Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines sweet and creamy flavors with a tender, flaky dough. This easy-to-make recipe is a wonderful way to bring the freshness of strawberries into a comforting indulgence. With every bite, these rolls offer a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of warm summer days and family gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that is both visually stunning and delectable, making it well worth the time and effort. Serve these light and fluffy rolls at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the most appealing aspects of Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls is their simplicity. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just a short amount of time, making it perfect for those busy days when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. These rolls are incredibly versatile and act as a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—from birthday parties to family brunches.

The combination of fresh strawberries and rich cream cheese filling makes these rolls an enticing treat, and the light, airy dough adds the perfect balance of texture. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or cooled with a dollop of whipped cream, Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls offer a delightful experience that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To bring these Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls to life, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your rolls, providing a soft and tender texture.
• 1⁄4 cup sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the rolls rise beautifully.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter: Softened and mixed into the dough for richness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Moistens the dough, ensuring it remains tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the rolls.
• 8 oz cream cheese: A key player in the rich filling, ensuring creaminess.
• 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
• 1⁄2 cup heavy whipping cream: For a light, fluffy texture in the filling.
• 1 1⁄2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: Bright, juicy pieces that bring a refreshing taste.
• 1⁄4 cup sugar: To combine with the strawberries for an extra sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Can be used to make the topping a little thicker, if desired.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside, ready for those luscious rolls.

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1⁄2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1⁄4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once blended, add in 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

On a floured surface, knead the dough gently until smooth. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, as you roll the dough out into a rectangle, ready for that scrumptious filling.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the mixture is thick and fluffy.

Assemble the Rolls

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border so none of the filling spills out. Carefully roll the dough up from the longer side, sealing the seam as you go. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place each roll in the prepared baking dish.

Make the Strawberry Topping

To prepare the strawberry topping, combine 1 1⁄2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (if using) in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly.

Bake the Rolls

Pour the strawberry topping over your rolls generously, and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving.

For an extra treat, consider topping with whipped cream or sprinkling some extra strawberries on the side.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve even fluffier rolls, try letting the dough rest for a few minutes after kneading but before rolling it out. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, yielding a softer texture.

If you want to enhance the strawberry topping, feel free to experiment with add-ins such as a splash of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist, or mixing in other berries for a mixed berry topping.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are perfect for brunches, picnics, or celebrations. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They also pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light, citrusy beverage like lemonade or iced tea.

For a festive touch, serve these rolls during holiday gatherings, drizzled with a bit of chocolate or sprinkled with powdered sugar for added flair.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls contains approximately 250 calories. They provide a delightful mix of carbohydrates and protein from the dough and filling. As with any treat, moderation is key, so consider balanced portions when indulging.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll remain fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just ensure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

For variations, you might try using different fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for the topping. Alternatively, you can substitute flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or vanilla bean, in the filling for a different twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a slice of nostalgia and a touch of summer on your plate! With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can create this stunning dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate! Dive into this delicious recipe and indulge your taste buds. We invite you to try it out and share your delightful creations!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking them down for the topping.

2. How can I make the rolls less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the sugar in both the dough and the filling. Consider also reducing the sugar in the strawberry topping.

3. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

4. Can I make these rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before and store them in the refrigerator unbaked. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

5. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are ready when they’re golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

A delightful dessert that combines sweet strawberries with a rich cream cheese filling, wrapped in tender, flaky dough.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your rolls, providing a soft and tender texture.
• 1/4 cup sugar Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the rolls rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter Softened and mixed into the dough for richness.
• 1 cup whole milk Moistens the dough, ensuring it remains tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the rolls.

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese A key player in the rich filling, ensuring creaminess.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the filling.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream For a light, fluffy texture in the filling.

Strawberry Topping Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Bright, juicy pieces that bring a refreshing taste.
• 1/4 cup sugar To combine with the strawberries for an extra sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional, for thickening the topping if desired.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the softened unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

1. On a floured surface, knead the dough gently until smooth and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add in heavy whipping cream and continue beating until thick and fluffy.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border.
2. Roll the dough up from the longer side and slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place each roll in the prepared baking dish.

Make the Strawberry Topping

1. Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and thickened slightly.

Bake the Rolls

1. Pour the strawberry topping generously over the rolls and place the baking dish in the oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For fluffier rolls, let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out. You can also experiment with different fruits for the topping.