Fluffy Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

These strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls combine fluffy crepes with a luscious cream cheese filling, fresh sweet strawberries, and buttery cookie crumbs for a dessert that feels light yet indulgent. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want to impress with a treat that's as pretty as it is delicious.

I first made this recipe for a family picnic and it was an instant hit. The combination of textures and flavors never fails to get compliments and requests for seconds.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: provides the rich and tangy base for the filling use fullfat for best creaminess
• Granulated sugar: balances the tartness and adds sweetness to the filling and strawberry layer
• Vanilla extract: enhances flavor depth choose pure vanilla extract if possible
• Heavy whipping cream: whipped to stiff peaks to give the filling a light and airy texture
• Fresh strawberries: fresh and ripe for maximum juiciness and natural sweetness
• Crushed shortbread cookies: add buttery crunch substitute graham crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor
• Unsalted butter: helps bind the crumb layer and adds richness
• Large crepes or thin cake layers: the base that holds the filling together homemade or storebought both work well
• Powdered sugar: for a delicate dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance

Instructions

Smoothing the Cream Cheese Mix:

Beat the softened cream cheese along with granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy without lumps. This ensures a silky filling base.

Whipping the Cream:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape without collapsing. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and airy texture.

Macerating Strawberries:

Combine the diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar. Let this sit for about ten minutes so the strawberries release their juices and become extra sweet and flavorful.

Preparing the Crumb Layer:

Mix the crushed shortbread cookies with melted unsalted butter until the crumbs resemble wet sand. This buttery crumb adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast inside the rolls.

Assembling the Rolls:

Lay one crepe flat and spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle a generous amount of the buttery cookie crumbs over the filling, then spoon the macerated strawberries evenly on top. Carefully roll the crepe tightly like a sushi roll to keep all the layers snug.

Chilling the Rolls:

Wrap each rolled crepe tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least one hour. This chilling step firms up the rolls, making them easier to slice cleanly.

Slicing and Serving:

Unwrap the chilled rolls and slice them into oneinch pieces with a sharp knife. Dust the pieces with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness.

My favorite ingredient has to be the crushed shortbread cookie crumbs. Their buttery richness is what takes these rolls from good to unforgettable. One summer evening, as we enjoyed this dessert outside, the kids kept sneaking bites before dinner was even over.

Storage Tips

Store these cheesecake rolls in the refrigerator wrapped well to prevent them drying out. They maintain their texture best chilled and should be enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. If you plan to prepare them in advance, slice the rolls just before serving to keep the cut edges from drying.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have shortbread cookies, graham crackers are a great alternative for the crumb layer. For the crepes, thin storebought pancakes can work in a pinch but homemade crepes provide the best delicate texture. You can swap granulated sugar in the strawberry layer with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served chilled on a summer afternoon with a cup of iced tea or sparkling water. Garnish plates with fresh mint leaves or extra strawberries for a pretty presentation. For an added touch, drizzle a little melted chocolate or a berry coulis over the slices.

These strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls are an elegant no bake dessert that comes together quickly. They look beautiful and taste even better.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cheese is used in the filling?

Cream cheese is softened and blended with sugar and vanilla to create a smooth, creamy filling.

→ How are the cookie crumbs prepared for the crumb layer?

Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers are mixed with melted butter until resembling wet sand, providing a crunchy texture.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, fresh berries or diced fruits with similar moisture content work well as a fruity layer.

→ How should the rolls be stored before serving?

Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to ensure they set properly.

→ What is the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?

Chill the rolls thoroughly before slicing into 1-inch pieces for neat, even cuts.

→ Are there alternative cookies recommended for the crumb layer?

Graham crackers can be used instead of shortbread cookies for a different flavor and texture.