Pin it
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are my answer to summer dessert cravings when I want something creamy, fruity, and playful. Fluffy crepes cradle tangy whipped cheesecake filling, sun-ripened strawberries, and buttery cookie crumbs, making each bite feel both nostalgic and celebration-worthy. Whether you want to impress at a brunch or just tuck a new treat into your weeknight, these rolls always disappear fast at my table.
Every time I roll these up, I remember the first time my niece saw them and squealed because she thought they looked like dessert sushi. Now she helps me fill and roll every batch.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: full-fat softens smoothly for the creamiest filling. Let it reach room temperature for the silkiest texture
- Granulated sugar: adds just the right touch of sweetness throughout the layers. Use finer sugar for easy blending
- Vanilla extract: gives the filling a lovely aroma. A real vanilla extract makes all the difference
- Heavy whipping cream: whips up fluffy for stability and a light finish. Chill your bowl and beaters for the best results
- Fresh strawberries: bright and juicy in-season berries make these rolls next level. Choose berries that are deep red without white or green tips
- Shortbread cookies or graham crackers: for the crumb step up your base with homemade cookies if you have time or pick your favorite store brand for convenience
- Unsalted butter melted: this helps the crumb hold together so it layers smoothly
- Crepes: homemade or store-bought both work. Go for thin crepes with light browning for the prettiest rolls
- Powdered sugar: a cloudlike finishing touch. Sift before dusting to avoid clumps
Instructions
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl until absolutely smooth with no lumps. Scrape the bowl a few times as you mix to get everything evenly incorporated
- Whip and Fold the Cream:
- In a separate chilled bowl whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks so it can hold shape in the filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula so you do not deflate the air and your filling stays fluffy
- Macerate the Strawberries:
- Dice strawberries evenly and toss with sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes until juicy forming a quick syrup that soaks perfectly into the rolls
- Prepare the Cookie Crumb Layer:
- Mix your crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Stir until the texture feels like wet sand making it easy to sprinkle and spread in the rolls
- Layer and Roll:
- Lay out one crepe on a clean surface. Spread a generous line of cheesecake filling near one edge leaving a border. Sprinkle with cookie crumbs then spoon on strawberries and some of their juices. Roll up tightly from the filled edge to create a sushi-shaped roll
- Chill:
- Wrap each crepe roll in plastic wrap snugly. Refrigerate for at least one hour so the filling sets and rolls hold together cleanly for slicing
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove from the fridge and unwrap. Slice each roll into pieces about one inch thick and dust lightly with sifted powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy cold for the best texture
Pin it
My favorite part will always be the strawberry layer. There is something about juicy sun-warmed strawberries soaking into creamy filling that takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen when I used to sneak extra berries from the bowl before dessert was ready.
Storage Tips
After rolling and chilling, keep the rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for the freshest texture. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to two days in the fridge. Slice just before serving so the edges stay neat and do not dry out.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use mascarpone in place of cream cheese if you want a lighter Italian-style filling. Graham crackers offer a classic pairing, but vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits are great options too. For a berry twist, swap sliced peaches, raspberries, or even blueberries for the strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls as a cheerful summer dessert, a fancy brunch centerpiece, or at picnics. Top with extra berries, a drizzle of strawberry syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra wow factor when entertaining guests.
Cultural Note
Dessert rolls like these take classic American strawberry shortcake and give it a playful spin. Crepes originated in France, but rolling them with cheesecake and fruit is a modern mashup I love to bring to potlucks and family parties for its fun look and nostalgic flavor.
Pin it
Nothing makes a family gathering feel more like summer than a plate of these rolls chilled and ready for sharing. The best part is customizing each one with favorite fruits or cookies making it a dessert everyone wants to help assemble and eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries work, but fresh berries offer better texture and flavor.
- → How can I make the crepes ahead of time?
Prepare crepes up to a day early, stack with parchment between each, and store covered in the refrigerator.
- → Are graham crackers a suitable substitute for shortbread cookies?
Absolutely. Graham crackers add a slightly different flavor and crunchy texture that pairs well with the filling.
- → Can the rolls be prepared the night before serving?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Slice and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for best presentation.
- → What’s the best way to achieve smooth, fluffy cream filling?
Ensure cream cheese is softened and blend until smooth before gently folding in the whipped cream to maintain lightness.