Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls : Delicious Dessert

Posted on April 11, 2025 · By Lyndy

strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls on a white plate

Few desserts capture the essence of spring better than these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. A delicate vanilla sponge cake wraps around a light, creamy cheesecake filling and is layered with juicy, fresh strawberries. Each slice is a swirl of beauty, bursting with color and flavor. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, preparing a potluck idea dessert, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, this is the dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, this recipe is one of the most rewarding sweet dessert recipes easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for special occasions. It combines the nostalgic charm of classic strawberry shortcake with the elegance of a cake roll and the richness of a no-bake cheesecake. The result? One of the most unique dessert ideas you’ll bake this season.

Why This Is One of the Best Sweet Dessert Recipes Easy and Elegant

Strawberries and cream are a timeless pair, and this dessert elevates them with a beautiful presentation. While it may look complicated, the process is quite straightforward, especially with the step-by-step method below. The sponge is light and flexible, ideal for rolling without cracks, and the filling is made with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Unlike layered cakes or pies, this roll is fuss-free, stores well, and makes serving easy—just slice and plate. It’s perfect for easy spring desserts, family gatherings, baby showers, and even as a casual weekend treat. With minimal effort, you get maximum elegance and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a cake roll that’s light, creamy, and full of flavor.

For the Cake Roll:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if strawberries are tart)

Optional garnish: Sliced strawberries, extra whipped cream, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a refreshing and creamy dessert that celebrates the best of spring fruit.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make These Pretty Strawberry Rolls

Follow these steps for a foolproof, bakery-style dessert that will impress every guest.

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Add vanilla and milk. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched.

Step 2: Roll the Cake While Warm
Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake with the towel into a spiral. Let it cool completely while rolled.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy. Fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Unroll, Fill, and Re-Roll
Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the filling.

Roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or pipe extra whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh berries for a truly fancy dessert beautiful enough for any event.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cake Roll Texture

  • Beat eggs and sugar thoroughly to create volume and structure
  • Use parchment paper and grease your pan well to prevent sticking
  • Don’t overbake – sponge should be soft and pliable
  • Roll while warm – this prevents cracks
  • Cool completely before filling – otherwise, the filling will melt

These tips ensure your cake stays light, soft, and easy to roll—making it one of the best Easter cake roll recipes you’ll try this year.

Filling Ideas: From Cheesecake to Whipped Cream and Beyond

This cheesecake filling is a winner, but you can customize the inside with other fun twists:

  • Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta
  • Add lemon zest for citrusy brightness
  • Use chocolate chips or mini white chocolate shavings
  • Spread a layer of strawberry jam before the cream
  • Mix in crushed graham crackers for crunch

The possibilities are endless, and each one brings a fresh take to this pretty dessert recipe.

Things to Make with Fresh Strawberries: Seasonal Variations and Swaps

This cake roll is a wonderful way to use peak-season berries. But when strawberries aren’t available, try these variations:

  • Raspberries or blueberries – sweet and slightly tart
  • Peaches or mangoes – juicy and summery
  • Cherries and cream – elegant and classic
  • Bananas and chocolate – a fun twist for kids

Whether you’re looking for things to make with fresh strawberries or creative fruit swaps, this roll adapts beautifully to what’s in season.

Easter Cake Roll Recipes That Impress Without the Stress

Need a gorgeous dessert for your spring celebration? This one checks all the boxes for Easter cake roll recipes:

  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Pastel, light, and seasonal
  • Elegant but approachable
  • Easy to slice and serve

Add Easter-themed toppers or pipe pastel whipped cream for festive flair. It’s a fantastic addition to brunch tables, dessert buffets, or as part of your Easter cheesecake ideas rotation.

How to Present This as a Fancy Dessert Beautiful Enough for Any Occasion

This dessert is a showstopper on any table. To present it in style:

  • Plate slices on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar
  • Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves
  • Drizzle with strawberry or white chocolate sauce
  • Serve with a scoop of sorbet or lemon ice cream
  • Add gold foil toppers or sugared berries for holiday sparkle

Its spiral shape and vibrant color already make it a fancy dessert beautiful by default—enhancing the presentation just makes it even more irresistible.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Potlucks and Parties

Make-Ahead:
This roll can be made the day before and stored wrapped in plastic in the fridge. The flavors will meld and the cake will slice even more cleanly.

Storage:
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze after filling, as the cream may separate.

Transporting:
Place the roll in a long, shallow container or wrap it tightly with plastic and foil. It’s one of the best potluck ideas dessert dishes because it travels well and stays fresh.

Easy Spring Desserts That Capture the Season’s Flavors

Nothing says spring like berries and cream, but here are other ways to enjoy similar seasonal sweetness:

  • Lemon coconut cake rolls
  • Raspberry almond cheesecake bites
  • Strawberry shortcake trifles
  • Mini pavlovas with whipped cream and fruit
  • Angel food cupcakes with berry glaze

If you’re building a dessert table, these easy spring desserts make a stunning and flavorful lineup.

Creative Easter Cheesecake Ideas Using This Roll Recipe

Want to make it more festive? Turn this recipe into creative Easter cheesecake ideas:

  • Pipe Easter egg shapes onto the roll with tinted frosting
  • Slice into rounds and arrange into a bunny shape on a platter
  • Add pastel sprinkles or chocolate eggs as garnish
  • Infuse the cream with crushed cookies or fruit for texture

This roll is the perfect blank canvas for your creativity.

FAQs About Shortcake Rolls, Cheesecake Fillings, and Strawberry Desserts

Can I make this roll gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What if my cake cracks when rolling?
It’s usually due to overbaking or rolling after cooling. Even if it cracks, frosting or garnishes can cover it.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen berries can work in a pinch.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s stiff enough to hold shape inside the roll.

How long will the roll last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3 days. Always store it tightly wrapped to avoid drying out.

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cake Rolls

Cake is too dry: You may have overbaked. Check a few minutes early.
Roll cracked: Be sure to roll while the cake is warm and use a towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Filling oozes out: Chill the roll before slicing and avoid overfilling.
Cake sticks to towel: Use enough powdered sugar and a clean, smooth towel or parchment paper.

Stick to the process, and your shortcake cheesecake rolls will be just as stunning as any bakery’s offering.

Conclusion: Add This Unique Dessert Idea to Your Recipe Box Today

These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of spring, a feast for the eyes, and a bite of pure bliss. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a spring potluck, or simply want to create something beautiful and indulgent, this recipe is a must-add to your list of unique dessert ideas.

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Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls : Delicious Dessert


  • Author: Lyndy kitchen
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description

Few desserts capture the essence of spring better than these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Roll:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if strawberries are tart)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Add vanilla and milk. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched.

Step 2: Roll the Cake While Warm
Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake with the towel into a spiral. Let it cool completely while rolled.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy. Fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Unroll, Fill, and Re-Roll
Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the filling.

Roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or pipe extra whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh berries for a truly fancy dessert beautiful enough for any event.

Notes

  • Beat eggs and sugar thoroughly to create volume and structure
  • Use parchment paper and grease your pan well to prevent sticking
  • Don’t overbake – sponge should be soft and pliable
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 10–12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8–10 slices
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 1g

Keywords: Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

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