Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls for the Ultimate Bake Day

Looking to elevate your next brunch, birthday, or weekend treat? These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence. Soft, pillowy rolls wrapped around a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with juicy strawberries—what could be better? Whether you’re planning a cozy morning in or prepping desserts for a crowd, this recipe hits every sweet note.

This recipe is a genius twist on classic cinnamon rolls. You get the warm, gooey comfort of cinnamon with a tangy, rich cream cheese center, all topped off with a fresh strawberry glaze. It’s a baked strawberry dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.

If you’re always on the lookout for baked goods desserts that impress without the stress, you’re going to fall in love with this sweet bake.

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Why You’ll Love These Baked Strawberry Dessert Rolls

These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor. They’re:

• Soft and fluffy with gooey swirls of cream cheese and strawberry
• Easy to prepare, especially with store-bought dough
• Visually stunning, perfect for parties, brunch, or special occasions
• Packed with real strawberries, not artificial flavor
• A crowd favorite among both kids and adults

Whether you’re baking from scratch or using a shortcut like Philsbury cinnamon rolls recipe style dough, this dessert is customizable and totally crave-worthy.

You’ll also love similar fruity bakes like our Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for variety.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe yields 8 to 10 rolls, depending on how thick you slice them.

Dough (if homemade)

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Layer

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup mashed strawberries (for color and flavor)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Shortcut? Use a can of Philsbury cinnamon rolls and simply add the cheesecake and strawberry layers before baking!

Need a breakfast-friendly twist? These are a fun follow-up to our Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls for sweet-and-savory mornings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls With Toppings

1. Make the dough (skip this step if using canned rolls): In a large bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle in yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add egg, salt, and flour. Knead until dough forms, then cover and let rise 1 hour.
2. Cook strawberries: In a small pan, cook chopped strawberries with sugar and cornstarch over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
3. Prepare cream cheese filling: Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Roll and fill: Roll out dough into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread cream cheese mixture evenly, then layer cooled strawberries on top.
5. Roll and slice: Roll tightly from the long side, then slice into 8–10 even pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
6. Rise again: Let the rolls rise for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.
8. Glaze and serve: Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately or let cool and enjoy later!

Want even more fun? Check out Birthday Cake Overnight Oats for another whimsical dessert-inspired treat.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Dessert

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish (9×13 or 8×8 works)
• Small saucepan
• Whisk or spoon for glazing

This recipe fits right into your bake day ideas toolkit with easy tools and step-by-step instructions.

Using Store-Bought Dough Like Philsbury Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

In a pinch? Use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough:

1. Unroll the dough carefully.
2. Spread the cheesecake filling directly on the dough strip.
3. Spoon the cooled strawberry mixture over it.
4. Re-roll, slice, and bake as directed on the can (usually 15–18 minutes at 350°F).
5. Glaze and serve as usual!

This is one of the best desserts made with cinnamon rolls for a semi-homemade approach with major wow factor.

Ideas for Customizing These Cinnamon Rolls With Strawberries

You can personalize this recipe in so many delicious ways:

• Berry blend: Add raspberries or blueberries to the strawberry mixture
• Chocolate swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer
• Nut crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the filling
• Cinnamon twist: Add extra cinnamon to the cream cheese for warmth
• Lemon zing: Add lemon zest to the glaze for brightness

You might also enjoy pairing them with our Cinnamon Apple Bread for a fall-themed brunch spread.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are beautiful and delicious enough for:

• Brunch gatherings
• Holiday mornings
• Dessert tables
• Valentine’s Day or baby showers
• Birthday breakfast in bed

Serve with a fruit salad, a cup of hot tea, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated presentation.

Looking for a savory companion? Try these Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bakes to balance out the sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat These Baked Goods Desserts

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes

To reheat individually, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven.

More Easy Dessert Recipes With Strawberry to Try

Strawberries make any dessert more exciting. Here are more ideas:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
• Peach Mango Smoothie with a strawberry swirl
• Pumpkin Roll-Ups with strawberry cream
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies, adapted with strawberry filling

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Overstuffing: Too much filling makes the rolls hard to shape and bake evenly
• Soggy dough: Drain or cook down your strawberries first
• Overbaking: Check around 25 minutes to avoid dry rolls
• Skipping the rise: If using homemade dough, proper rising makes a big difference in fluffiness
• Hot cream cheese: Let the filling cool before spreading if it was recently mixed

You’ll get bakery-style results if you avoid these simple missteps.

Can I Make These Strawberry Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Prep the night before: Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let come to room temp and bake in the morning.
• Freeze unbaked: After slicing, place rolls in a baking dish, cover well, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Bake and freeze: Bake as usual, then wrap and freeze rolls individually. Warm up whenever the craving strikes.

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FAQs: All About Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes—just thaw and drain them before cooking down into jam.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk.

Do I need to use yeast?
Only for the homemade dough version. You can skip it by using store-bought cinnamon rolls.

Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, just make sure it’s not too runny and spread a thin layer.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
Check that the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Bake Day Ideas: Pairings, Themes, and Treat Boards

These cinnamon rolls are an amazing addition to:

• Mother’s Day brunch boards
• Strawberry-themed breakfast buffets
• Dessert grazing platters
• Bake sales and tea parties
• Birthday “sweet breakfasts”

Pair them with Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi for a surprising sweet-savory combo!

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