If you love strawberries, cheesecake, and light sponge cakes, prepare your taste buds for the ultimate dessert fusion. These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are more than just eye-catching — they deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures: airy vanilla sponge, luscious whipped cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries in every bite. It’s like eating summer wrapped in a delicious swirl.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or treat yourself to a fancy homemade dessert, this cake roll is surprisingly approachable and incredibly rewarding. Let’s walk through the full process, step-by-step — from choosing the best ingredients to mastering the perfect roll.
🎂 What Is a Cake Roll?
A cake roll (also called a jelly roll or Swiss roll) is a thin, flexible sponge cake that’s filled and rolled into a log. While traditionally filled with jam or whipped cream, this version ups the ante by combining a rich cheesecake layer with sweet strawberries — reminiscent of strawberry shortcake, but in a new and exciting form.
🧾 Ingredients Overview
Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the components and why each ingredient matters.
For the Cake Roll:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of the sponge. Measured correctly, it creates a light but sturdy base.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Adds just enough lift to keep the cake airy without making it too fluffy to roll.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 4 large eggs – These are the stars! They provide structure, volume, and richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a stable foam when beaten with the eggs.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and classic cake flavor.
- 2 tbsp milk – Helps loosen the batter and contributes to moisture.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – Prevents sticking and adds sweetness when rolling the warm cake in a towel.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The base of your cheesecake layer. Make sure it’s soft for smooth blending.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens without grittiness; blends easily into cream cheese.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts the flavor of the cream cheese.
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping – Lightens the mixture, making it silky and mousse-like.
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries (finely chopped) – The juicy, fruity punch in every bite.
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional) – Enhances flavor if your berries aren’t very sweet.
🧑🍳 How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
This recipe is made in three parts: cake, filling, and assembly. The steps are simple but require attention to detail — and a bit of love!
🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (not a regular baking sheet — you want those higher sides).
- Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This will be used to roll the cake once it’s baked.
🔍 Tip: The powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel, and rolling it while warm prevents cracks later.
🍰 Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer on high for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy. This step incorporates air and gives the cake its structure.
- Gently mix in vanilla extract and milk.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gradually, using a spatula, just until combined. Don’t overmix — you want to keep that lovely air you whipped into the eggs.
🧁 Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Don’t overbake, or it might crack when rolled.
🔄 Step 4: Roll the Cake
- Immediately remove the cake from the oven and turn it onto the sugared towel.
- Peel off the parchment paper gently.
- Starting from the short side, roll the cake and towel together into a tight log.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack, rolled up — this sets its shape and keeps it moist.
🍓 Tip: Rolling the cake while it’s still hot is the secret to a smooth, crack-free final roll.
🧁 Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until fully combined. The texture should be light and spreadable.
💡 Optional: Chill the filling for 10–15 minutes for easier spreading.
🍓 Step 6: Add the Strawberries
- In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped strawberries with 2 tbsp of sugar if needed (skip this if your berries are already sweet and ripe).
- Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
🧷 Step 7: Assemble the Roll
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake — it should be flexible and hold its shape.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries generously over the top.
- Starting from the same short side, gently roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Use even, firm pressure but don’t press too hard.
🍰 Tip: If any filling oozes out, just smooth it along the outside or save it for decoration!
❄️ Step 8: Chill & Serve
- Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight.
- Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with homemade strawberry sauce.
Slice into beautiful, creamy spirals and serve chilled. Each bite delivers soft cake, airy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries. Pure bliss.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a whole strawberry on top.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate or strawberry glaze for extra wow.
- Add a few mint leaves for a fresh finish.
- Perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, bridal showers, or summer gatherings.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
🧁 Variations to Try
- Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the cake batter.
- Berry Medley: Use raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries instead of strawberries.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Lactose-Free: Use lactose-free cream cheese and whipped topping.
✨ Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delicious labor of love that pays off in flavor and visual appeal. From the soft, spongy cake to the creamy, light cheesecake filling and juicy strawberries, every swirl is a bite of happiness. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, this dessert is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
So grab your whisk, turn up your favorite playlist, and roll into dessert heaven. 🍓🍰🍥
