If you’re a fan of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake, then get ready for the ultimate mash-up dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. This delightful recipe combines the tender, fluffy texture of cake rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive, tastes heavenly, and makes everyone at the table ask for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a holiday, a birthday, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, this dessert brings elegance and nostalgia together in one irresistible bite.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped

• 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies (or golden Oreos)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Roll Base
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt, followed by milk and melted butter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.

2. Roll the Cake
   While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Turn the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up gently with the towel. Allow it to cool completely while rolled.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
   Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in whipped cream until light and fluffy. Stir in half of the chopped strawberries.

4. Unroll and Fill
   Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with remaining strawberries. Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble
   In a small bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter and a little extra powdered sugar if desired. This will serve as the crunchy outer coating.

6. Coat the Roll
   Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the outside of the cake roll. Gently press the cookie crumble mixture all over until the roll is fully coated.

7. Chill and Serve
   Place the roll in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours to set before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra strawberries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Nutrients (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 20g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert has it all—soft cake, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and a crunchy shortcake crumble. It feels decadent without being overly heavy, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Its stunning presentation also makes it a showstopper at parties.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The cake roll technique has long been used in European baking, while strawberry shortcake has been a classic American dessert for centuries. Combining these two traditions with cheesecake filling creates a modern fusion dessert that pays homage to both the elegance of a roulade and the homey charm of strawberry shortcake.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries are truly the star of the show in this recipe, offering freshness, vibrant color, and natural sweetness that makes every bite pop. Cream cheese steps in to provide that signature cheesecake tang and irresistibly smooth texture, balancing the sweetness of the fruit. The shortbread cookies add a layer of crunch and buttery richness that perfectly complements the soft, fluffy cake. Finally, eggs play an essential role in giving the sponge cake its light, airy structure, ensuring that the roll holds together beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, which means it stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, and you’ll have a chilled, ready-to-eat treat on hand. If you need to prepare it further in advance, you can freeze the roll without the crumble coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Once thawed, coat it with the crumble for that fresh, crunchy finish.

Common Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if you’d like a different fruity twist. For extra sweetness, try adding a swirl of strawberry jam inside the roll before you layer in the cheesecake filling. Chocolate lovers can use chocolate shortbread cookies for the crumble, creating a decadent strawberry-chocolate variation. For a richer, more indulgent filling, replace the whipped cream with mascarpone cheese, which pairs beautifully with the fruit.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert is already indulgent, but you can elevate it even more with the right pairings. A slice of the roll served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with a fresh strawberry sauce makes for an extra special presentation. To balance the sweetness, a hot cup of coffee or tea is a perfect choice, while a glass of champagne or sparkling rosé transforms the dish into a truly celebratory dessert.

Health Benefits

While Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are undoubtedly indulgent, they still carry some natural benefits thanks to the use of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support the immune system and overall health. Incorporating fresh fruit instead of relying solely on processed sugars gives the dessert a refreshing balance. Plus, the roll can be sliced into portions, helping you satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulging.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the perfect way to bring together classic flavors in a modern presentation. This dessert is equal parts elegant and comforting, making it versatile enough for both casual family dinners and fancy holiday tables. Its layers of fluffy sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy cookie crumble ensure every bite is a delicious mix of textures and flavors.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to wow guests yet is simple enough to prepare ahead of time, this one is a winner. With every slice, you get a beautiful swirl of colors and flavors that look as good as they taste. So, next time you need a show-stopping dessert, whip up these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls—and be ready for the compliments that follow.