Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new dessert obsession: the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll! This spiraled beauty layers a soft and airy sponge cake, luscious cheesecake filling, and a nostalgic strawberry shortcake crumble all in one delightful slice. If you’ve ever longed for the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake, this is the treat that merges them into a showstopping, crowd-pleasing confection. Whether it’s for a picnic, birthday, or just a sweet craving, you’re about to meet your new go-to favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll keeps things joyfully simple — you’ll find mostly pantry staples, a handful of fresh strawberries, and a few secret elements that take flavor and texture to dreamy new heights. Let’s look closer at how each ingredient brings something essential to the table.

• Eggs: Whip up the sponge cake with loads of structure and fluffiness — don’t skip beating them well!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give that beautifully pale, tender crumb to your cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor booster for both cake and cheesecake layers; use real vanilla for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your sponge, keeping it light yet sturdy enough to roll.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen every flavor.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture, richness, and a hint of creaminess to the sponge.
• Finely Chopped Strawberries: Fresh pockets of juicy fruit in each bite — make sure they’re ripe!
• Cream Cheese (softened): For that rich, smooth, tangy cheesecake filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Melts seamlessly into the cheesecake layer for silkiness and sweetness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped and folded into the filling, lightening things up luxuriously.
• Golden Oreos (crushed): Brings that iconic shortcake crunch and flavor to the crumble.
• Strawberry Gelatin Powder: Delivers a punchy berry flavor and gorgeous pink color to the crumble.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crumble into crisp, beautiful clusters.
• Fresh Strawberries (sliced): Bright, fruity bursts on top; don’t skimp!
• Whipped Cream: For clouds of luscious, creamy topping.
• Strawberry Sauce: A drizzle for those final, irresistible finishing touches.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper — this makes rolling up the cake a total breeze later. In a stand mixer or with electric beaters, whip the eggs and sugar until they’re pale and fluffy (seriously, go for at least 4-5 minutes for max “rise”). Stir in the vanilla, then gently sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding slowly to keep all that precious air inside. Mix in the whole milk, then scatter in your chopped strawberries. Spread the batter evenly over your baking sheet (it’ll look a little thin, but don’t worry!) and bake for 10-12 minutes — just until the top springs back lightly at your touch.

Step 2: Roll and Cool the Cake

The magic of any cake roll is that signature swirl, and this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is no exception. Right after baking, while the cake is still warm and pliable, use the parchment to gently roll your cake into a loose log (starting at the short end). Let it cool completely in this rolled shape — this “muscle memory” helps prevent cracks later, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s deliciously silky and smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (this is what makes the filling cloud-light). Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until you’ve got a dreamy, spreadable cheesecake filling — it should hold soft peaks beautifully.

Step 4: Fill and Re-Roll

Once your cake roll has cooled, ever-so-gently unroll it. Spread a generous, even layer of the cheesecake filling all the way to the edges (save a little extra for the finish). Now, re-roll the cake, this time without the parchment, taking your time to keep the swirl tight and neat. Wrap the whole roll snugly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better if you can wait!) to set the filling and make slicing easier.

Step 5: Make Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

While your roll chills, let’s level things up with the ultimate strawberry shortcake crumble. Combine crushed golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin powder, and melted butter in a bowl. Toss together until little clusters form — this is the secret to that signature shortcake crunch and punchy strawberry flavor.

Step 6: Decorate and Slice

Unwrap your chilled roll and coat the outside with a swoop of the remaining cheesecake filling. Sprinkle the roll generously with strawberry shortcake crumble, pressing gently so it sticks all over. Arrange fresh strawberry slices on top, add fluffy swirls of whipped cream, and finish with a dreamy drizzle of strawberry sauce. Slice into thick rounds, serve, and watch every bite disappear!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Garnishes

This cake is already a stunner, but a few final touches make it extra-special. Pile on freshly sliced strawberries for juicy bursts of color, dollops of whipped cream for retro charm, and a slow drizzle of strawberry sauce for that glossy, irresistible finish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Since the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is the star, keep your sides light and refreshing — a bowl of fresh summer berries or a bright sprig of mint on each plate works wonders. For gatherings, serve alongside chilled lemonade or cold brew tea for the perfect balance of sweet and crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping table presence, serve whole on a long platter with strawberries and mint tucked around the edges, so guests can admire the swirl before you slice. You can also cut the roll into mini spirals for pretty individual portions at parties, or even layer slices with extra whipped cream and strawberries for a playful parfait. However you serve it, every bite is a moment worth celebrating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (spoiler: it disappears quickly!), store your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll in the fridge, well covered, for up to three days. The filling and cake stay luscious, and the crumble holds its crunch surprisingly well — just keep air exposure to a minimum.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dessert! Slice the roll and individually wrap pieces in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze for up to a month — the texture of the cheesecake and crumble holds up amazingly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying for best results.

Reheating

No need to reheat — this cheesecake roll is an ice-cold delight straight from the fridge. If you like it slightly softened, take your slice out about 10-15 minutes before serving to let it lose a little chill and become extra creamy.

FAQs

Can I make the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, which allows the flavors to mingle and the swirl to set perfectly for slicing. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for picnics, parties, or potlucks.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?

Don’t stress — tiny cracks are common and can easily be disguised with that creamy cheesecake filling and a generous sprinkle of crumble. Keeping the cake slightly warm and rolling with the parchment really reduces the risk of major cracks.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries truly shine in the cake and garnish, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and blot dry before using. Just know that their flavor may be a little less vibrant and texture a touch softer.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and use gluten-free sandwich cookies instead of Golden Oreos for the crumble. All other ingredients remain the same, so everyone can enjoy a slice!

How do I keep the roll from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure your cake is completely cool before filling and rolling. Also, lightly blot chopped strawberries to remove excess moisture, and always store the finished roll well-wrapped in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s every bit as beautiful as it is delicious, the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is simply unbeatable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes memories and wows everyone at the table. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and don’t forget to savor that first blissful bite!

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