There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and soft, pillowy cake. These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls bring all those flavors together in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Imagine biting into a soft vanilla cake filled with a rich, tangy cheesecake layer and sweet strawberry filling, all rolled up and topped with a luscious whipped topping and shortcake crumbles.

I first made these rolls for a summer picnic, and they disappeared within minutes! The balance of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Plus, they look like something straight out of a bakery display case, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. If you love classic strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake, this recipe is going to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that looks fancy but is easy to make! These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just a weekend treat.

First off, they combine the best of two desserts—strawberry shortcake and cheesecake—into one stunning roll. The combination of fluffy vanilla sponge cake, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries is pure heaven.

They’re also super easy to make ahead. Since they need some chilling time, you can prepare them in advance and have a gorgeous, ready-to-serve dessert whenever you need it.

Another reason to love these? That nostalgic shortcake crumble topping! If you grew up loving those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this dessert will bring back all those memories with its crunchy, buttery crumble.

Finally, they’re completely customizable. Want to swap in different berries? Prefer a chocolate drizzle? These rolls are easy to tweak to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the best Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls is using high-quality ingredients that enhance both flavor and texture. Let’s break down the key components that make this dessert so special.

The sponge cake is the base of the roll. It’s made with a light and airy batter that bakes up soft and flexible—perfect for rolling without cracking. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour helps achieve that delicate texture.

The cheesecake filling is where the richness comes in. Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract come together for a smooth, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cake. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.

The strawberry filling adds the perfect fruity sweetness. Fresh strawberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice are cooked down to create a jam-like consistency. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a good-quality strawberry preserves.

For that iconic shortcake crumble topping, a mix of vanilla sandwich cookies, butter, and strawberry-flavored gelatin powder creates the perfect crunchy, nostalgic topping. It’s the same crumble you’d find on those childhood-favorite ice cream bars!

Lastly, a whipped topping or stabilized whipped cream finishes everything off with a light and airy touch. You can use store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream with a bit of gelatin for stability is even better.

How To Make These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls

Making these stunning rolls is easier than you think! With a few key steps, you’ll have a beautiful, bakery-worthy dessert that’s sure to impress.

Start by making the sponge cake. Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving that airy texture. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, then spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake until just golden and springy to the touch.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, roll it up while it’s still warm. This prevents cracking later. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help shape the roll. Let it cool completely while wrapped in the towel.

Next, prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. It should be thick but spreadable.

For the strawberry filling, cook fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until soft and syrupy. Let it cool before spreading it over the cake.

Now it’s time to assemble the roll. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of cheesecake filling, followed by the strawberry mixture. Carefully roll it back up, this time without the towel. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

Finally, top with whipped cream and the shortcake crumble. Spread a layer of whipped topping over the roll, then sprinkle generously with the vanilla cookie and strawberry crumble mixture. Slice and serve!

Storage Options

These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If you’re making them ahead, it’s best to add the whipped topping and crumble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the toppings before serving.

To reheat, if you prefer them slightly warm, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. However, they’re best enjoyed chilled!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients!

Try a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the sponge cake and drizzling the finished roll with melted chocolate. The combination of chocolate, strawberry, and cheesecake is divine!

Swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries. Each one adds a unique twist while keeping that fruity freshness.

Make a lemon shortcake roll by adding lemon zest to the cake batter and swapping the strawberry filling for a tart lemon curd. It’s a bright, zesty take on the classic!

Use a graham cracker crumble instead of the shortcake topping for a cheesecake-inspired finish. Simply mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a bit of sugar.

For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. The texture and flavor will still be creamy and delicious.

No matter how you customize them, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Give them a try and let me know your favorite variation!