Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a delightful blend of tender, fluffy sweet dough, a fruity strawberry filling, and a velvety cheesecake frosting that melts in your mouth. These indulgent rolls bring a perfect balance of freshness and creaminess, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

I still remember the first time I baked these rolls—the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and freshly baked dough. When they came out of the oven, their soft, swirled centers were oozing with strawberry goodness, and the creamy cheesecake frosting added the perfect finishing touch. They quickly became a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.

These rolls are not just delicious but also visually stunning. Their delicate pink filling and swirl pattern give them a charm that’s perfect for celebrations like Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or simply brightening someone’s day. You can even experiment with variations, like adding fresh strawberries, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a fun twist.

Despite their bakery-quality appearance, these sweet rolls are easier to make than you’d think. With a little patience and a love for baking, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls that everyone will rave about!

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunch
• Holiday mornings
• Birthday celebrations
• Spring and summer gatherings
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls:

• Soft, Fluffy Dough: The tender, buttery dough is the perfect base for the rich filling and fruity topping.
• Decadent Cheesecake Filling: The cream cheese filling adds a tangy, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The homemade strawberry filling adds a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Customizable Toppings: Add a drizzle of glaze, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for the perfect finishing touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are an ideal centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or dessert when entertaining guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including dough rising time)
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Essential for the cheesecake filling, providing a tangy and creamy texture that balances the sweetness.
• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries create a vibrant, flavorful filling. Frozen strawberries can also be used when fresh are unavailable.
• Milk and Butter: These enrich the dough, giving it a soft, pillowy texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling, creating a jam-like consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Fillings:

5. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
6. Make the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Let it cool completely.

Assemble the Rolls:

7. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
8. Spread the Cheesecake Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
9. Add the Strawberry Filling: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the cream cheese layer.
10. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
11. Cut into Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
12. Arrange and Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.

Bake and Glaze:

13. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
14. Make the Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
15. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls can be served warm or at room temperature:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these rolls with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• For Brunch: Add them to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and savory dishes.
• As Dessert: Serve the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature eggs and butter ensure a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid adding too much strawberry filling to prevent it from leaking during baking.
• Slice Evenly: Use dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it for 20 minutes before assembling.
• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Both work well for the filling; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
• Store Properly: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Try these variations to customize your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls:

1. Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls: Replace strawberries with blueberries for a tangy twist.
2. Raspberry Almond Rolls: Use raspberry filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
3. Peach Cheesecake Rolls: Swap strawberries for peaches for a summery flavor.
4. Nutella Cheesecake Rolls: Add a layer of Nutella beneath the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
5. Lemon Strawberry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for extra zing.
6. Cinnamon Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle cinnamon over the strawberry filling for a warm spice flavor.
7. Chocolate Chip Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before adding strawberries.
8. Vegan Strawberry Rolls: Use plant-based cream cheese and milk for a vegan-friendly version.
9. Gluten-Free Rolls: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free rolls.
10. Cream Cheese Frosting Rolls: Replace the glaze with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing and arranging them in the pan. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
• Storage: Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer makes kneading the dough easier and quicker.
• Rolling Pin: Roll the dough evenly with a sturdy rolling pin.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to grease the baking dish or add butter to the rolls before baking.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for baking rolls evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Absolutely. Thaw and drain the strawberries before making the filling.
3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
   Leave a border around the dough edges and avoid overfilling to minimize leaks.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
5. What’s the best way to reheat them?
   Warm the rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are a dreamy dessert that blends the best of both worlds—cheesecake and soft, pillowy sweet rolls. The dough is light and fluffy, the cheesecake filling is creamy and rich, and the sweet strawberry topping adds a burst of freshness and sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.

These rolls are ideal for special occasions, as a decadent breakfast, or simply as a delightful treat to brighten your day. The combination of cheesecake and strawberry is a crowd-pleaser, and each bite is an indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

Whether you’re serving them at a family brunch or enjoying them on your own, these sweet rolls are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone wanting more.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your scrumptious creations. Happy baking!