These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a refreshing no-bake summer dessert that blends three beloved treats—strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, and a cake roll—into one elegant creation. Featuring a rich cheesecake filling layered with fresh strawberries and rolled inside a soft sponge cake or shortcake base, this dessert is perfect for picnics, birthdays, tea parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. With its vibrant spiral and creamy texture, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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Full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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Heavy whipping cream, cold
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Granulated sugar (or powdered sugar, if specified)
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Pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
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Fresh strawberries, diced (avoid frozen to prevent excess moisture)
For the Cake Base (Choose One):
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Option 1: Sponge cake – light and rollable
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Option 2: Crushed shortcake biscuits – rustic texture
Optional Add-ins:
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Lemon zest, orange extract, or mint leaves
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Mixed berries for variation
Directions
1. Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
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Beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add sugar and vanilla; mix until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
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Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
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Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Bake the Cake Base (if using sponge cake):
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Spread batter evenly and bake for 12–15 minutes.
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Let cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Assemble the Roll:
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Dice strawberries and pat them dry.
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Spread chilled cheesecake filling evenly over cooled cake.
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Scatter strawberries over the filling.
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Starting from the short end, roll gently using parchment paper to guide.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
4. Chill:
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Chill for at least 4 hours; overnight is best for clean cuts and set texture.
5. Slice & Serve:
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Use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
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Slice into 1–2 inch rounds.
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Serve chilled with optional toppings like whipped cream, mint, or chocolate shavings.
Nutrients (Estimated per serving – yields 8–10 servings)
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Calories: ~300–400
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Fat: ~25g
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Saturated Fat: ~15g
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Sugar: ~20g
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Carbohydrates: ~30g
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Fiber: ~1g
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Protein: ~4g
A Harmony of Classic Favorites
This dessert draws its power from familiarity. Each component is comforting and beloved in its own right. Strawberry shortcake brings nostalgic sweetness and summery fruit, while cheesecake introduces a decadent richness that feels indulgent without being too heavy. Then there’s the visual drama of a cake roll—a dessert structure that’s elegant enough for formal occasions but still fun and easygoing. Combining these classics creates a dessert that not only tastes delicious but also feels like an event. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will spark conversation and second helpings.
The Perfect Summer Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls shine brightest during the warmer months. As a no-bake or lightly baked option, they avoid heating up the kitchen and offer a cooling sensation thanks to the chilled filling and juicy berries. Their airy texture and refreshing taste make them ideal for garden parties, brunches, or outdoor dinners. Because they’re served cold and can be made ahead, they’re also a dream for busy hosts. Simply prep, roll, chill, and slice when ready to serve—no fuss, no stress, all reward.
The vibrant color of fresh strawberries gives the roll a naturally festive appearance, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. The spiral pattern when sliced reveals a perfect cross-section of cake, fruit, and filling that looks as good as it tastes.
Texture and Flavor in Every Bite
Every forkful of these rolls offers a delightful medley of textures. The cake or biscuit base is tender yet structured enough to hold its shape. The cheesecake filling is cloud-like, rich and creamy but light from the whipped cream folded into it. Diced strawberries provide a burst of juiciness and freshness that cuts through the richness of the filling, keeping each bite balanced.
What really sets this dessert apart is how it manages to be both decadent and refreshing. The cream cheese lends just enough tang to complement the natural sweetness of the strawberries, while the cake base adds structure without overpowering the other components. If using crushed shortcake biscuits instead of a sponge, you get an extra element of rustic charm and a denser texture that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling.
Customizable for Any Taste
While strawberries are the star of this dessert, the recipe offers plenty of room for customization. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit seasonal fruit or personal preference. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches make excellent substitutes or additions to the strawberries, creating a mixed berry variation that’s bursting with flavor. A touch of lemon zest or a few drops of orange extract can add a citrusy brightness to the filling, and chopped mint leaves or a drizzle of white chocolate make for exquisite finishing touches.
Even the base can be tailored to taste. A light sponge cake offers an airy texture and classic appearance, while crushed shortcake biscuits give a more robust, grounded flavor. Both options work beautifully—your choice depends on whether you want something more refined or more rustic.
Easy to Prepare and Serve
Another reason this dessert is so appealing is how easy it is to prepare and serve. The components are simple, and the process is largely forgiving. The no-bake cheesecake filling comes together quickly and requires no gelatin or baking—just a good mix and chill time. The strawberries need nothing more than dicing and drying, and the rolling process is surprisingly simple, especially when using parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel as a guide.
Once rolled and wrapped, the dessert simply needs to chill. This waiting period helps the roll firm up, allowing for clean slices and a neat presentation. Slicing is easiest with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and the final product can be served straight from the fridge. It’s an ideal dessert for entertaining because it’s pre-portioned, easy to serve, and beautiful on the plate.
A Balanced Nutritional Profile
Though indulgent, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls offer a relatively balanced nutritional profile for a dessert. Each serving contains approximately 300 to 400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. Much of the fat comes from cream cheese and whipping cream, with about 15 grams of saturated fat per serving. The sugar content is moderate for a dessert, especially since fresh fruit provides natural sweetness, which can allow for reduced added sugar if desired.
The recipe also includes a few grams of protein from the dairy components and a small amount of fiber from the strawberries. It’s rich enough to satisfy in modest portions, making it easy to enjoy mindfully. For a slightly lighter version, you could opt for a lower-fat cream cheese or reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
A Visual and Culinary Delight
Visually, these rolls are as impressive as any bakery treat. When sliced, the bright red of the strawberries pops against the creamy white filling and golden cake, creating an irresistible look. Whether served on elegant plates or rustic wooden boards, they’re guaranteed to elicit “oohs” and “aahs” from guests. Their shape and color make them perfect for spring and summer celebrations, particularly around Mother’s Day, Easter, baby showers, or anniversaries.
But it’s not just about looks—these rolls deliver on flavor and texture in a big way. They’re the kind of dessert people remember and ask for again. Plus, because they’re made in advance and chilled, they’re easy to transport for potlucks, picnics, or parties.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the ultimate blend of ease, elegance, and indulgence. They bring together the best parts of three classic desserts into one unforgettable treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With their no-bake (or lightly baked) format, creamy filling, and juicy bursts of fresh strawberry, these rolls are a standout summer dessert that anyone can make.
Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply enjoying on a warm afternoon, they offer a little luxury in every bite. Their versatility, visual appeal, and crave-worthy flavor make them a dessert you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these rolls are a foolproof way to make an impression—with flavor, finesse, and flair.