Welcome to your next dessert obsession! The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a fun twist on two classics. You get the sweet, soft cake wrapped around a creamy cheesecake filling, all bursting with fresh strawberries. This recipe is easy to follow, and I’ll share tips to avoid common mistakes. Plus, I'll give you ideas for fun variations. Let’s dive into this delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: This cheesecake roll combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a delightful dessert experience.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it accessible for everyone.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual get-together, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh strawberries and simple ingredients, ensuring a light and refreshing treat that celebrates seasonal produce.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Extra strawberries for garnish
You need these ingredients to make a tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll. Each item plays a role in the final treat.
- All-purpose flour gives the cake structure.
- Baking powder helps the cake rise.
- Salt balances the sweetness.
- Butter makes it rich and moist.
- Granulated sugar sweetens the cake.
- Eggs add moisture and help bind.
- Vanilla extract brings delicious flavor.
- Cream cheese adds creaminess to the filling.
- Powdered sugar sweetens the filling.
- Heavy whipping cream gives a light texture to the filling.
- Strawberries provide fresh flavor and sweetness.
- Lemon juice brightens the strawberry taste.
- Whipped cream is a lovely topping, if you like.
- Extra strawberries make a pretty garnish.
For added flavor, you can try mixing in a bit of lemon zest or using flavored extracts like almond or strawberry. This can enhance your cheesecake roll even more!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the jelly roll pan: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a jelly roll pan, which should be 15x10 inches. Line it with parchment paper and lightly grease it to stop the cake from sticking.
2. Making the cake batter and baking time: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mix is light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Make sure not to overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cooling and rolling the cake: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.
Filling and Assembly
1. Preparing the cream cheese filling: While your cake cools, make the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. In another bowl, whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream until you get stiff peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into your cream cheese mix until combined.
2. Mixing strawberries with lemon juice: Take 1 cup of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries. In a small bowl, toss them with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This will make the strawberries taste even better.
3. Assembling the roll and chilling: Unroll your cooled cake carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the top. Scatter the sugared strawberries over the filling. Now re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Chill the roll in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ensuring the cake doesn't crack when rolling: To avoid cracks, do not skip the cooling step. Roll the cake while it’s warm. This keeps it flexible. A thin layer of powdered sugar on the towel helps too.
- Achieving the right consistency for whipped cream: Whip your heavy cream until you see stiff peaks. If it's too soft, it won't hold its shape. Use cold equipment for best results.
- Tips for evenly spreading the filling: Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture. Start from the center and work outwards. This helps you cover every inch without tearing the cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Best accompaniments for the cheesecake roll: This roll pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the dessert too.
- Presentation ideas for serving: Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange them on a platter. Garnish with extra strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful touch.
Pro Tips
- Cool Completely: Make sure to let the cake cool completely before spreading the filling to prevent it from melting and making a mess.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries. If they're not sweet enough, you can sprinkle a little sugar on them.
- Chill Before Slicing: Chilling the roll for at least an hour helps it set, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract or a hint of orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
Variations
Flavor Adaptations
You can change the fruits in this recipe. Instead of strawberries, try using blueberries or raspberries. They add a fun twist. You can also mix in flavored extracts. A touch of almond or coconut extract can enhance the flavor. Zest from lemons or oranges can brighten the taste, too.
Dietary Modifications
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. This swaps easily into the recipe. It keeps the texture soft and light. For a vegan filling, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream. These options taste just as good and fit many diets.
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your strawberry shortcake cheesecake roll fresh, follow these tips:
- Refrigeration: Place the roll in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
- Cover: If you do not have a container, wrap the roll in plastic wrap. This will protect it from absorbing odors.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the roll into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This helps keep each slice fresh for later.
Shelf Life
The roll lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. It stays tasty if stored properly. In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember to defrost the roll in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy your sweet treat whenever you like!
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I prevent my cheesecake roll from breaking? To avoid cracks, make sure to cool the cake slowly. After baking, let it sit for about five minutes. Then, roll it gently while it’s warm. Dusting the towel with powdered sugar helps too.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain any extra juice. This keeps the filling from getting too wet. Fresh strawberries taste best, but frozen works in a pinch.
What if I don't have a jelly roll pan? If you lack a jelly roll pan, use a baking sheet with similar dimensions. Ensure you line it with parchment paper and grease it well. You can also use smaller pans if you adjust the baking time.
Making a cheesecake roll is easy and fun. We covered the ingredients, tips, and variations to try. You also learned how to store it for later. With the right steps, your cheesecake roll can wow anyone. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors and fillings. Enjoy how you create your own perfect dessert!
