Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
If dessert dreams came true in rolled-up form, it would be this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe. Imagine the softest, buttery dough wrapped around a lusciously creamy cheesecake filling, brightened with bursts of juicy strawberries, all finished with a silky vanilla glaze. It’s an irresistible mash-up of classic cheesecake and cinnamon roll-style swirls that’s as perfect for a special breakfast as it is for a sweet afternoon treat. If you’re searching for a showstopping bake that looks impressive but feels cozy and homemade, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes these sweet rolls shine are the thoughtfully chosen, simple ingredients. Each one adds something essential—whether it’s softness, sweetness, richness, or that burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our dough, creating that dreamy pillowy texture every good roll needs.
- Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise high and fluffy with minimal fuss—no proofing required!
- Granulated sugar: Just enough for a hint of sweetness in the dough without making it overwhelming.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Whole milk: Warmed milk not only activates the yeast but makes the dough extra tender and moist.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter delivers richness and that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Large egg: Adds structure and helps the dough stay soft and airy.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses both dough and filling with aromatic warmth.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake style filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling and creates a glossy, dreamy glaze.
- Fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves): Diced strawberries give juicy bursts (or use preserves for convenience and extra strawberry flavor).
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining 2 1/2 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk together your warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it comes together into a shaggy dough. Add the rest of the flour gradually, kneading until you achieve a soft, slightly tacky (but not sticky) dough—about 5–7 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest and rise in a warm, cozy place until it’s doubled in size, around 1 hour. This is where patience pays off for those lofty, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to make that irresistible cheesecake filling. With a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until luxuriously smooth and creamy. If you’re working with fresh strawberries, dice them small and gently pat them dry with paper towels—juicy berries are delicious, but you don’t want extra liquid soaking the rolls.
Step 3: Assemble and Roll
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it out to a large, even rectangle about 10×16 inches. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Scatter your strawberries on top (or spread on a thin layer of preserves for that extra-convenient twist). Starting from the long side, roll it up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 beautiful rounds and arrange, swirl side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover your rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes. This second rest makes the rolls extra fluffy and puffy, so don’t skip it! While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls have puffed up and are nearly doubled, you’re ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden on top and set in the centers. The kitchen will smell amazing—the hallmark of the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe!
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. If you like your glaze with extra zip, add a little lemon zest. Drizzle generously over warm rolls and marvel at those glossy swirls.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your rolls with extra fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a little extra lemon zest on top of the glaze. A few mint leaves can also add a pop of color and an herby note that pairs surprisingly well with the cheesecake filling.
Side Dishes
Pair your sweet rolls with a bowl of Greek yogurt and mixed berries for a brunch spread, or serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs. If you’re going the dessert route, a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a pretty circular pattern on a cake stand to really show off those swirls. For parties or potlucks, cut each roll in half and serve with toothpicks for a hand-held treat. Or, create a spectacular “strawberry cheesecake roll board” with bowls of extra berries, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles for your guests to customize their own toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any rolls left (it’s a big “if”!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cheesecake filling keeps the rolls moist, so they taste fresh even the next day.
Freezing
The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can also assemble the rolls and freeze them before the second rise—just let them thaw and rise overnight in the fridge before baking fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a roll in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm a tray in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until soft and heated through. Add the glaze after reheating for the prettiest (and tastiest) finish.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls with frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw, drain, and chop them well so they don’t add too much moisture to the filling. This keeps the swirls defined and the dough tender.
Can I prep the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe ahead for brunch?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before and let them do their second rise in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual for effortless morning magic.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast—just dissolve it in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the other wet ingredients. Your rise time may be a little longer, so watch for the dough to double.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Swap in your favorite plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and use a vegan cream cheese. The rolls will still be indulgent and delicious, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden and the centers should spring back when lightly touched. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean without streaks of raw dough.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe enough—every batch vanishes quicker than I can bake them! Whether you’re surprising someone on a special morning, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just craving the comfort of strawberries and cream cheese, these swirled beauties will win hearts. You owe it to yourself to try them soon!
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Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls that combine the flavors of a classic cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries in a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, combine, and knead until soft dough forms.
- Rise the Dough: Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pat dry and chop fresh strawberries if using.
- Assemble and Bake: Roll out dough, spread filling, add strawberries, roll into a log, slice into rolls, place in dish, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Glaze and Serve: Whisk together glaze ingredients, drizzle over warm rolls, and serve.
Notes
- You can prep the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight—just bring to room temperature before baking.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if well-drained and chopped.
- Add lemon zest to the glaze for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
