Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a soft, sweet roll with these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or one packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crumb Topping (Shortcake Inspired):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
- For the cheesecake filling, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- For the strawberry filling, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Let cool.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- Combine flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle (approximately 12×16 inches).
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Top with the cooled strawberry filling.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Add Crumb Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the rolls.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Serve
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries enhance the flavor and texture.
- Chill the Fillings: Cool the strawberry and cheesecake fillings before assembling to prevent a runny mess.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American