This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is the perfect dessert to impress your guests with minimal effort. Combining a light sponge cake with rich cheesecake filling and topped with a crunchy golden Oreo crumble, this dessert offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s a delightful summer treat that’s sure to become a crowd favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ½ cup finely chopped strawberries

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

• 1 cup golden Oreos, crushed

• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

• Whipped cream

• Drizzle of strawberry sauce

Directions

1. Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale. Add vanilla and fold in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold in milk and chopped strawberries. Spread evenly and bake for 10-12 minutes until it springs back when touched.

2. Rolling the Cake: While the cake is warm, roll it with the parchment paper inside to shape it. Let it cool completely in this rolled form.

3. Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create the filling.

4. Assembly: Unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling. Roll the cake back up and wrap it tightly in plastic. Chill for at least 2 hours.

5. Crumble Topping: Mix crushed Oreos, strawberry gelatin powder, and melted butter to make a crumbly texture.

6. Final Decoration: Coat the roll with more cheesecake filling, then sprinkle with the strawberry shortcake crumble. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 425 kcal

• Total Fat: 24g

• Total Carbohydrates: 42g

• Protein: 8g

Why Strawberry Shortcake and Cheesecake?

Combining strawberry shortcake and cheesecake may seem like an obvious choice, but it’s a match made in dessert heaven. The light, airy sponge cake traditionally used in shortcake recipes acts as the ideal complement to the rich, creamy filling of a cheesecake. The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake filling is a contrast to the lightness of the cake and the fresh strawberries, creating a balanced and satisfying dessert that offers something for everyone.

Strawberries are the star of this dessert, but the cheesecake filling elevates them, turning this simple fruit into something extraordinary. The tangy cream cheese filling cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a more complex and dynamic flavor profile. This dessert strikes the perfect balance between being indulgent and refreshing, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

The Perfect Sponge Cake: Light and Fluffy

A key element of the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is the sponge cake, which is light and airy. Unlike traditional cakes, sponge cakes do not rely on heavy butter or oil to achieve their texture. Instead, the cake gets its fluffiness from whipped eggs, which create air bubbles as they are mixed into the batter. This makes for a soft, tender cake that can easily roll without cracking, providing the perfect vessel for the cheesecake filling and strawberries.

The sponge cake itself is simple to make, relying on eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla for flavor. The trick to achieving the ideal texture is ensuring that the eggs are whipped to the right consistency—fluffy and pale. Once baked, the cake needs to be rolled while it’s still warm to prevent it from breaking. A light dusting of powdered sugar on the surface of the cake while it’s rolled helps to keep it from sticking, making the process smoother and less messy.

Cheesecake Filling: Creamy and Dreamy

The cheesecake filling is the star of this dessert. Made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, it has a smooth and rich texture that complements the lightness of the sponge cake perfectly. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this filling doesn’t require baking. The cream cheese is whipped with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a consistency that spreads easily and holds its shape. A touch of lemon juice can be added to give it a bit of tang, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the sweetness.

The cheesecake filling not only brings a creamy richness but also provides the structure needed to hold the roll together. It stays firm enough to support the strawberries while still offering that deliciously creamy bite. The key to making this filling is to ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, which allows it to whip up smoothly without lumps.

Fresh Strawberries: A Burst of Sweetness

No strawberry shortcake dessert would be complete without fresh strawberries. In the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, the strawberries add a juicy, natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake filling. Sliced fresh strawberries are evenly spread across the cheesecake layer, ensuring that every bite includes a burst of fruity goodness.

The freshness of the strawberries also adds a bright, refreshing note to the dessert. Their natural sweetness balances the rich, creamy cheesecake filling, providing the perfect contrast to the heavy texture of the cream cheese. For added flavor, some people prefer to macerate the strawberries with a little sugar, allowing them to release their juices and create a syrupy glaze that can be drizzled over the roll once it’s sliced.

Rolling and Assembling the Dessert

Once the sponge cake is baked and cooled, the next step is to assemble the dessert. First, the cake is carefully unrolled, and the cheesecake filling is spread evenly across the surface. Fresh strawberry slices are then placed on top of the filling, covering the entire area. After the strawberries are arranged, the cake is carefully rolled back up, ensuring that the filling stays inside.

The key to a successful cake roll is to be gentle. If the cake is rolled too tightly, it could crack or break, but if it’s rolled too loosely, it may not hold its shape. A gentle, even pressure will help to create a neat, tight roll that holds together beautifully. Once rolled, the cake should be chilled in the fridge for a little while to allow the flavors to meld and the roll to firm up.

Topping: A Sweet Finish

To finish off the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, a dusting of powdered sugar can be added for a simple yet elegant touch. If desired, whipped cream can also be piped on top for added richness and a beautiful presentation. The whipped cream serves as the perfect complement to the creamy cheesecake filling and adds an extra layer of lightness to the dessert.

For an extra burst of flavor, additional fresh strawberry slices can be arranged on top of the roll before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also ensures that every slice includes that beautiful strawberry element.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll offers the best of both worlds. You get the lightness of the sponge cake combined with the rich, indulgent cheesecake filling. The fresh strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness, making this dessert feel both decadent and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply as a weekend treat, this cake roll is sure to impress.

What makes this dessert truly special is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness of the cheesecake filling, add different fruits, or experiment with different flavorings like vanilla or almond extract. The possibilities are endless, making this dessert perfect for anyone who loves to get creative in the kitchen.

Conclusion: A Showstopper Dessert

The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a beautiful and delicious dessert that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Its combination of light sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and rewarding.

With its stunning presentation and irresistible flavor, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a way to treat yourself. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal dessert for any time of year, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So why not give this beautiful roll a try? It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a sweet end to any meal.