Here is a big, complete recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls—a dreamy hybrid dessert that rolls up perfection. This guide includes everything from the history of the roll to the nutritional breakdown.
—
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls: Dessert Dreams, Rolled Up Perfectly
Introduction
Imagine the light, airy texture of a classic sponge cake, swirled with a rich and tangy cheesecake filling, and punctuated by the sweet burst of fresh strawberries. This is not just a dessert; it is an experience. The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is the perfect hybrid—marrying the elegance of a French roulade with the comforting nostalgia of a strawberry shortcake. Each slice reveals a beautiful spiral of cream and fruit, making it the centerpiece of any spring brunch, birthday party, or holiday table. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning rolled masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
—
📋 Full Ingredients List
For the Cake Roll (The Sponge):
· 4 large eggs, room temperature
· ¾ cup granulated sugar
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· ¾ cup all-purpose flour
· 1 tsp baking powder
· ¼ tsp salt
· Powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
· 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
· ½ cup powdered sugar
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1 cup heavy whipping cream
· 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for whipping cream)
For the Strawberry Layer:
· 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced small
· 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
· 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping (Optional):
· ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
· Fresh strawberries and mint for garnish
· White chocolate drizzle
—
🥣 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Roll
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on high speed for 5–7 minutes. The mixture should be pale, thick, and fall in a ribbon when the whisk is lifted.
3. Add vanilla and mix gently.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Fold into the egg mixture in three additions. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched.
6. Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper.
7. Roll the cake in the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: The Cheesecake Filling Method
1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix until creamy.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and 2 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until combined. Chill until ready to use.
Step 3: The Strawberry Preparation
1. Dice strawberries finely. Toss them with lemon juice and strawberry jam. This adds sweetness and helps bind the fruit so it doesn’t make the cake soggy.
Step 4: Assembly (The Formation)
1. Unroll the cooled cake gently.
2. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the entire surface.
3. Sprinkle the strawberry mixture evenly over the filling.
4. Re-roll the cake tightly but gently, using the towel to help you. Don’t press too hard or the filling will squeeze out.
5. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). This sets the shape and makes slicing clean.
Step 5: Final Presentation
1. Trim the ends of the roll for a clean look.
2. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
—
📖 The History of the Rolled Cake
The rolled cake, or roulade, dates back to 19th-century Europe. While the Swiss Roll is perhaps the most famous, American bakers adapted the technique during the mid-20th century to create “jelly rolls.” The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a modern evolution, combining the creamy richness of New York cheesecake with the lightness of a classic shortcake. It represents the American love affair with hybrid desserts—taking the best parts of multiple classics and uniting them into one perfect slice.
—
💚 Benefits of This Dessert
· Portion Control: Unlike a full cheesecake or sheet cake, the roll naturally slices into neat, individual portions.
· Lighter Texture: The sponge base is lower in fat than traditional shortcake biscuits or dense cheesecake crusts.
· Fruit Intake: Real strawberries provide Vitamin C and antioxidants.
· Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert actually tastes better when made a day in advance, reducing stress for hosts.
· Visual Appeal: The spiral formation makes it look professionally decorated without requiring advanced piping skills.
—
🧁 For the Lovers
This dessert is for the lovers—those who love deeply, bake passionately, and share generously. It is for the person who believes that dessert should be an event, not an afterthought. It is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, an anniversary surprise, or a “just because” gift for a friend who needs a little sweetness. The swirl of pink strawberries and white cream symbolizes the beautiful messiness of love itself: sometimes imperfect, always delicious, and best when shared.
—
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Slice, based on 10 slices)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 290 kcal
Total Fat 16g
Saturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 115mg
Sodium 180mg
Total Carbohydrates 32g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 24g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 15% DV
Calcium 6% DV
Iron 6% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
—
🎯 Conclusion
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is more than a recipe; it is a statement. It proves that with patience and care, humble ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. The contrast of textures—soft cake, creamy filling, juicy berries—creates a symphony in every bite. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a brave beginner, this roll will reward you with applause from your guests and a deep sense of accomplishment. Dessert dreams really do roll up perfectly.
—
Enjoy every swirl, every berry, and every bite. Happy baking!