Description of this recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer a delightful twist on two classic desserts. Imagine the creamy indulgence of cheesecake combined with the buttery, crumbly goodness of shortcake, all wrapped up in convenient, bite-sized rolls. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that is both elegant and easy to enjoy. Each roll is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the soft, tender crepe or thin cake layer to the rich, tangy cream cheese filling, the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, and the satisfying crunch of the crumbly shortbread or graham cracker topping. It’s a fun, innovative way to serve a familiar favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Unique and Impressive: These rolls are a conversation starter. Their unique presentation and delicious flavor combination will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these rolls are surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe involves straightforward steps and readily available ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and chill them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Use different types of berries, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or experiment with different cookie crumbs.
- Perfectly Portioned: Each roll is a perfectly portioned bite of creamy, fruity goodness. They’re ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Crumb Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Base and Garnish:
- 6 large crepes or thin cake layers
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. It is essential to use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling. The mixture should be light and airy.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter. The stiff peaks should hold their shape when the beaters are lifted.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Components
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Fold until just combined, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the diced fresh strawberries with the granulated sugar. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly with the sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to macerate and release their natural juices. This step enhances the flavor of the strawberries and creates a syrupy sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Layer
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. The melted butter helps bind the crumbs together, creating a cohesive and flavorful topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Lay a crepe or thin cake layer flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling evenly over the crepe, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a layer of the cookie crumbs over the cream cheese filling. Spoon a portion of the macerated strawberries over the cookie crumbs, distributing them evenly.
Step 7: Roll and Wrap
Carefully roll the crepe tightly into a sushi-like shape, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Ensure the roll is snug but not too tight, to prevent the filling from squeezing out. Once rolled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
Step 8: Chill
Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer. Chilling the rolls allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together, making them easier to slice and serve.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Before serving, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the sliced rolls on a serving platter and dust generously with powdered sugar.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: Easy
- Flavor: Delicious
- Presentation: Impressive
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls as a dessert for parties, potlucks, or special occasions.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a berry coulis for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Garnish with fresh berries, mint sprigs, or chocolate shavings for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t overwhip the heavy cream, as it can turn into butter.
- Let the strawberries macerate for at least 10 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Chill the rolls for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls cleanly.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a fun, creative, and delicious dessert that is sure to impress. With their unique presentation, creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and crumbly topping, they’re a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, these rolls are a delightful choice that will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries?
A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may be softer than fresh ones, so they may release more juice when macerated.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crumb layer?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of cookies for the crumb layer. Shortbread cookies and graham crackers are classic choices, but you can also use vanilla wafers, chocolate cookies, or even gingersnaps. Just make sure to crush the cookies into fine crumbs and mix them with melted butter for the best results.
Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, these rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Chilling the rolls allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious.
Q4: Can I add any other ingredients to the cream cheese filling?
A: Feel free to customize the cream cheese filling to your liking. You can add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy flavor, a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a splash of almond extract for a nutty aroma. You can also add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Q5: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of strawberries?
A: Of course! You can easily substitute other types of berries for the strawberries in this recipe. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a combination of mixed berries would all work well. You can also use other fruits like diced peaches, mangoes, or kiwi. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
