Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

I love this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll because it combines the best of both worlds—light, fluffy cake rolled around a creamy cheesecake filling, with fresh strawberries adding a perfect burst of sweetness. It’s a stunning dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What really draws me to this recipe is how it brings together the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake in a fun, rollable form. The cake is soft and airy, the cheesecake filling is rich and smooth, and the fresh strawberries add that natural juicy sweetness. It’s perfect for special occasions or just treating myself when I want something a bit fancy but not overly complicated.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Fresh strawberries

directions

Preheat the oven and prepare a jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the egg mixture to maintain airiness.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until golden and springy to the touch.
While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Let it cool completely rolled up to set its shape.
For the cheesecake filling, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over it.
Arrange sliced fresh strawberries over the filling, then gently roll the cake back up.
Chill the roll for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up.
Slice and serve, enjoying each creamy, fruity bite.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 10 servings. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to bake, and about 2 to 3 hours to chill before serving, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Variations

I sometimes like to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, which give a slightly different flavor profile but just as fresh and tasty. Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the roll before slicing can also take it to another level. For a lighter option, I occasionally reduce the cream cheese and add more whipped cream to the filling.

storage/reheating

I keep this cheesecake roll refrigerated, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it because the texture of the cream cheese filling can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so I serve it straight from the fridge without reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this roll ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it the day before serving. Chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld and makes slicing cleaner.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

Frozen strawberries can work but should be thawed and drained well to avoid extra moisture that might make the cake soggy.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

I prefer full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor, but low-fat versions will still work with slightly less richness.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent cracks. Also, rolling gently is key.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?

Whipped coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll has become one of my favorite desserts to make for guests or family gatherings. It’s elegant yet straightforward, combining light cake with creamy cheesecake and fresh fruit in a beautiful presentation. Once I make it, it rarely lasts long because it’s just that good. If I want a dessert that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is the one I turn to every time.