Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls bring together three beloved desserts in a fun and elegant way. The creamy cheesecake filling, paired with fresh strawberries and shortcake crumbs, creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The fact that this is a no-bake dessert makes it perfect for warmer weather. Additionally, they can be made ahead, reducing stress on party day while still delivering a beautiful, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 large crepes (or thin cake layers)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Chill for about 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Prepare the Berries: Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Slice them into small, even pieces, then toss them with sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes to macerate. Pat excess moisture with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
3. Prepare the Cookie Crumbs: Combine the crushed shortbread cookies (or graham crackers) with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
4. Assemble the Rolls: Lay the crepes flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the cheesecake filling on each crepe, followed by an even layer of strawberries and a sprinkle of cookie crumbs. Roll the crepe tightly, starting from one edge.
5. Chill and Slice: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the rolls to firm up. Once chilled, slice the rolls into 1-inch pieces and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 (24 pieces)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: No baking time
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

• Use Pound Cake: If you can’t find crepes, thin slices of pound cake can also work as a base for these rolls.
• Flavored Fillings: Experiment with different flavored cream cheese fillings, such as lemon or orange, to give these rolls a citrus twist.
• Other Fruits: Swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or shortbread cookies to make the dessert gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Freezing: These rolls are not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the cheesecake filling and strawberries will change when thawed.
• Reheating: Serve these rolls chilled, as they are best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these rolls up to 24 hours ahead. Just refrigerate them and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are preferred, but thawed frozen strawberries can work. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

3. What if I can’t find crepes?

Thin slices of pound cake or store-bought crepes from the produce section work well as substitutes for crepes.

4. Why are my rolls messy when slicing?

Ensure the rolls are chilled for at least 1 hour before slicing, and use a very sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.

5. Can these rolls be frozen?

It is not recommended to freeze these rolls because the texture of the filling and strawberries will change once thawed.

6. Can I use graham crackers instead of shortbread cookies?

Yes, graham crackers are a great alternative to shortbread cookies for the crumb topping.

7. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crumbs?

You can experiment with other cookies such as butter cookies or even digestive biscuits for the crumbs.

8. How do I prevent the crepes from cracking?

If your crepes crack, try warming them slightly before spreading the filling. Be gentle when applying the cheesecake mixture.

9. How can I make the rolls sweeter?

You can increase the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or add more sugar to the strawberries to suit your sweetness preference.

10. Can I use a different type of fruit for these rolls?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the ultimate dessert for any gathering, offering a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh fruit, and crunchy shortcake crumbs. These no-bake treats are easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and will leave your guests asking for more. With their elegant appearance and delightful flavors, these rolls are sure to become a go-to dessert for special occasions and casual get-togethers alike!

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