When my best friend tasted the very first slice of this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, she closed her eyes and let out the happiest little hum. That moment right there—bursting with sweet strawberry jam, the smooth cream cheese filling, and that light-as-air vanilla sponge—was what home baking dreams are made of. Every bite feels like a celebration: sweet, tangy, and utterly indulgent without weighing you down. I still remember unrolling that warm cake for the first time and spotting the swirls of buttery cream cheese and jewel-like strawberry pieces shining back at me. It was a bit nerve-wracking handling that delicate sponge, but the result was worth every second of careful rolling and dusting.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, celebrating a summer birthday, or just craving a slice of something special, this recipe brings together the nostalgic charm of strawberry shortcake and the velvety richness of cheesecake in one dazzling roll. With just 20 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of baking, and a one-hour chill time, you’ll have a dessert that looks complex but comes together surprisingly easily. Each slice is about 310 calories—totally doable for an after-dinner treat or a party centerpiece. Let’s dive in and whip up a show-stopping cake roll that’s bound to have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CHEESECAKE ROLL
Before we dive into the steps, let’s meet the stars of this dessert. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in delivering that dreamy combination of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries. Get ready to gather your essentials!
- Vanilla cake mix
Provides the base for our light and fluffy sponge—no need for flour measuring or extra fuss. It ensures consistent results every time.
- Water
Keeps the batter moist and helps activate the cake mix without adding any extra flavor, giving you the ideal cake texture.
- Vegetable oil
Enhances the cake’s tenderness and keeps it soft enough to roll without cracking.
- Large eggs
Bind the batter together and give structure to the sponge for that perfect lift in the oven.
- Cream cheese
Yields a silky-smooth filling that mimics classic cheesecake, offering that tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese filling and ensures no grainy texture—plus some extra for dusting the towel and finishing the roll.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses warm, aromatic notes into the filling and the sponge, deepening the overall flavor profile.
- Strawberries, diced
Punctuate each slice with bursts of fresh, juicy fruit, adding both color and a delightful tang.
- Strawberry jam
Creates a glossy layer that helps the diced berries stick and infuses every bite with strawberry intensity.
- Heavy cream
Whipped into fluffy peaks, it crowns the cake roll with a cloud-like finish that’s light and airy.
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Elevate the presentation with vibrant fruit slices, making your roll look as delicious as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CHEESECAKE ROLL
Let’s walk through the steps to transform simple pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert. By following these instructions carefully and using the right techniques, you’ll nail each stage—from a perfectly tender sponge to a smooth cream cheese swirl and the final elegant finish.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the corners with an offset spatula, creating a uniform layer.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly touched.
5. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by generously sprinkling it with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it.
6. Upon removing the cake from the oven, carefully turn it out onto the prepared towel while it’s still warm. Gently peel off the parchment paper to avoid tearing the sponge.
7. Starting with a short side, roll the cake up with the towel still inside, forming a snug spiral. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky-smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
9. Unroll the cooled cake carefully, peeling away the towel. Spread the cream cheese mixture in an even layer over the sponge, reaching all the edges.
10. Follow with an even layer of strawberry jam, smoothing it gently to create a sticky base, then sprinkle the diced strawberries over the jam.
11. Re-roll the cake (this time without the towel), taking care to keep it as tight as possible. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter for a neat presentation.
12. In a small mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Use this whipped cream to spread or pipe a decorative topping over the cake roll.
13. Dust with additional powdered sugar for a snowy effect and garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
14. Refrigerate the roll for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set for clean, elegant slices.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CHEESECAKE ROLL
When it’s time to serve this beautiful roll, think of it as the grand finale that ties together every element of your meal or gathering. A well-presented slice can ignite conversation and build anticipation for that first sweet bite. Use these suggestions to turn each serving into a moment worth savoring, whether you’re treating family on a Sunday afternoon or wowing guests at a holiday gathering.
- Arrange slices on a ceramic cake stand and surround them with fresh strawberry halves and mint sprigs for a garden-fresh display that complements the dessert’s colors.
- Pair each serving with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to melt slightly over the roll’s edges, creating an irresistible contrast.
- Drizzle a bit of homemade strawberry coulis or even leftover jam around the plate for a touch of elegance and an extra pop of fruitiness.
- Accompany slices with a hot cup of coffee or a light herbal tea—the subtle bitterness balances the sweetness, making each bite feel even more luxurious.
HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CHEESECAKE ROLL
Once you’ve created your masterpiece, proper storage is key to maintaining those tender textures and vibrant flavors. Because this cake roll is chock-full of cream cheese and fresh berries, you’ll want to handle it carefully to avoid sogginess or drying out. Follow these methods to keep your roll tasting fresh for as long as possible:
- Refrigeration Method: Place the entire roll (or individual slices) in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese filling chilled and prevents the sponge from drying out.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: For longer storage, wrap the roll first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
- Avoid Moisture: If you notice condensation inside your storage container, pat the roll gently with a paper towel before re-wrapping to prevent a soggy crust.
- Separate Garnishes: If you’ve added fresh strawberries or whipped cream on top, store these elements separately in airtight containers and assemble right before serving to maintain their shape and color.
CONCLUSION
Creating the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is more than just baking a dessert—it’s an experience that blends nostalgia, creativity, and the joy of sharing something beautiful with loved ones. From whisking together the vanilla sponge to carefully rolling in the tangy cream cheese filling and vibrant strawberries, each step invites you to slow down and savor the process. You’ll find it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to print out and keep close at hand—perfect for spring gatherings, summer celebrations, or any moment you crave a show-stopping sweet treat. And don’t forget that beneath this article, you’ll discover a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot any questions that come up along the way.
If you decide to tackle this intermediate-level roll and bring those 310-calorie slices to your table, please let me know how it went! Did your roll stay intact without cracking? How did the balance of sweet jam, juicy berries, and creamy filling turn out? Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below—I’m here to help you nail every swirl and slice. Happy baking, and may this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll
Description
Swirls of vanilla sponge envelop a silky cream cheese filling and strawberry jam, studded with fresh berries. Each slice balances sweet, tangy, and light airy textures for a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 15x10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
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Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by sprinkling it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
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Upon removing the cake from the oven, carefully turn it out onto the prepared towel while it's still warm. Gently peel off the parchment paper.
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Starting with a short side, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
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In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, followed by an even layer of strawberry jam.
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Sprinkle the diced strawberries over the jam.
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Re-roll the cake without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
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In a small mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the rolled cake.
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Dust with additional powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set.
Note
- The cake roll should be handled carefully to prevent cracking.
- For clean slices, use a serrated knife and clean it between cuts.
- Optionally, add a few drops of almond extract for an enhanced flavor twist.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams or fresh berries to customize your roll.
