Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll Recipe

Let me introduce you to the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, an absolute showstopper that takes your classic strawberry shortcake and gives it the ultimate cheesecake twist. Perfectly light, pillowy sponge cake is lovingly wrapped around a cloud-soft cheesecake filling, then rolled in a buttery, strawberry shortcake crumble. Every bite is bursting with juicy strawberries and creamy deliciousness—a fresh, fun, and gorgeous treat guaranteed to light up any table and steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this recipe lies in how a few simple ingredients, when used just right, can create the dreamiest flavor and color. Each one plays a special role in making your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll as stunning as it is scrumptious. Here’s why they’re all essential:

• Eggs: These create the fluffy structure for your sponge cake, helping it roll up perfectly without cracking.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and that delicate crumb you want in every bite of cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash is all it takes to round out the flavor, both in the cake and the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: The trusty backbone of the sponge, giving it lift and softness.
• Baking Powder: Essential for that rise and tender crumb, so your cake isn’t dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop and balances the sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture, richness, and a soft texture to the cake roll.
• Finely Chopped Strawberries: Folded right into the batter for bursts of bright, fruity flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The base for a lusciously rich cheesecake filling that’s super easy to spread.
• Powdered Sugar: Melts smoothly into the filling, offering sweetness without any graininess.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped until billowy, this gives your filling a mousse-like lightness.
• Golden Oreos: Crushed, they create that classic shortcake crumble with a lovely buttery note.
• Strawberry Gelatin Powder: An instant way to get an irresistible pink color and strawberry pop in the crumble.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crumble, making it irresistibly crunchy on the outside of your roll.
• Fresh Strawberries: The brightest, boldest finish—slice them up for topping and extra flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A traditional strawberry shortcake finish, and honestly, who could resist?
• Strawberry Sauce: Drizzled over the top, it takes the look (and taste) totally over the top.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Step 1: Bake the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, your cake lifts easily and won’t break. Whip the eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re thick, pale, and fluffy; you want them almost doubled in volume. Gently add the vanilla, then sift in your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold these in carefully, so your batter doesn’t deflate. Mix in the milk for a silky texture, and finish by folding through those sweet little bits of chopped strawberry—this adds unexpected pockets of juicy flavor and color. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, just until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Step 2: Roll and Cool the Sponge

While the cake is still warm (but not scorching hot), turn it out onto a sheet of parchment and, starting from a short edge, roll it up into a log. This sets the “muscle memory” so your cake doesn’t crack later. Let the rolled cake cool completely at room temperature—waiting is the hardest part but trust me, it’s worth it for that perfect swirl.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until ultra-smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream to stiff peaks—think thick, cloudlike mounds. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a beautifully airy, tangy-sweet filling. This step is what really sets the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll apart from any regular cake roll—the filling is so luscious and light it practically melts on your tongue.

Step 4: Fill and Reroll

Once your cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it and peel off the parchment. You’ll notice that it kept its shape perfectly—if you see a little cracking, don’t panic; the filling will cover it! Spread the cheesecake filling in an even layer from end to end. Now, gently reroll the cake (without the parchment this time) and wrap tightly in plastic. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; this helps everything set up and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

This crunchy coating is pure nostalgia and pure fun to make. In a bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin powder, and melted butter. The result is a chunky, strawberry-scented crumble just begging to be sprinkled over your roll. It clings to the outside, adding color, crunch, and that unmistakable strawberry shortcake flavor to every slice.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Unwrap your chilled cake, spread the outside with an extra swoosh of cheesecake filling, then shower it all over with the strawberry shortcake crumble. For the grand finale, pile on fresh sliced strawberries, creamy swirls of whipped cream, and a generous drizzle of strawberry sauce. When you cut into your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, you’ll see gorgeous spirals of cake and filling—each piece is irresistible and sure to wow!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Garnishes

The Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll practically begs for a playful garnish. A crown of fresh strawberries gives a bright color burst, while piped rosettes of whipped cream look classic and inviting. If you want to go all out, add a drizzle of strawberry sauce, a sprinkle of extra crumble, or even a handful of edible flowers to make it a true centerpiece dessert.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and satisfying all on its own, but you can make it sing with a few clever pairings. Try serving slices alongside a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet or a glass of cold, lightly sweetened iced tea to refresh your palate. For a fancier spread, add bowls of extra fresh berries or even a little dark chocolate on the side—strawberries and chocolate are always a win!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll into mini pinwheel rounds and arrange them on a platter for a stunning buffet display. Wrap individual slices in parchment with a ribbon for picnic treats, or layer slices into clear cups with extra strawberries and a spoonful of whipped cream for a parfait-style presentation. It’s as photogenic as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just note that it’s best enjoyed freshly chilled for the ultimate creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the roll (without garnishes) for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve, then top with crumble, whipped cream, and strawberries just before enjoying.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be kept cold and not reheated, as that maintains the cheesecake filling’s wonderful texture. If you find it too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a slightly softer bite.

FAQs

How do I keep my cake roll from cracking?

The secret is to roll the sponge cake up while it’s still warm and pliable, right after baking. Letting it cool in the rolled-up shape helps set the curve and greatly reduces the risk of cracking when you fill it later.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter so you don’t introduce excess liquid. Fresh strawberries offer the very best flavor and texture in every bite.

Do I have to use Golden Oreos for the crumble?

Golden Oreos provide the sweetest, most authentic shortcake crumble taste, but you could substitute with another vanilla sandwich cookie if needed. Just don’t skip the strawberry gelatin powder—it gives the signature strawberry shortcake color and flavor.

Is the filling stable enough to pipe?

Absolutely! Once chilled, the cheesecake filling holds up beautifully if you want to pipe decorative swirls or details on the outside of your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll. Just be sure it’s well chilled and use a heavy-duty piping bag for neat designs.

Can I make the roll ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, this dessert improves as it sits! Make it the night before your event and let it chill overnight to let the flavors mingle and set perfectly. Just add fresh strawberries and whipped cream shortly before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about sharing a Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll with friends and family—it’s beautiful, joyful, and completely irresistible. If you love vibrant strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and playful presentation, I truly hope you’ll treat yourself to this recipe. It’s the kind of bake that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, and maybe even asking for the recipe themselves. Give it a try, and let your dessert table shine!

Print