Have you ever wanted a dessert that’s the perfect combination of fluffy, sweet, and just a little bit tangy? Well, Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are your answer! These delicious treats bring together the best of both worlds—cheesecake and sweet rolls. They’re packed with creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend brunch, a dessert for a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something amazing, this recipe is a must-try.
And hey, if you love fun and creative recipes like this one, check out this one for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions—another crowd-pleaser you can’t miss!
Ready to dive into the world of Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls? Let’s get baking!
What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
Okay, so you’re probably familiar with cinnamon rolls, right? Think of Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls as their fruity, creamy cousin. Instead of the classic cinnamon-sugar filling, we’re working with a smooth, sweet cheesecake filling and lots of fresh, juicy strawberries. The dough is soft and fluffy, just like you want in a good sweet roll, and the cream cheese glaze on top is the icing on the cake—literally! If you’re curious about more cinnamon roll variations, check out this Blueberry Cinnamon Roll recipe for another delicious twist.
These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They’re a total crowd-pleaser and pretty easy to make, even if you’re not a baking expert. Plus, they’re versatile. Want to swap the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries? Go for it. Feel like adding a bit of lemon zest to brighten things up? Yes, please! The possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Here are a few reasons why these sweet rolls will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes:
- Super Soft Dough: We’re talking pillow-soft, melt-in-your-mouth dough that rises perfectly.
- Creamy Cheesecake Filling: Rich and smooth, it’s like biting into a mini cheesecake in every roll.
- Juicy Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: This glaze takes things to the next level, making each bite totally indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. The list isn’t too complicated, but there are a few key players that make these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls absolutely amazing.
Dough Ingredients:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is your best bet here. It keeps the rolls light and fluffy.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast makes the dough rise perfectly.
- Sugar: For a touch of sweetness and to help the yeast work its magic.
- Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Butter: Adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and make the dough soft and rich.
Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: The star of the filling—creamy and tangy.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the cheesecake flavor.
Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, diced strawberries for that burst of fruity flavor.
- Strawberry Preserves: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, preserves or jam work great too.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness to the glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- Milk or Cream: To thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: For a little extra flavor punch.
How to Make the Dough
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—making the dough. If you’ve never made homemade dough before, don’t worry! It’s easier than you think. Plus, this dough is super forgiving.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast gets all frothy. That’s how you know it’s alive and kicking.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter, and mix until it starts to come together. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or just your hands if you’re feeling old school.
- Knead the dough: If you’re doing this by hand, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using a mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the part where patience comes in!
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can totally cheat and use store-bought dough. It’ll save you some time, but nothing beats homemade if you ask me.
Making the Cheesecake and Strawberry Filling
While your dough is rising, let’s make the magic that goes inside the rolls: the cheesecake and strawberry filling. This is where the flavor explosion happens.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves)
Instructions:
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set it aside.
- Prepare the strawberries: If you’re using fresh strawberries, dice them into small pieces. If you’re using preserves, give them a good stir to loosen them up a bit.
Assembling the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out, fill it with that delicious cheesecake and strawberry mixture, and turn it into beautiful rolls.
Instructions:
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the filling: First, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the diced strawberries (or spread the preserves) on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Roll it up: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Go slowly to keep everything inside!
- Cut into rolls: Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss (yes, it works!), slice the log into 12 even rolls.
- Place in a baking dish: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little room between them. Cover them and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Baking and Glazing the Sweet Rolls
It’s finally time to bake these beauties! Here’s how to get them perfectly golden and delicious.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and baked through. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants overbaked rolls!
Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the glaze: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the glaze: After the rolls have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the cream cheese glaze all over the top.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
These sweet rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:
- For breakfast or brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for the ultimate breakfast spread.
- As a dessert: These rolls are sweet enough to double as a decadent dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- For a special occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday brunch, or just a cozy weekend morning, these rolls make any event feel a little more special.
Storing and Reheating:
- Storage: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Fun Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
These rolls are already pretty amazing, but if you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to try:
1. Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
- Swap out the strawberries for blueberries for a fun twist.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls
- Add a layer of Nutella or melted chocolate to the filling. Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven!
3. Lemon Strawberry Rolls
- Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and a bit of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, zesty flavor.
4. Peach Cheesecake Rolls
- Swap strawberries for peaches to make a summery version of this recipe. Fresh peaches or peach preserves work great.
FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
1. Can I make these rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?
- Definitely! You can assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
- Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the filling.
3. How do I store leftover sweet rolls?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
4. Can I make these rolls without yeast?
- You can, but the texture will be more like a biscuit or scone. Yeast is what gives these rolls that soft, fluffy texture.
5. What other fruits can I use in place of strawberries?
- You can use blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even apples—whatever you’re in the mood for!
Conclusion
There you have it—Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls in all their glory! Whether you’re making these for a lazy weekend brunch, a special celebration, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these rolls are a surefire hit. With their soft dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household.
So the next time you want to bake something delicious and impressive, whip up a batch of these rolls. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will anyone else lucky enough to grab a bite!