If you adore the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh, fruity sweetness, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe. This unique twist on classic dessert sushi rolls takes familiar flavors of strawberry shortcake and presents them in an irresistible, fun-to-eat format that’s perfect for impressing guests or just indulging yourself. With rich cream cheese filling, juicy macerated strawberries, and crumbly shortcake layers all wrapped in delicate crepes, each bite is a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that feels both elegant and playful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet every element plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From creamy cream cheese to fresh strawberries and crunchy cookie crumbs, these ingredients promise a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the rich, tangy base that makes the cheesecake filling luxuriously smooth.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Sweetens both the cheesecake mixture and strawberry filling to just the right level.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake filling’s flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture that balances the cream cheese.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Brings juicy freshness and a beautiful red color to the rolls.
- Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers (1½ cups): Creates a crunchy, buttery shortcake layer to contrast the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Binds the cookie crumbs and enriches that shortcake texture.
- Large crepes or thin cake layers (6 pieces): Acts as the perfect soft, pliable wrap for the sushi rolls.
- Powdered sugar: For a final delicate dusting that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This base is key for a luscious cheesecake flavor that’s not too heavy—just perfectly balanced and rich. You want to make sure it’s silky, which will make spreading it a breeze.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Next, whip the heavy cream in a clean bowl until it forms stiff peaks. This whipped cream will lighten the cheesecake mixture and give the rolls a fluffy texture that feels light on the palate, preventing the filling from becoming too dense.
Step 3: Fold Whipped Cream into Cheesecake Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s well combined but still airy. This step is crucial for maintaining that delicate texture which makes this dessert irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Mix the diced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to macerate. This allows the strawberries to soften slightly and release their natural juices, which intensifies their sweetness and juiciness—perfect for the rolls.
Step 5: Make the Shortcake Layer
Combine the crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. This crumbly, buttery layer adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling and juicy strawberries.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Lay one crepe or cake layer flat on your workspace. Spread a thin, even layer of the cheesecake filling over it, ensuring every bite has some creamy richness. Sprinkle the shortcake crumb mixture evenly over the filling, then spoon a line of the macerated strawberries about 1 inch from one edge of the crepe. Carefully roll it up tightly, mimicking the shape of sushi rolls. Repeat this process with all the crepes.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the rolls set, making them easier to slice cleanly. After chilling, unwrap and use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces — just like sushi.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the sushi rolls on a beautiful platter and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch and an extra bit of sweetness. These bites are just waiting to be devoured!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dessert even further, add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on the platter for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or a bit of whipped cream on the side can also add a luscious finishing touch and complement the sweet and tangy flavors inside the rolls.
Side Dishes
This dessert sushi pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of fragrant green tea to balance out the sweetness. For something more casual, consider serving with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these rolls in a circular pattern resembling a sushi platter for a fun thematic presentation. You can also place slices vertically in mini clear cups for individual servings that look stunning and make serving super easy for parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert with minimal effort later on.
Freezing
Because the crepes and fresh strawberries can lose texture, freezing is not recommended for this dessert. You want to preserve the fresh, delicate balance of flavors and textures that make the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe so special.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, no-cook dessert, reheating is not necessary and could compromise the texture. Best served cold and fresh out of the fridge for that perfect creamy, fruity experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best to maintain the texture and freshness of the dessert, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture which can make the rolls soggy.
Are there alternatives to shortbread cookies for the crumb layer?
Absolutely! Graham crackers are a perfect substitute, or you can try digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor but still that great crunch.
Can I make the crepes myself?
Definitely! Homemade crepes add a personal touch and can be made ahead of time. Just ensure they are thin and pliable to roll easily without cracking.
How can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and whipped coconut cream, and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Adjust sweetness to taste, and you’ll still enjoy that luscious texture.
What kind of knife should I use to slice the rolls?
A sharp, serrated knife works best to prevent squishing the rolls. Clean the knife between cuts to keep slices neat and pretty.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at, the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and crumbly shortcake crunch all wrapped up in delicate crepes, it’s a beautiful way to reinvent a classic favorite. I promise once you make these, they’ll become a beloved treat that you’ll want to share over and over again!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls, a creative and elegant twist combining creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortbread cookie layers all rolled up in delicate crepes or thin cake layers. Perfect for a refreshing and visually stunning dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Shortcake Layer
- 1 1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Other
- 6 large crepes or thin cake layers (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a perfect texture.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, which will give a light and airy texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Combine Fillings: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined, maintaining the fluffy consistency without deflating the cream.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Mix diced strawberries with granulated sugar in a small bowl, allowing the sugar to draw out the juices from the strawberries.
- Macerate Strawberries: Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 10 minutes to macerate, enhancing the natural sweetness and softening the fruit.
- Make Shortcake Layer: Combine crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, providing a crumbly and buttery base.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay a crepe or thin cake layer flat on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the cheesecake filling over it.
- Add Shortcake Layer: Sprinkle the prepared shortcake mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer to add texture and flavor.
- Add Strawberry Filling: Spoon a line of the macerated strawberry filling about 1 inch from one edge of the crepe, preparing it to be rolled.
- Roll the Crepe: Carefully roll the crepe or cake layer tightly around the strawberry filling, shaping it like a sushi roll.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 7-10 with the remaining crepes or cake layers to make a total of six rolls.
- Chill Rolls: Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Slice Rolls: Remove plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife for a neat presentation.
- Serve: Arrange the sushi rolls on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade crepes or thin cake layers depending on your preference and time.
- Chilling the rolls is important to maintain their shape during slicing and serving.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries before macerating.
- These rolls are best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the filling.
