Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert! Imagine the creamy, tangy delight of a classic cheesecake, swirled together with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, all nestled inside a warm, golden-brown, perfectly portioned roll. Sounds heavenly, right? These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; they’re a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, creating a treat that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible.

While the exact origins of combining cheesecake and rolls are a bit of a modern mystery, the inspiration draws from the timeless appeal of both. Cheesecake, with its rich history dating back to ancient Greece, has evolved into countless variations across cultures. Similarly, sweet rolls, enjoyed for generations as a comforting breakfast or dessert, provide the perfect canvas for innovative flavor combinations.

What makes these Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The creamy cheesecake filling provides a luxurious smoothness that contrasts beautifully with the soft, slightly chewy roll. The strawberries add a vibrant sweetness and a touch of tartness, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! These rolls are perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a special weekend treat. Get ready to experience a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• For the Strawberry Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Brushing:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to use fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating those lovely air pockets that make the rolls so fluffy.

Making the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling.
2. Add Sugar and Egg: Gradually add the sugar and beat until well combined. Then, beat in the egg until smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to crush the strawberries.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This will help seal the rolls.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
5. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find that dental floss works best for clean cuts.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Baking the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil.
4. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Making the Strawberry Glaze:

1. Prepare Strawberry Puree: If using fresh strawberries for the puree, blend a handful of strawberries until smooth. If using frozen, thaw them slightly and then blend.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.

Glazing and Serving:

1. Glaze the Rolls: Pour the strawberry glaze over the warm rolls. You can drizzle it evenly or create a more rustic look.
2. Serve: Serve the strawberry cheesecake rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

These Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of flaky, golden-brown pastry, the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and the burst of fresh strawberry flavor is simply irresistible. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, rich and light, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a special afternoon snack. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Why are these rolls so special? It’s the simplicity of the recipe combined with the incredible flavor payoff. You don’t need to be a master baker to achieve bakery-worthy results. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is pure bliss!

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Glaze it up! A simple powdered sugar glaze, drizzled generously over the warm rolls, adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You can even infuse the glaze with a hint of lemon or vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
* Berry Bonanza: Not a strawberry fan? No problem! Substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. A mixed berry version would be absolutely divine!
* Chocolate Indulgence: For the chocolate lovers out there, add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate cheesecake twist. You could even sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
* Nutty Delight: A sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the rolls before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cheesecake filling adds a warm and comforting touch, especially during the fall and winter months.
* Serving Suggestions: These rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh fruit. They’re also a fantastic addition to any brunch spread or dessert table.

I truly believe that these Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. They are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible rolls. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by the results.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see your creative twists on my recipes. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how much you love these!