Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls (Printable)
Soft rolls swirled with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries for a decadent treat.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg
→ Cheesecake Filling
08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Strawberry Layer
11 - 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
12 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
13 - 2 tsp cornstarch
14 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Glaze
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 tbsp milk
17 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# How To Make:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow mixture to rest for 5 minutes until foamy and activated. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, stirring to combine. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
02 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and develops a jammy consistency, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Gently layer cooled strawberry mixture on top of the filling.
05 - Starting from the longer side, roll dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
07 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tangy cheesecake layer cuts through the sweetness in a way that makes each bite feel balanced rather than heavy.
- These rolls taste like strawberry shortcake met a cinnamon roll and they decided to become best friends.
02 -
- The strawberry layer must cool completely before spreading or it will melt the cheesecake filling into a soupy mess.
- Do not skip the second rise or your rolls will be dense and sad instead of pillowy and proud.
03 -
- Dental floss cuts through soft dough cleaner than a knife ever will, giving you perfect spiral edges.
- Let cream cheese sit out for at least an hour before mixing or you will chase lumps forever.