Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a dreamy, decadent twist on classic strawberry shortcake that’s about to steal your dessert-loving heart. These delicious rolls combine fluffy crepes, velvety cheesecake filling, juicy macerated strawberries, and buttery shortbread crumbs into irresistible, sliceable treats. They’re sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re planning a brunch, a party, or just craving a special treat, this gorgeous dessert promises to wow both your eyes and your taste buds.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to create these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls with such accessible kitchen staples. Every ingredient plays a special role: bold flavors from real strawberries, creamy richness from dairy, and an irresistible crunch from the crumb layer. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, providing tangy creaminess that fills every bite with decadence.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Just the right amount to sweeten both your filling and the fresh berries perfectly.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash elevates all the flavors, giving a cozy, aromatic backbone.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks, this makes the cheesecake filling light and dreamy.
Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, diced): Nothing beats the sweetness and color of real berries in every roll.
Shortbread Cookies or Graham Crackers (1 1/2 cups, crushed): Brings a sandy, buttery layer reminiscent of classic shortcake.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps those cookies or crackers cling together just right.
Crepes or Thin Cake Layers (6 large): Your “wrap” for these rolls, tender and pliable to keep all those creamy, crumbly, fruity layers inside.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a sweet, snowy finish to each beautiful bite.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by making the luscious cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be smooth, creamy, and totally lump-free! This will become the heart and soul of your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls.

Step 2: Whip and Fold in the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form – you want that rich, billowy texture! Gently fold this whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture. The whipped cream gives the filling its light-as-air, mousse-like consistency that makes these rolls so dreamy.

Step 3: Prep the Strawberries

Dice the fresh strawberries and toss them with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes; this quick “maceration” amplifies their sweet juiciness and helps their natural flavor bloom, making each roll pop with berry goodness.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Layer

In a small bowl, mix the crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand. This layer adds the unmistakable “shortcake” vibe to your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls and brings just the right bit of crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Lay out your crepes (or thin cake layers) and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling over each, leaving a small border at the edge. Sprinkle with plenty of buttery crumbs and spoon on some of the juicy strawberries. Starting at one end, roll each up tightly like a sushi roll, encasing all that dreamy filling.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Wrap each roll snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps them firm up so you’ll get perfect slices, while also allowing the flavors to meld — making every bite even dreamier.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

When ready to serve, carefully slice each chilled roll into 1-inch pieces and arrange on your platter. Finish with a snowfall of powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty, sweet touch that no one can resist.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Garnishes

Kick things up a notch with garnishes! Think fresh strawberry halves, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a few mint leaves for that pop of color and freshness. Powdered sugar is a given, but a little whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top can make your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls extra dazzling.

Side Dishes

For a fun dessert platter, pair your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls with scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, a bowl of mixed berries, or even a tangy lemon sherbet. If you love contrasts, a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea alongside will balance the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each roll sushi-style on a wooden board, or stand them on end in cupcake liners for a pretty buffet display. Try stacking slices pyramid-style in the center of a dessert platter, dusted with extra crumbs and berries for a party-worthy centerpiece. Let your creativity shine — these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls love attention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, though the cookies may lose a bit of crunch with time (but the flavor just gets dreamier!).

Freezing

Want to make them ahead? You can freeze the whole rolls before slicing. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to slice and serve your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

While these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you’d like to bring them back to that soft, creamy texture after refrigeration, just let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving; gentle rest at room temp does the trick!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crepes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought crepes are a fantastic shortcut and work beautifully for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. Just make sure they’re soft and pliable for easy rolling. Thin cake layers or even soft tortillas can stand in if that’s what you have!

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before macerating with sugar. Frozen strawberries release more liquid, so using fresh berries will give you a firmer, brighter, and more flavorful filling.

What if I don’t have shortbread cookies?

No worries! Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits all work beautifully. Each will bring a slightly different texture, but all are delicious in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls.

Can I make these rolls a day in advance?

Definitely! In fact, chilling the rolls overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing even easier. Just wait to dust with powdered sugar until right before serving for the best presentation.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free with a few simple swaps: use gluten-free crepes or cake layers and gluten-free cookies for the crumb. Every other ingredient in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls is naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopping, joy-sparking dessert, give these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls a try. They’re so fun to make, look gorgeous on any platter, and every bite is pure, creamy, berry-filled bliss. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself — this one’s destined to become a favorite!