the recipe doesn’t rely on excessive sugar, especially if you use ripe, in-season strawberries.
Enjoyed in moderation, this dessert can be a part of a balanced lifestyle—especially when shared with friends and family.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer the best of several dessert worlds. The combination of light sponge cake, luscious cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries makes for a unique and satisfying bite every time. It’s a dessert that feels celebratory and comforting all at once—perfect for marking special occasions or simply enjoying the fruits of the season.
What makes this dish especially great is how it appeals to a wide range of palates. Kids love the sweet, fruity flavors, while adults appreciate the creamy richness and elevated presentation. Whether you’re baking it for a summer BBQ, Easter brunch, or a cozy weekend in, this roll will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated desserts and trendy confections, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and unforgettable flavor. It brings together the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake with the indulgence of cheesecake—all wrapped in a light, airy sponge that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its rich layers and fresh fruit, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is worth mastering. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. From casual family dinners to elegant celebrations, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll deserves a spot in your recipe collection. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a dessert that people come back to again and again.