Irresistible Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll You’ll Love

Hi, friend. I’m Sarah, a self-taught food lover, flavor-chaser, and your biggest cheerleader in the kitchen.

This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll came to life one sunny Saturday when my kids begged for “something cakey with strawberries.” I had cream cheese, a few Oreos, and just enough berries to wing it. After some trial and error (and a little inspiration from my Peach Cobbler Cookies), the idea for this fruity dessert roll was born.

That first version wasn’t perfect, but it disappeared in ten minutes flat, always a good sign. Now it’s a staple in my summer baking rotation, and honestly, I can’t imagine warm weather without making this sweet roll at least twice.

Why the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll Works So Well

The reason this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll works so well is balance.

The sponge cake is soft but sturdy enough to roll tightly without cracking. The cheesecake filling is light yet rich and creamy. Paired with the golden Oreo and strawberry gelatin crumble, every bite delivers the perfect mix of smooth, crunchy, and sweet.

To me, it’s the sweet spot between retro diner comfort food and a bridal brunch centerpiece. You can even slice it into mini rolls for potlucks or tea parties, perfect for finger-friendly portions.

If you loved the layers in a No Bake Banana Split Cheesecake, this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll will be your next obsession.

Table of contents :

What You Need to Make the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Ingredients – Everything You’ll Need

For the Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:

• 1 cup crushed golden Oreos
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (or freeze-dried strawberry powder as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping:

• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Strawberry sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the Sponge Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar until thick and pale (about 3–4 minutes). Add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture, followed by the milk. Add chopped strawberries last.
3. Bake and Roll:
   Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the top is springy. While warm, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake (with the towel) from the short side. Cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
5. Make the Crumble:
   In a small bowl, combine crushed Oreos, gelatin powder, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
6. Assemble the Roll:
   Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface. Roll it back up without the towel.
7. Decorate and Serve:
   Top your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and a generous sprinkle of the crumble. Drizzle strawberry sauce if desired.
   

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll

Creative Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

When it comes to serving this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, the options are just as delightful as the dessert itself. For a classic presentation, slice thick rounds and arrange them on a chilled platter with fresh strawberries and mint.

You can dust the tops with powdered sugar or add a light drizzle of strawberry glaze for a bit of flair. It’s simple, but it always looks elegant.

If you’re hosting brunch, this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll pairs beautifully with something savory like a Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole or even a citrusy mimosa.

I also love serving it alongside a fruit salad tossed with mint and honey, light, fresh, and ideal for summer mornings.

Personal Favorite Combos & Brunch Pairings

When I serve this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll, I love adding a bowl of vanilla whipped cream on the side so guests can spoon extra on top. It turns every slice into a customizable treat.

It’s also fun to make a mini dessert board with cheesecake slices, extra crumble, and berries, kind of like a strawberry shortcake grazing board, with the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll as the star.

How to Store and Make Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Friendly and Freezer-Tested

Good news: this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll tastes even better the next day. I actually prefer it chilled overnight, flavors deepen, and the texture gets even creamier.

For Sunday brunch, I always roll it the night before and wrap it tight in plastic. It sets perfectly, and the sponge stays moist.

Honestly, if you’re prepping multiple desserts, the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is one of the easiest to make ahead without losing flavor or structure.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator: Store the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll (uncovered or loosely covered) in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds its shape well and tastes even better after a chill.

Freezer: You can freeze the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Add toppings just before serving for the best texture and color. If you’re wondering how other creamy desserts keep, check out how we handle storage in our Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Guide, same chilled logic applies here.

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Conclusion

Making this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is like bottling up the best parts of summer and serving them slice by slice. It’s fresh, creamy, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy for something that looks this fancy.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, a birthday table, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, it’s one of those reliable wins that delivers every time.

It’s a favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it brings that same kind of joy to yours. Remember, every beautiful roll starts with a little mess and a whole lot of heart. Don’t stress the swirl. Just roll with it.

Frequently Asked Questions