Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

This recipe transforms fluffy crepes into delightful rolls filled with creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and buttery cookie crumbs. Every bite is light yet indulgent, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a weekend treat with family.

My first attempt at these rolls was for a spring picnic and they disappeared before I could even snap a photo. Making them is now a family activity with everyone sneaking tastes of the sweet filling.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: adds the luscious creamy tang be sure to use block cream cheese for best texture
• Granulated sugar: sweetens both the filling and the strawberries choose super fine sugar for smoother results
• Vanilla extract: brings a warm aroma look for pure vanilla for full flavor
• Heavy whipping cream: gives body and lightness when whipped until stiff make sure it is cold when you start
• Fresh strawberries: provide a juicy pop use ripe berries for the deepest red color and bold flavor
• Shortbread cookies or graham crackers: add buttery crunch read labels for high butter content shortbread
• Unsalted butter: binds the crumbs and lets you control the salt opt for butter with a fresh aroma
• Large crepes or thin cake layers: serve as the base and make rolling easy premade crepes save time and work well
• Powdered sugar for dusting: adds a classic sweet finish use a fine mesh sieve to give a gentle snowcap look

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture:

Beat the cream cheese granulated sugar and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until you see a silky smooth texture with no lumps this creates a velvety base for your rolls

Fold in the Whipped Cream:

In a separate bowl whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling ultra fluffy and light without deflating the cream

Macerate the Strawberries:

Toss diced strawberries with sugar and let them rest for ten minutes until they become glossy and juicy the syrup creates a juicy layer that soaks into the rolls

Make the Crumb Layer:

Combine crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with melted unsalted butter and mix until it looks like wet sand the buttery crumbs add rich texture

Assemble the Rolls:

Lay out a crepe spread a thick layer of the cream mixture sprinkle a generous amount of crumb mixture and spoon over some of the juicy strawberries then roll as tightly as you can into a sushi like log to keep layers defined

Chill the Rolls:

Wrap each assembled roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour letting the filling set makes for cleaner slicing and easier serving

Slice and Serve:

Unwrap the rolls slice into one inch pieces using a sharp serrated knife and gently dust with powdered sugar before serving the cold rolls hold their shape and look beautiful on a platter

Pin it

There is something special about the fresh strawberries in every bite I love picking them at the local farm with my kids and adding them to this recipe The scent brings back summer memories every time we slice the rolls

How to Store Leftovers

These rolls keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days Just store them covered in an airtight container and keep them chilled for food safety If prepping ahead for a party wait to dust with powdered sugar until right before serving so it stays light and powdery

Ingredient Swaps and Add-In Ideas

If you do not have shortbread cookies on hand graham crackers work perfectly and give a delightful honey note Lemon zest in the cream cheese filling lifts the flavor Or add a swipe of strawberry jam if your berries are a bit tart

Serving Suggestions

Pair these strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls with coffee or a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant dessert They also make a wonderful brunch dish served alongside tea or orange juice Arrange with extra berries and a few sprigs of mint on your serving platter for a colorful finish

A Little Background

Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert typically made of layered biscuits cake and macerated berries This playful twist wraps the traditional flavors into a fun sushi style roll borrowing the crepe layering technique from French patisserie

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prevent crepes from tearing while rolling?

Allow crepes to cool before handling, and avoid overfilling. Rolling gently with even pressure helps maintain their shape and prevents tearing.

→ What type of cookie works best for the crumb layer?

Shortbread cookies give a classic flavor, but graham crackers are a great alternative, offering a slightly different texture and taste.

→ Can these rolls be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and chill the rolls up to one day in advance. Slice and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for best texture.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for the filling?

You can try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free whipping cream, though the texture may vary slightly from the original.

→ What is the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?

Chill the rolls thoroughly, then use a sharp, thin-bladed knife wiped clean between slices to achieve neat, even pieces.