If you love desserts that combine fresh fruit, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cookie crumbs wrapped in delicate layers, then Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are made just for you. This luscious, no-bake treat combines the best of classic strawberry shortcake with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all rolled up in thin crepes or cake layers. It’s a perfect dessert for celebrations, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without turning on the oven.
What Makes These Rolls So Special?
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No-Bake Ease: No oven needed! Just mix, assemble, chill, and slice.
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Creamy Cheesecake Filling: Smooth cream cheese whipped with sweetened whipped cream.
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Fresh Strawberries: Lightly macerated to bring out their natural juices and sweetness.
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Crunchy Cookie Crumbs: Crushed shortbread or graham crackers add a satisfying crunch.
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Beautiful Presentation: Rolled and sliced, perfect for parties and photogenic desserts.
Ingredients and Measurements (US Cups & Units)
Cheesecake Filling
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8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Layer
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1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cookie Crumb Layer
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1½ cups crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Assembly
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6 large crepes or thin cake layers (store-bought or homemade)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting before serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Begin by softening your cream cheese for the smoothest texture — leave it out for 30 minutes before mixing. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks — this means the cream should hold firm peaks when you lift the whisk. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula, careful not to deflate it. The result should be a light, airy cheesecake filling perfect for spreading.
2. Macerate the Strawberries
Dice fresh strawberries into small pieces. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl and let them sit for 10 minutes. This process, called maceration, softens the berries and releases their natural juices, which adds a juicy, sweet flavor to your rolls.
3. Prepare the Cookie Crumb Mixture
Crush your shortbread cookies or graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin or by pulsing in a food processor. In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted unsalted butter. The butter helps the crumbs stick together, adding a buttery crunch to your dessert.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Lay one crepe flat on your work surface. Spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over the crepe, about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cookie crumb mixture on top of the filling, distributing it evenly. Then, spoon some of the macerated strawberries over the crumbs. Carefully roll the crepe tightly into a log shape. Repeat this process for the remaining crepes.
5. Chill and Set
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to keep their shape and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the filling to firm up, making the rolls easier to slice and enhancing the flavors as they meld.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice them into 1-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife. Arrange the slices on a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately for a fresh, elegant dessert.
Prep Time, Calories, and Serving Info
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Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes
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Chill Time: At least 1 hour
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Total Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
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Calories: Roughly 320 kcal per serving (1 slice)
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time
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Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soft cream cheese blends easier, ensuring a smooth filling without lumps.
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Don’t Overfold: When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese, be gentle to keep the airy texture.
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Uniform Rolls: Roll each crepe tightly and evenly to get consistent slices that hold together well.
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Cookie Crumb Variations: Experiment with different cookie bases like vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for flavor twists.
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Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: Fresh fruit makes all the difference; choose sweet, ripe berries for best flavor.
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Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the fridge, making them ideal for parties.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert beautifully balances creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures in every bite. The no-bake method makes it accessible for anyone — no need to be a professional baker! Plus, the elegant presentation is sure to wow guests, making it a great choice for birthdays, holidays, or casual weekend treats.
Variations & Customization Ideas
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Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
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Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the sliced rolls.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix finely chopped toasted nuts into the cookie crumb layer.
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Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy zing.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crepes and cookies to suit dietary needs.
Nutritional Overview
Each slice delivers approximately 320 calories, mainly from cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter. While indulgent, this dessert is perfect for sharing, so enjoy a slice alongside fresh fruit or a light beverage to balance richness.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines classic flavors with an elegant presentation. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a sweet treat at home, this recipe is a fantastic way to impress with minimal effort. Plus, it offers flexibility to tweak flavors and ingredients to your liking.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite variation? I’m always excited to hear about new creative spins on classic desserts.