Name: Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder; 6–8 large flour tortillas

These delightful Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine the creamy richness of cheesecake, the sweet freshness of strawberries, and the nostalgic crunch of shortcake crumbs into a delicious, handheld treat. Perfect for dessert or a special brunch, these rolls offer the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a unique twist on traditional strawberry shortcake that’s sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortcake crumbs creates an irresistible texture contrast. They’re surprisingly easy to make with no baking required for the filling. These rolls are perfect for entertaining since they can be prepared ahead of time and look stunning when sliced. Plus, they’re portable, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve something special without the fuss of plates and forks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese forms the rich, tangy base of the filling, providing that classic cheesecake flavor we all love. Make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly without making it overly sweet. It dissolves completely into the cream cheese for a silky texture.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the classic cheesecake flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract will give you the best flavor.

Powdered sugar is used as a final dusting to give these rolls that professional bakery look and a touch of extra sweetness on the outside.

Heavy whipping cream, when whipped to stiff peaks and folded into the cream cheese mixture, creates a lighter, airier texture that makes these rolls heavenly. The stable structure of whipped cream helps the filling hold its shape when sliced.

Fresh strawberries bring bright, juicy bursts of flavor and color to each bite. Their natural acidity balances the richness of the cheesecake filling perfectly.

Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies crushed into crumbs provide that distinctive shortcake texture and flavor. Either option works beautifully, so use what you have on hand.

Unsalted butter helps bind the crumb mixture together and adds richness to the coating. It also helps the crumbs adhere to the outside of the rolls.

Strawberry gelatin powder infuses the crumb coating with intense strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue, reinforcing the strawberry shortcake experience.

Flour tortillas serve as the versatile wrapper that holds everything together. Their neutral flavor allows the filling and coating to shine, while their pliable texture makes rolling easy.

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until fully incorporated. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and strawberry gelatin powder until evenly mixed.
Spread the crumb mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool completely.
Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Sprinkle diced strawberries on top.
Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
Remove the chilled rolls from plastic wrap. Lightly brush the outside with softened butter, then roll each in the shortcake crumb mixture until fully coated.
Slice each roll into 1-inch pieces and arrange on a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a delicate finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings, depending on how thickly you slice the rolls. The preparation time is about 7 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes, for a total time of 27 minutes. However, you’ll need to add at least 1 hour of chilling time to allow the rolls to set properly. Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.

Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and use chocolate graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a chocolate-covered strawberry variation.

Berry Medley Rolls: Replace some or all of the strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry experience.

Citrus Cheesecake Rolls: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling and replace strawberries with mandarin oranges for a refreshing citrus version.

Caramel Apple Rolls: Substitute diced apples for strawberries, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling, and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Tropical Rolls: Use diced mango and pineapple instead of strawberries, and add coconut flakes to the crumb coating for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crumb coating may soften slightly over time, but the rolls will still taste delicious. For the best texture, store the rolls whole and slice just before serving.

If you want to prepare these in advance, you can make the rolls up to the point of coating with the crumb mixture, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crumb coating just before serving to maintain the crunchy texture.

These rolls are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator and are not suitable for freezing or reheating, as the texture of the filling would be compromised.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the filling won’t be as rich and may have a slightly different texture. Full-fat cream cheese produces the creamiest, most authentic cheesecake flavor.

What can I use instead of flour tortillas?

Crepes work wonderfully as an alternative to flour tortillas, offering a more delicate texture. You could also try using spring roll wrappers for a thinner roll, though they’ll have a different texture.

My cheesecake filling is too runny. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the heavy cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks before folding into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure your cream holds its shape when the beaters are lifted. Also, ensure your cream cheese is softened but not melted.

Can I make these without strawberry gelatin powder?

Yes! You can omit the gelatin powder and instead add 2 tablespoons of finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to the crumb mixture for natural strawberry flavor and color.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when I roll them?

Slightly warm the tortillas before spreading the filling. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them briefly in a warm oven. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.

Can I make mini versions of these rolls for a party?

Absolutely! Use small street taco-sized tortillas instead of large ones. They’ll make perfect two-bite treats for a party or dessert buffet.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these are vegetarian-friendly. However, if making them for strict vegetarians, check that your gelatin powder is vegetarian (many are derived from animal sources). You can substitute with vegetarian-friendly alternatives like agar-agar powder mixed with strawberry flavoring.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can work, but they need to be thawed and drained thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before using to prevent making the filling watery.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

These rolls are best made no more than 24 hours in advance. If making ahead, wait to add the crumb coating until a few hours before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

What’s the best way to slice these rolls neatly?

For clean slices, refrigerate the rolls until very firm, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This prevents the filling from squishing out when sliced.

Conclusion

These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer a delightful twist on classic strawberry shortcake. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortcake crumbs creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. They’re versatile enough for both casual family desserts and special occasions, with the added convenience of make-ahead preparation. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or try one of the suggested variations, these rolls are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Their eye-catching presentation when sliced reveals beautiful spirals of cheesecake, strawberries, and crumbs that taste just as good as they look.

Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls