Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls (Printable Version)
Soft rolls filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet fresh strawberries, glazed to perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg
→ Cheesecake Filling
08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Strawberry Layer
11 - 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
12 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
13 - 2 tsp cornstarch
14 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Glaze
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 tbsp milk
17 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with dough hook for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
02 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and jammy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
03 - Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside until ready to assemble.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Gently spread cooled strawberry mixture on top of the cheesecake layer. Roll up tightly from the longer side to form a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange cut side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan before glazing.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle glaze generously over warm rolls just before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They combine everything we love about strawberry shortcake with the rich tang of cheesecake, all wrapped up in soft homemade bread
- The strawberry jam layer creates this beautiful swirl that looks impressive but actually comes together with simple pantry staples
02 -
- The strawberry mixture MUST be completely cold before spreading, or it'll melt your butter layer and create a soggy disaster
- Don't skip the second rise, even if you're impatient, because puffy rolls are the difference between dry bread and cloudlike texture
03 -
- If your dough isn't rising, your kitchen might be too cold, so I turn my oven light on and place the bowl inside with the door closed
- Use ungreased dental floss or fishing line to slice the rolls, it creates the cleanest cuts and preserves those beautiful layers