There's nothing quite like the combination of strawberries and cream, and these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls bring that classic flavor to a whole new level. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls filled with a luscious cheesecake mixture, swirled with sweet strawberry goodness, and topped with a buttery crumble that mimics the best part of shortcake.

I first made these for a family brunch, hoping to combine my love for cheesecake with my obsession with cinnamon rolls. The result? A dessert (or breakfast treat) so irresistible that everyone went back for seconds! Whether you need something special for a weekend breakfast, a springtime dessert, or just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You'll Love These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked treat! These rolls are soft, creamy, fruity, and completely indulgent.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. While they may look like something from a bakery, they come together with simple ingredients and basic baking techniques. Even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll have no trouble whipping these up.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—there's really no wrong time to enjoy these. Plus, they make a stunning addition to any gathering, from birthdays to holiday mornings.

The flavor is unbeatable. With a rich cheesecake filling, real strawberry swirls, and a tender homemade dough, every bite is like a mix between a cinnamon roll, strawberry shortcake, and creamy cheesecake.

And let’s not forget about how well they store! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them for days, making them perfect for meal prepping a sweet treat.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls lies in their combination of soft dough, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these rolls absolutely perfect.

Flour forms the foundation of the dough, creating a structure that’s light yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings. I recommend using all-purpose flour, as it provides the best texture without making the rolls too dense.

Strawberries bring the fresh, fruity flavor to these rolls. You’ll need both diced fresh strawberries and a homemade strawberry sauce. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work just as well—just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Cream cheese is the star of the filling, giving it that rich and tangy cheesecake-like taste. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, and let it soften before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.

Butter is a key player in both the dough and the crumble topping. It adds richness and moisture to the rolls while creating that signature buttery shortcake flavor in the topping. Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt content.

Sugar is used in multiple ways—sweetening the dough, filling, and strawberry sauce. Granulated sugar works best, but you can swap in brown sugar for a slightly deeper, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.

You’ll also need common baking essentials like yeast, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to bring everything together. If you have a stand mixer, it will make kneading the dough easier, but you can do it by hand as well!

How To Make These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Making these rolls is easier than it looks, and the results are absolutely worth the effort. Here’s how to bring everything together step by step.

Start by making the dough. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit until foamy—this step ensures your yeast is active. Then, mix in eggs, melted butter, and flour, kneading until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the strawberry filling. Cook fresh diced strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice over medium heat until they break down into a thick sauce. Let it cool completely before spreading onto the dough later.

Next, make the cheesecake filling by beating together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add the perfect creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the dough, followed by the cooled strawberry sauce. Roll it up tightly from the long side and slice it into even pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

While they’re rising, prepare the shortcake crumble topping by mixing flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the rolls just before baking for that classic shortcake crunch.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze or extra strawberry sauce.

Storage Options

These rolls store beautifully, so you can enjoy them beyond the day you bake them!

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them instead to prevent the cream cheese filling from spoiling.

To refrigerate, store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving to bring back that soft, fresh texture.

If you want to freeze them, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

These rolls are incredibly versatile, and you can tweak the recipe to match your taste preferences!

For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling before rolling up the dough. The combination of strawberries and chocolate is always a winner!

Want a lemony kick? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and a bit of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness.

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought crescent roll dough instead of making homemade dough. While the texture won’t be quite the same, it’s a great shortcut when you need a quick treat.

For a healthier version, swap in whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, and use reduced-fat cream cheese. The rolls will be slightly denser but still delicious!

No matter how you customize them, these Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are sure to be a hit. Try them once, and they just might become your new favorite baked treat!