Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls (Print Version)
Soft rolls swirled with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberry filling, inspired by classic strawberry shortcake flavors.
# What You 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
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with dough hook for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
02 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to jam consistency, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
03 - Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Set aside until assembly.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface to 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Layer cooled strawberry mixture on top. Roll tightly from the longer edge to form a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange cut side up in greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly in pan.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth consistency forms. Drizzle glaze generously over warm rolls immediately before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of soft yeasted dough and creamy cheesecake filling creates the most incredible texture
- Fresh strawberries add brightness that cuts through all that richness perfectly
- These rolls look impressive but are actually quite forgiving to make
02 -
- The strawberry mixture MUST cool completely before spreading, or it will melt your cream cheese filling and create a mess
- Use unflavored dental floss to cut perfect rolls by sliding it underneath and crossing it over the top
- These rolls are best served warm but still taste incredible the next day if you store them properly
03 -
- If your dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time, but do not overdo it or your rolls will be tough
- Rotate your baking dish halfway through baking for even browning