There’s something undeniably special about the combination of strawberries, cream, and cake. The sweet, juicy berries paired with a rich cheesecake filling and a soft, pillowy roll create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you love classic strawberry shortcake and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are about to become your new favorite dessert!

I first made this recipe on a whim when I wanted something a little more exciting than traditional shortcake. The result? A dreamy, creamy roll bursting with fresh strawberries, velvety cheesecake filling, and a light dusting of crushed shortbread cookies for that classic crunch. Now, it’s my go-to treat for summer gatherings, birthdays, or anytime I crave a fruity and creamy dessert.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistibly delicious dessert! These rolls bring together the best of both worlds: a classic strawberry shortcake and a luscious cheesecake, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy roll.

First, they are super easy to make. While they look fancy and intricate, the process is simple and beginner-friendly. No complicated baking skills required!

Second, these rolls are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. The rich, creamy cheesecake filling complements the fresh, juicy strawberries, while the crushed shortbread cookies add a satisfying crunch.

They’re also great for make-ahead desserts. You can prepare them in advance and keep them chilled until serving time, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.

Finally, these rolls are versatile! Whether you want to swap out the strawberries for another fruit or adjust the filling to your taste, you can easily customize them to your liking.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in making this dessert as indulgent and flavorful as possible.

Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries.

Cream cheese forms the rich and creamy filling. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Softening it beforehand ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Heavy whipping cream is whipped into the cheesecake filling to give it a light and airy texture. It also helps the filling hold its shape when rolled.

Powdered sugar adds the right touch of sweetness to the filling without making it overly heavy. It also helps keep the texture silky smooth.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together.

Soft sponge cake or pre-made cake rolls provide the perfect base for rolling up this delicious filling. You can either bake your own sponge cake or use store-bought cake rolls to save time.

Shortbread cookies are crushed and sprinkled on top, adding that classic shortcake crunch to the soft, creamy dessert.

How To Make Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Making these dreamy dessert rolls is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preparing your cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and slowly fold in the whipped heavy cream until fully combined. This will create a light and airy cheesecake mixture.

Next, wash and dice the fresh strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces. If you like a smoother filling, you can slightly mash them before folding them into the cheesecake mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with juicy strawberry flavor.

If you’re using a homemade sponge cake, make sure it’s fully cooled before assembling. If using store-bought cake rolls, carefully unroll them and spread an even layer of the cheesecake mixture over the surface.

Gently roll the cake back up, ensuring the filling stays inside without oozing out. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

Once chilled, slice the roll into even portions. Sprinkle the tops with crushed shortbread cookies for added crunch and garnish with extra fresh strawberries for a beautiful finishing touch.

Storage Options

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls store beautifully, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

To store in the refrigerator, place the rolls in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 3 days. The filling stays firm and fresh, making them just as delicious the next day.

For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

To reheat (if you prefer a slightly softer roll), let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with different flavors and substitutions!

If you’re out of strawberries or just want a twist, try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry combo. They all pair beautifully with the cheesecake filling.

For a chocolatey version, add cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the rolls before serving.

Want a little extra crunch? Swap the shortbread cookies for graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of some of the heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

For a fun twist, you can also roll these in coconut flakes for a tropical vibe!

However you choose to customize them, these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!