Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts: the beloved strawberry shortcake and the creamy, indulgent cheesecake. This unique recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a mouthwatering experience that is perfect for any occasion. By incorporating the rich texture of cheesecake into the light, flaky layers of puff pastry, this dessert elevates the traditional strawberry shortcake into something more decadent and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these rolls are sure to impress everyone.
The recipe is simple to follow and offers an easy way to create a dessert that combines fresh strawberries, smooth cream cheese filling, and flaky puff pastry. The result is a delightful treat that blends textures and flavors in each bite, leaving you wanting more. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious treat in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the filling:
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1 cup of finely chopped fresh strawberries
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2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon of cornstarch
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1 tablespoon of lemon juice
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8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
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1 cup of powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the pastry:
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1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tablespoon of milk
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Crushed graham crackers for topping (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the strawberry filling
In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well and set it aside to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until the filling is fully combined and creamy.
Step 4: Roll out the puff pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Add the strawberry mixture
Evenly scatter the prepared strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the puff pastry.
Step 6: Roll the pastry
Gently roll the puff pastry into a log starting from one of the longer sides. Be sure to seal the edges with a little water to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 7: Slice and bake
Slice the rolled puff pastry into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk, then brush this mixture over the rolls. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Step 8: Cool and garnish
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle the rolls with crushed graham crackers for added texture, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrients per Serving
Each serving of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls contains approximately:
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Calories: 220 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 23g
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Fat: 13g
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Protein: 4g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Sodium: 200mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 17g
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a remarkable fusion of two beloved desserts, offering a unique and indulgent treat that combines the light, fluffy texture of strawberry shortcake with the rich, creamy appeal of cheesecake. This dessert brings together the best of both worlds, creating a one-of-a-kind treat that can satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and the perfect balance of flavors. The buttery, flaky puff pastry serves as the ideal base, complementing the sweet cream cheese filling and juicy strawberries. The result is a dessert that has layers of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. The contrast between the crisp pastry, smooth cream cheese, and fresh fruit provides a delightful sensory experience with every bite.
Additionally, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls can be adapted to suit different occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a showstopper for a special event, these rolls fit the bill. They’re easy to prepare but look and taste incredibly impressive, making them the ideal choice for any dessert table.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dessert. Starting with the cream cheese, it brings a creamy, rich texture to the filling that is both decadent and smooth. Cream cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein, providing some nutritional value while enhancing the dish’s indulgence.
The strawberries are the star of the dish, not just for their vibrant color but also for their health benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a heart-healthy fruit that supports your immune system and skin health. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness provide the perfect contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.
Puff pastry, a classic base for many delicious desserts, provides a light and flaky texture that contrasts with the creamy filling. Though puff pastry is higher in fat, it adds an essential lightness and crunch that balances the soft and creamy components of the roll. While it does add some indulgence to the recipe, it also contributes to the overall deliciousness that makes this dessert so satisfying.
Powdered sugar and granulated sugar play their usual role in adding the sweetness needed to bring the different components together. However, these sugars also help with the texture and structure of the cheesecake filling, making it smooth and firm enough to hold the shape once baked.
Lastly, the lemon juice in the strawberry filling adds a refreshing citrus zing, which cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and balances the sweetness of the dessert. It enhances the natural flavors of the strawberries, making them even more vibrant and aromatic.
Cooking Tips for Perfection
To achieve perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, a few tips can help ensure that the rolls come out perfectly golden, flaky, and filled with a smooth, creamy filling.
Firstly, keep the puff pastry cold. Puff pastry needs to be kept cold before baking to allow the layers to separate and puff up during the cooking process. If the dough gets too warm while you’re rolling or shaping it, it will not puff up as well and could result in a denser texture.
When spreading the cream cheese mixture, make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the puff pastry. This will allow the filling to stay contained during baking and prevent it from spilling out. A tight seal when rolling the pastry is also key to ensuring that no filling leaks out as it bakes.
It’s important to evenly distribute the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling. The strawberries should be scattered evenly so that every bite contains a good balance of fruit, cream cheese, and pastry. You can also experiment with different amounts of filling, depending on how rich and fruity you prefer your rolls.
Make sure to brush the rolls with an egg wash before baking. The egg wash not only gives the rolls a golden, glossy finish but also helps seal the puff pastry, giving it a more polished and professional look. The addition of a bit of milk in the wash helps make the pastry more tender and flaky as it bakes.
Another helpful tip is to bake the rolls until golden brown. Puff pastry tends to be best when it’s baked until it’s fully golden and crispy. Make sure not to underbake, as this could leave the pastry soft and doughy rather than flaky.
Finally, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. The cheesecake filling will be very hot after baking, so giving the rolls a few minutes to cool ensures that they are easier to handle and won’t spill their contents when cut.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are perfect as a dessert for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a birthday, or simply preparing a family meal, these rolls will undoubtedly be the star of the show.
For a more elegant presentation, serve the rolls individually on dessert plates. You can garnish each serving with a fresh strawberry, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce to add an extra indulgent touch. The beauty of this dessert is that it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, so serving it in a thoughtful way will elevate the overall dining experience.
If you’re serving it as part of a brunch or tea party, consider pairing it with a selection of light teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, which will complement the sweetness of the rolls. For a more decadent pairing, a glass of sparkling wine or champagne will add elegance and balance the richness of the dessert.
If you prefer a lighter option, consider serving the rolls alongside a fruit salad made with seasonal fruits such as berries, melons, and citrus. The freshness of the fruit will contrast beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake rolls.
You can also serve these rolls alongside a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate for an indulgent treat during the colder months. These drinks will enhance the dessert and provide a cozy and comforting meal.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a creative and delicious dessert that combines the best of two classic treats. With their flaky puff pastry, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, these rolls offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with additional toppings or variations to suit different preferences.
This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing option for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner, a casual get-together, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are sure to impress.
By following a few key tips, such as keeping the puff pastry cold and baking the rolls until golden brown, you can achieve a perfectly flaky and creamy dessert every time. Whether served as a dessert, brunch treat, or snack, these rolls are the perfect addition to any occasion. So, next time you’re looking to create something extraordinary with minimal effort, give these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls a try—you won’t be disappointed.