Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls (Printer-friendly)
Soft homemade dough swirled with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh sweet strawberries, topped with vanilla glaze for a perfect dessert twist on the classic.
# What You'll 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
# Directions:
01 - Whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with dough hook for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to greased bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour until doubled.
02 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and jammy consistency forms, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Set aside at room temperature for easy spreading.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on lightly floured surface to 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Layer cooled strawberry mixture atop cheesecake filling. Roll tightly from longer edge to form log. Slice into 12 equal portions using sharp knife.
05 - Arrange rolls cut side up in greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 22-25 minutes until lightly golden and centers are fully cooked. Cool in dish 10 minutes before glazing.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth consistency forms. Drizzle generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately while slightly warm for optimal texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They combine everything you love about strawberry shortcake with the rich satisfaction of fresh cinnamon roll style dough
- The cheesecake layer stays incredibly creamy even after baking, creating these perfect pockets of sweetness
02 -
- The strawberry mixture must cool completely before spreading, otherwise it will melt your cheesecake layer and make a mess
- Letting the rolls rise in a warm, draft free spot is crucial for that fluffy texture
03 -
- Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls neatly without squishing the dough
- Rotate your baking dish halfway through baking for even browning