These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer a perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough filled with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. The golden brown exterior gives way to a velvety texture inside, making each bite an indulgent experience.
This dessert is a visual and sensory delight, ideal for those looking to impress guests or enjoy a special treat. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries for an elegant and satisfying finish to any meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/2 cup sugar
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1/4 cup milk
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and set aside to macerate.
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In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, melted butter, milk, and a pinch of salt to make a soft dough.
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Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.
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Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Spoon the macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
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Roll the dough tightly, lengthwise, and cut into 1-inch slices.
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Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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While baking, whip the heavy cream and remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
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Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving with whipped cream and extra strawberries.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls: A Perfect Blend of Flavors for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert that’s both decadent and light, easy to make yet stunning, look no further than these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. Combining the indulgent flavors of cheesecake with the softness of shortcake, this dessert is a treat for the senses. Not only is it delicious, but it also has a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to holiday feasts.
The Origins of Strawberry Shortcake and Cheesecake
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed for generations. Originating in the United States in the 19th century, the dessert features layers of sponge cake or biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It became an iconic summer dessert, especially as strawberries reached their peak in the warmer months. Over the years, the concept of strawberry shortcake has evolved, and variations like the cheesecake version have emerged to cater to modern tastes.
Cheesecake, on the other hand, has roots that stretch back to ancient Greece, but it became popular in America in the 20th century. The smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake contrasts perfectly with the tartness of fresh fruit like strawberries. The combination of these two desserts the light, airy shortcake and the rich, velvety cheesecake—has created an irresistible fusion that you can now enjoy in these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls.
Why You Should Make These Rolls
This recipe combines the best of both worlds. The dough itself is soft and delicate, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the richness of the cream cheese filling. The macerated strawberries add a burst of freshness, balancing the creamy richness of the filling with their juicy, natural sweetness. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, the dough has a slight crunch on the outside, thanks to the baking process, making it an incredibly satisfying dessert.
One of the best things about these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls is their versatility. You can serve them at virtually any event, from casual barbecues to formal gatherings. They’re sure to become a favorite among your guests, especially during the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season. These rolls are an excellent choice for a holiday dessert, a special occasion, or a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee.
Customizing Your Rolls
While this recipe is already delicious on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your personal preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Filling Variations: Instead of the traditional cream cheese filling, you can swap it out for a mascarpone filling for a different texture and flavor. Or, for a more indulgent twist, you could add chocolate chips or small chunks of your favorite fruit to the filling.
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Dough Variations: If you want to make the dough even fluffier, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk. Buttermilk will add a rich tang to the dough, making it even more delicious when combined with the sweetness of the strawberries and the cream cheese filling.
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Topping Options: While this recipe calls for whipped cream as a topping, you can also add a drizzle of chocolate ganache, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few extra fresh berries on top. This will not only make your rolls even more beautiful but also elevate the flavor profile.
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Dietary Considerations: For those who need to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can try making the recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream to create a vegan version of this dessert.
Why These Rolls Are So Popular
This dessert has gained popularity due to its combination of rich, indulgent flavors with a fresh, fruit-forward twist. Strawberry shortcake is a beloved classic, and the addition of cheesecake in this recipe elevates it to a whole new level. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. While it looks and tastes like a sophisticated dessert, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. It’s a great option for beginner bakers who want to impress their friends and family with something special.
Moreover, the use of fresh strawberries makes it a perfect dessert for summer. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and they add a natural sweetness and tartness to the rolls. Whether you grow them in your garden or purchase them from your local farmers’ market, fresh strawberries are a vital ingredient that makes this dessert shine. If you’re baking these rolls out of strawberry season, you can always use frozen strawberries, though fresh is always the best choice when available.
Pairing with Beverages
What’s a delicious dessert without the perfect beverage pairing? These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls can be enjoyed with a variety of drinks. Here are a few ideas:
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Iced Tea: A glass of sweetened or unsweetened iced tea pairs wonderfully with these rolls. The refreshing nature of iced tea complements the richness of the cheesecake and enhances the strawberry flavor.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee or espresso works beautifully with the creamy richness of the cheesecake rolls. Try a vanilla latte for a comforting, sweet pairing or a black coffee for a more robust contrast.
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Sparkling Water or Lemonade: For those who prefer a non-caffeinated beverage, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a refreshing glass of lemonade can provide a perfect balance to the dessert’s richness.
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Dessert Wine: If you’re serving these rolls for a more formal occasion, consider pairing them with a sweet dessert wine such as a Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling. The fruity flavors of the wine will enhance the strawberries in the dessert and complement the creamy cheesecake filling.
Storage and Serving Tips
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are still warm and gooey. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
For an elegant presentation, arrange the rolls on a decorative platter and garnish with additional fresh strawberries and whipped cream. These rolls are visually stunning, so be sure to take a few pictures before serving!
Conclusion
These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in the fresh, fruity flavors of summer. With their combination of light, airy dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious treat to share with loved ones, these rolls offer the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Try them out today and enjoy a truly mouthwatering dessert experience!