Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Let me tell you, the first time I made these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, I had to stop myself from licking the baking dish. They’re that good. Think of all the best parts of a classic strawberry shortcake—juicy berries, fluffy cake, whipped cream—and now imagine that magic rolled up with a rich cheesecake filling and topped with a creamy strawberry glaze. Yep. It’s pure joy in every bite.

I whipped these up for a spring brunch, and they disappeared faster than I could say “save me one!” These little rolls are soft, tender, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for everything from lazy weekend mornings to a festive strawberry shortcake birthday party food idea. Plus, they’re just so darn pretty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy dough with a touch of vanilla sweetness
• Luscious strawberry cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth
• A pink whipped glaze that looks bakery-worthy but is totally simple
• Kid-friendly, brunch-perfect, and party-ready
• Can be made ahead and reheated like a dream
• Easier than you think, even for beginner bakers

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level
Dessert/Brunch	American	30 mins	25 mins	2 hrs	12 rolls	Moderate

Ingredients

For the dough

• All-purpose flour – gives structure and softness
• Warm milk – activates the yeast and keeps dough tender
• Instant yeast – for that fluffy rise
• Sugar – adds light sweetness to balance the berries
• Butter – brings richness and helps keep the dough soft
• Egg – binds and adds richness
• Salt – just a pinch to balance flavors

For the strawberry cheesecake filling

• Cream cheese – the luscious heart of the filling
• Powdered sugar – keeps the filling silky, not grainy
• Fresh strawberries – for that classic fruity punch
• Vanilla extract – enhances the sweet cream flavor

For the whipped strawberry glaze

• Heavy cream – whipped into fluffy topping
• Strawberry jam – sweet, fruity, and blends perfectly
• Powdered sugar – for smooth sweetness
• Optional: pink food coloring – makes it pop for party vibes

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Make the dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy (this is when the yeast wakes up and gets bubbly—so satisfying!). Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth and elastic—about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.

Cover and let rise until doubled, about an hour in a warm spot. Your dough should be pillowy and soft to the touch.

Mix the filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Fold in chopped strawberries and a splash of vanilla. The mixture should be thick but spreadable—like strawberry cheesecake frosting.

Assemble the rolls

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (think 12×18 inches). Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly across, leaving a small border. Roll it up tightly from the long end, then slice into 12 rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish and let them puff up again, about 30 minutes.

Bake until golden

Pop the rolls in a 350°F oven and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden on top and bubbling with strawberry goodness. The smell? Oh, it’s heaven.

Glaze and serve

While the rolls cool slightly, whip the cream with powdered sugar and fold in strawberry jam. Spread or pipe over the warm rolls and serve right away.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling—no lumps!
• Chop the strawberries finely so they distribute evenly and don’t leak too much juice.
• Roll the dough tightly to keep the filling swirled inside.
• Let the rolls rise again before baking for that light, fluffy texture.
• Don’t skip the glaze—it adds sweetness and a lovely party finish!

Flavor Variations

• Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries
• Add crushed graham crackers to the filling for extra “cheesecake” vibes
• Use strawberry preserves in the glaze for a stronger berry flavor
• Make a lemon glaze instead for a tangy twist

If you’re in the mood to keep the fruit-filled goodness going, don’t miss this Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake. It’s buttery, bright, and bursting with tropical berry flavor—perfect for spring or summer gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm with extra whipped cream on the side (why not?). They go perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a mimosa for brunch. You can also plate them on a cake stand with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a strawberry whipping cream cake feel.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and let them rest in the fridge. In the morning, bring them to room temp and bake. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Leftover rolls? Lucky you. Reheat one gently and top with a little extra whipped cream or fresh berries. Or slice and griddle in butter like French toast (trust me!).

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Freeze the unbaked sliced rolls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake fresh. Baked rolls can also be frozen—just skip the glaze and add it after reheating.

Reheating

Microwave a single roll for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F) until warm. The glaze will melt a bit and soak into the roll… which is honestly even better.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well first. Frozen berries tend to release more moisture, so pat them dry.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls neatly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife. Floss is magic—it slices without squishing!

Can I use pre-made dough?
Totally! Store-bought crescent dough or even pizza dough can work in a pinch. Just know the texture will be a bit different.

Is this good for a strawberry shortcake birthday party?
Absolutely! These rolls are a fun twist on the easy strawberry shortcake cake recipe idea and perfect for sharing. Add some sprinkles to the glaze for a festive touch!

Where can I find more strawberry shortcake ideas?
If you’re feeling inspired to explore even more delicious spins on this classic treat, check out this roundup of the best strawberry shortcake recipes—from biscuits to trifles and everything in between.

Final Thoughts

If you love all things creamy, fruity, and a little bit nostalgic, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are going to be your new obsession. They’re comforting, playful, and just fancy enough to feel special. Whether you’re planning brunch, dessert, or a berry-themed birthday bash, this one’s a keeper. Bake them once and you’ll be dreaming of them all season long.