Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

This strawberry shortcake cheesecake roll recipe transforms classic strawberry shortcake flavors into an elegant, sushi-inspired dessert that always impresses guests at summer gatherings. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and buttery cookie crumbs rolled into delicate crepes creates a stunning no-bake treat that tastes as beautiful as it looks.

I first created these rolls for my daughter's garden party, and they've become our signature dessert for warm-weather entertaining. The way guests' eyes light up when they see the colorful cross-sections makes all the preparation worthwhile.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese softened to room temperature ensures a perfectly smooth filling without lumps
• Granulated sugar balances the tanginess of the cream cheese
• Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake filling
• Heavy whipping cream creates that luxurious mousse-like texture we all love
• Fresh strawberries provide bright color and flavor choose ripe, fragrant berries for best results
• Shortbread cookies or graham crackers bring that essential shortcake texture
• Unsalted butter binds the cookie layer together while adding richness
• Large crepes serve as the delicate wrapper look for premade options or make your own
• Powdered sugar finishes the presentation with a touch of elegance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure every bit is perfectly incorporated. The texture should be light and airy with no lumps whatsoever.

Whip The Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift the beaters. This typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes with an electric mixer. Be careful not to overwhip or it will become grainy and start to separate.

Combine The Filling

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring to maintain as much air as possible in the mixture. The result should be a light, mousse-like texture that holds its shape but spreads easily.

Prepare The Strawberries

Mix the diced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes, which helps release their juices and intensifies their flavor. This maceration process creates that classic strawberry shortcake flavor we're looking for.

Make The Cookie Layer

Combine the crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter should be completely incorporated with no dry spots. This creates the distinctive shortcake element that gives the dessert its name.

Assemble The Rolls

Lay a crepe flat on your work surface and spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling across it, leaving about half an inch around the edges. Sprinkle a layer of the cookie crumb mixture over the filling, then arrange a line of macerated strawberries along one edge of the crepe.

Roll And Chill

Starting from the strawberry edge, roll the crepe tightly like a sushi roll, being careful to keep the filling from squeezing out. Wrap each completed roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the roll to set firmly.

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The strawberries are truly the star of this dessert. I once made these rolls with strawberries from my grandmother's garden, and the intense flavor of those sun-ripened berries elevated the dessert to something truly memorable. That's why I always recommend using the freshest, ripest berries you can find.

Make-Ahead Magic

These rolls actually improve with a bit of time in the refrigerator. The moisture from the filling softens the crepes slightly, creating a cake-like texture that holds together perfectly when sliced. You can prepare these rolls up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation. Just wait to dust them with powdered sugar until right before serving.

Seasonal Variations

While strawberries are the classic choice, this versatile recipe works beautifully with other seasonal fruits. Try blueberries and lemon zest in summer, cinnamon-spiced apples in fall, or chocolate and peppermint during the holiday season. The basic template remains the same, but you can customize the flavors to suit any occasion or the fruits currently in season.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert platter, slice the rolls into rounds about 1-inch thick and arrange them on a serving dish with fresh whole strawberries and mint leaves for garnish. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. For a more substantial dessert, serve larger portions with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce on the side.

The Perfect Crepe

While store-bought crepes work perfectly fine, homemade crepes take this dessert to another level. If making your own, prepare them ahead of time and allow them to cool completely before assembling. The ideal crepe for this recipe is thin but sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. If you're not confident in your crepe-making abilities, thin slices of store-bought pound cake can work as an alternative wrapper.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! These rolls actually benefit from being made ahead. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and keep tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. For best results, slice just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of crepes?

If you don't have time to make crepes, you can use store-bought crepes, thin slices of pound cake, or even softened Swiss roll cake as alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different texture but work well with the fillings.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and appearance, but in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, ensure your strawberries aren't too wet after macerating (drain if necessary) and place the cookie crumb layer between the crepe and the cheesecake filling to create a moisture barrier.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, and ensure your cookies are dairy-free. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

→ What other fruits work well in this dessert?

This versatile dessert works beautifully with raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or a mixed berry combination. Adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.