Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that sings with fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and playful textures, look no further than this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll. Imagine dreamy swirls of light sponge cake rolled around luscious cheesecake filling, then crowned with strawberry shortcake crumble, a cloud of whipped cream, and juicy berries. It’s decadent yet refreshing, nostalgic yet impressive—the kind of treat that brings people together around the table and draws those eager “Can I have seconds?” requests every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dessert comes from simple, well-chosen ingredients that each have a purpose, from making the cake light and bouncy to imbuing the filling with that unmistakable creamy-tangy perfection. Don’t worry—the grocery list isn’t long, but every item earns its keep in this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll.

• Large eggs: The foundation of your sponge cake, helping it rise light and airy while also providing structure.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and aids in whipping the eggs to pillowy volume.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of fragrant warmth to both the cake and the creamy filling.
• All-purpose flour: Keeps things tender; be sure to sift for a delicate crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives your sponge that irresistible lift.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings all the sweet flavors into sharper focus.
• Whole milk: Makes the cake moist and adds richness.
• Finely chopped strawberries: The star of the show—bursting with fresh, fruity flavor and gorgeous color.
• Cream cheese, softened: For that unmistakable cheesecake tang and decadent texture in the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling silky-smooth without any graininess.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whips up voluminous and luxurious, making the filling light and dreamy.
• Golden Oreos, crushed: The secret to that authentic shortcake crumble crunch—and a hint of vanilla flavor.
• Strawberry gelatin powder: Intensifies the berry flavor and gives your crumble a playful hue.
• Melted butter: Binds the crumble and adds a little extra richness.
• Fresh strawberries, sliced: For decoration and bursts of brightness on every slice.
• Whipped cream: Clouds of creamy topping that make every bite irresistible.
• Drizzle of strawberry sauce: Adds jewel-bright color and amplifies strawberry flavor right at the finish.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper; this ensures your cake will release smoothly later. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re pale, fluffy, and tripled in volume—this is the key to a truly light sponge. Add your vanilla extract, then gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Be patient: slow folding keeps the airy structure intact. Stir in the milk, followed by those beautifully chopped strawberries, and carefully spread the mixture evenly in your pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just golden and springy.

Step 2: Roll the Cake While Warm

The rolling must happen while the cake is still warm, so don’t delay—this prevents cracking later. Using the parchment paper, gently roll the warm cake up into a log from the short side. Let it cool completely in its rolled shape on a wire rack; this sets the memory of the roll and makes filling much easier.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

While the cake cools, whip up your dreamy cheesecake filling. Start by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until velvety smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until firm peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. The result is a cloud-like, tangy filling you’ll want to eat by the spoonful (and who could blame you?).

Step 4: Fill and Reroll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake, peeling away the parchment. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly right to the edges—there’s nothing worse than biting into a roll and missing that glorious filling! Then, gently roll the cake back up (without the paper this time) and wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the entire Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll in the fridge for at least two hours, so everything sets up marshmallowy soft and sliceable.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

In a bowl, combine crushed golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin powder, and melted butter. The mix will smell amazing and come together into a playful pink crumb—don’t be afraid to get your hands in to ensure every bit is coated. This crumble is what transforms this cake into a strawberry shortcake delight!

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Unwrap your chilled Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, cover it with a little more cheesecake filling (working as a tasty “glue”), and then coat the outside generously with your shortcake crumble. Garnish with clouds of whipped cream, a bold drizzle of strawberry sauce, and a tumble of sliced, glistening fresh strawberries. Slice into spirals and watch eyes light up!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Garnishes

When it comes to the perfect finish, let your imagination run a bit wild! Pile on extra fresh strawberry slices for juicy color, dot with whipped cream for a dreamy effect, and add a generous drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra pizzazz. Mint leaves or even a dusting of powdered sugar give your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll a bakery-worthy look with zero extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert packs so many textures and flavors, you’ll want to keep side dishes simple. A pot of freshly brewed tea or a tumbler of cold milk both make wonderful partners, cutting the creaminess and letting those strawberry notes shine. For a festive touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will please any crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the typical slice! Try cutting the roll into mini pinwheels and serving them on a cake stand for party-ready finger food. Or, display whole slices on pretty dessert plates with a scoop of sorbet and a scattering of crumble for restaurant-style elegance. A few edible flowers or a sprinkle of extra crushed Oreos can take your presentation from special to sensational.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, store it well-wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, and the cake stays pleasantly moist, just waiting for your next sweet craving!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the assembled roll (before garnishing with whipped cream and fresh strawberries). Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight—this way the texture and flavor stay just as dreamy as when you first made it.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat! If serving from the freezer, allow the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll to thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight before adding toppings and slicing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping, as excess moisture can make the cake soggy. For the best flavor and color, though, nothing beats sweet, in-season fresh berries.

What can I substitute for Golden Oreos in the crumble?

If you don’t have Golden Oreos on hand, try vanilla wafer cookies or shortbread biscuits instead. Just keep the quantity the same for a crumble that’s sweet, crunchy, and perfectly golden.

How do I prevent the sponge cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable, straight from the oven. The warmth makes the cake flexible, and cooling it in the rolled shape sets that memory, ensuring a beautiful, crack-free spiral every time.

Can the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll be made ahead?

Definitely! This dessert actually gets better with time. Assemble the roll (minus the fresh toppings) the night before your event, and chill in the fridge. Just add the whipped cream, strawberries, and sauce before serving for best texture and freshness.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheesecake filling?

For a dairy-free twist, use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and whip coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The texture stays luscious, and those classic strawberry shortcake flavors still shine through!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to delight your family and impress your friends, this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is calling your name! It’s truly the best of classic summer flavors, rolled up in a stunning, swirl-filled package. Give it a try, add your little touches, and watch how quickly it disappears—you might just find a new signature dessert for all your sunny celebrations.

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