Short Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful fusion of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry flavors. These rolls are perfect for dessert or as a charming addition to any brunch spread, offering the nostalgic taste of strawberry shortcake in an easy-to-make, handheld treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesecake rolls combine the best elements of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake in a convenient, puff pastry format. With a buttery, golden crust, a creamy and tangy filling, and juicy strawberries, each bite delivers rich flavor and a pleasing contrast of textures. They’re quick to prepare and look beautiful on a serving tray, making them ideal for entertaining or treating yourself to a special snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 egg (for egg wash)
1/4 cup crushed golden sandwich cookies (for topping, optional)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and gently roll it out to slightly increase its size.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
Add a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese, then evenly distribute the finely chopped strawberries.
Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice it into 6–8 even rolls.
Place the rolls flat onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Beat the egg and lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
After baking, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with crushed golden sandwich cookies if using.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8 rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Blueberry Version: Substitute chopped strawberries and strawberry jam with blueberries and blueberry preserves.
Lemon Cheesecake Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Strawberry: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before rolling.
Savory Twist: Omit the sugar and use whipped goat cheese with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for a savory version.
Icing Drizzle: Top the rolls with a quick powdered sugar glaze instead of cookie crumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp the pastry. Avoid microwaving to maintain flakiness.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls wrapped in plastic, then bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best to avoid excess moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and slice the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight and bake fresh the next day.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
You can use any berry jam or preserve, such as raspberry or cherry.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry can enhance the texture and flavor if you have the time to prepare it.
Do I need to use an egg wash?
While optional, the egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden color and enhances their appearance.
Can I add more cream cheese for a richer filling?
Yes, you can increase the cream cheese amount slightly, but ensure it doesn’t overpower the puff pastry or cause excess moisture.
Is the cookie topping necessary?
It’s optional, but the crushed cookies mimic the flavor of shortcake and add a delightful crunch.
Can these rolls be served cold?
Yes, they’re delicious both warm and chilled. Just be sure they’re stored properly if serving later.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Roll the pastry tightly and avoid overfilling to keep the filling contained during baking.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
While puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, crescent dough or pie crust can be used for a different texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a quick and elegant dessert that brings together sweet fruit, creamy filling, and buttery pastry in one delightful package. Whether served warm or chilled, these rolls are sure to become a favorite treat for brunches, tea time, or spontaneous dessert cravings. With their inviting look and irresistible flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful fusion of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry jam, and fresh berries—all topped with golden cookie crumbles. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup strawberry jam
-
1 egg (for egg wash)
-
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
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1/4 cup crushed golden sandwich cookies (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
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Roll pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold and gently roll out puff pastry to slightly enlarge.
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Assemble: Spread cream cheese mixture over the pastry, then add a thin layer of strawberry jam. Sprinkle chopped strawberries evenly on top.
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Roll and slice: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into 6–8 rolls.
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Bake: Arrange rolls flat on the baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and puffed.
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Finish: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with crushed cookies while warm.
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Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or chilled.
Notes
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For a twist, try using raspberry or blueberry jam.
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Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat briefly for best texture.
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Make ahead and freeze unbaked rolls for a quick treat later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American