Strawberry shortcake has long been a beloved dessert across generations—light, airy, and bursting with the sweet, tangy freshness of strawberries paired with whipped cream and soft cake. But when you give that timeless classic a luxurious cheesecake twist and roll it into a beautiful spiral, you get something truly magical: the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll. This dessert isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about elevating familiar comfort food into a stunning showstopper that’s perfect for any celebration.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dessert so irresistible, break down the key components, and walk you through how to make it, decorate it, and serve it for maximum wow factor.
What is a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll?
At its core, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a rolled sponge cake filled with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, inspired by traditional strawberry shortcake. But instead of layering sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries, this version reimagines those layers into a rolled format—making it visually stunning and delightfully creamy in every bite.
Unlike a traditional jelly roll or Swiss roll, this dessert blends textures: the fluffy sponge, the rich cheesecake-like filling, and the juicy freshness of strawberries. The result is a light yet satisfying dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Why This Dessert Works
Balance of Flavors: The tang of cream cheese balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sponge cake.
Visual Appeal: The spiral roll design makes this dessert look as impressive as it tastes.
Versatility: Ideal for birthdays, brunches, spring and summer gatherings, or Valentine’s Day.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Essential Components
To make this dessert, you need to prepare three main elements:
- The Sponge Cake – Light and pliable, made with eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla.
- The Cheesecake Filling – Creamy, rich, and slightly tangy from cream cheese, sweetened with powdered sugar and lightened with whipped cream.
- Strawberries – Fresh, sliced strawberries are layered inside and used for garnish.
Let’s break each part down step by step.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup whole milk, warm
Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
For the Strawberry Layer:
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
Optional: Strawberry jam for added moisture and flavor
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
Additional whipped cream
Crushed golden Oreos or shortbread cookies
Whole or sliced strawberries for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together on high speed for 5–7 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
- Add vanilla extract. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture without deflating the batter.
- Stream in warm milk and gently mix until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the top springs back when touched.
- Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake with the towel from short end to short end. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, mousse-like texture.
- Assemble the Roll
- Unroll the cooled cake gently.
- Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam (optional) over the sponge.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the cake, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of sliced strawberries over the filling.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, using the towel to help lift and roll it tightly but gently.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably 4–6 hours) to set.
- Decorate and Serve
- Once chilled, place the roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Frost the top with remaining cheesecake filling or whipped cream.
- Garnish with crushed golden Oreos or shortbread crumbs for a “shortcake” feel.
- Add fresh strawberries and optional mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the eggs whip to maximum volume, crucial for a light sponge.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking makes the sponge less flexible and prone to cracking.
Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while it’s warm prevents breakage and helps it retain its shape.
Cool Completely Before Filling: A warm cake will melt the filling.
Chill Before Slicing: Chilling firms everything up and makes cleaner slices.
Variations
Berry Blend: Use raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for a colorful berry medley.
Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the sponge for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
Mini Rolls: Make smaller individual rolls for elegant plating or party portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with:
A drizzle of strawberry coulis or melted white chocolate.
A side scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
A sprinkle of biscuit crumble and a dollop of whipped cream.
It pairs beautifully with tea, champagne, or sparkling lemonade—making it perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, or simply a weekend treat.
Storage and Leftovers
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. It keeps well for 2–3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries and whipped filling.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. It combines all the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake with the elegance of a cake roll and the richness of cheesecake. It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads and delights taste buds.