Treat yourself and your loved ones to a swirl of sweet delight with this Berry Bliss Shortcake Cheesecake Spiral. A soft, tender sponge cake envelops a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling bursting with fresh strawberries—every bite is a balance of texture and flavor that feels like summer on a plate.
Combining the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake with the indulgence of cheesecake rolled into one show‑stopping dessert, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or craving a dreamy treat, this roll is sure to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup granulated sugar, divided
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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⅓ cup cake flour
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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½ tsp baking powder
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1 cup heavy cream
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
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Extra strawberries for garnish
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Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 10×15‑inch jelly roll pan with parchment.
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Beat eggs and ¼ cup sugar on high until tripled in volume, pale and fluffy. Add vanilla.
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Sift together cake flour, cornstarch, and baking powder; gently fold into egg mixture.
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Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 10–12 minutes until light golden and springy.
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Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert cake onto towel, peel off parchment, and gently roll cake up from short end. Cool rolled.
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In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with remaining ¼ cup sugar, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
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Unroll cooled cake and spread cheesecake filling evenly. Sprinkle with chopped strawberries.
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Roll cake again tightly without towel. Refrigerate seam‑side down for at least 2 hours.
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Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 2 h 32 min | Kcal: ~350 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
The Origin of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a beautiful fusion of two iconic desserts: the light, fluffy strawberry shortcake and the rich, creamy cheesecake. While strawberry shortcake has roots in traditional American cuisine dating back to the 1800s, this rolled version represents a more modern, elegant twist. It combines nostalgic flavors with elevated technique, presenting a refined dessert perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or any occasion where you want to impress.
Cheesecake rolls have grown in popularity over the past decade, thanks to their stunning presentation and delightful textures. Unlike the traditional layered or baked cheesecake, this roll-style dessert offers something unique both visually and flavor-wise. It borrows the airy sponge cake structure from Swiss rolls and marries it with a whipped cheesecake filling that’s both luxurious and light.
Why This Dessert Stands Out
What makes this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll exceptional is its harmonious balance between richness and freshness. The cheesecake filling is creamy but not heavy, thanks to the addition of whipped cream folded into the cream cheese. The fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor in every bite, while the sponge cake keeps the entire dessert light and delicate.
This dessert is also visually stunning. Once sliced, the swirl of white cheesecake filling and red strawberry pieces against the golden sponge creates an elegant pattern. It makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table and photographs beautifully for social media or food blogs.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual summer picnic, simply dust the top with powdered sugar and serve with extra strawberries. For a more formal event like a baby shower or dinner party, add a few mint leaves or a drizzle of strawberry glaze for a more polished presentation.
This roll also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or celebrations. Wrapped carefully in parchment and tied with a ribbon, it can be given as a heartfelt gesture that looks as good as it tastes. Since it holds its shape well when chilled, it’s also easy to transport.
Tips for Success
The most important element of a successful cheesecake roll is the sponge cake. It should be soft, pliable, and free of cracks. Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is key—it “trains” the sponge to hold its rolled shape without breaking. Using parchment paper and a clean, powdered sugar–dusted towel ensures easy release and prevents sticking.
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, and don’t skip the lemon juice—it adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the filling. Be sure not to overbeat the whipped cream, as it can become grainy. Fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the smooth, fluffy texture.
When it comes to strawberries, use fresh, ripe ones for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can be watery and might affect the consistency of the filling. However, if you must use frozen berries, make sure they’re well-drained and chopped finely.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This cheesecake roll is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, as this allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up for cleaner slices. It should be stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, and consumed within 3–4 days for best taste and texture.
You can also freeze the roll for longer storage. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving or warming, as this can cause the filling to melt or separate.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is delicious, the base recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few creative variations you can explore:
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Berry Medley Roll: Swap out strawberries for a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a more colorful and tangy dessert.
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Chocolate Strawberry Roll: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the sponge cake batter for a chocolate twist.
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Lemon Cream Roll: Replace the strawberries with lemon zest and curd for a bright, citrus-forward alternative.
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Tropical Cheesecake Roll: Use diced mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a summery, island-inspired take.
These variations allow you to tailor the dessert to seasons, preferences, or special themes without altering the core technique.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with light beverages such as a glass of rosé, sparkling wine, or iced herbal tea. It’s also delightful with a cup of hot coffee or cappuccino. For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream.
You can also complement the roll with a strawberry coulis or whipped topping on the side for added decadence. If serving at a party, consider pre-slicing and arranging on a platter with garnishes like edible flowers, mint sprigs, or piped cream for a show-stopping dessert tray.
A Kid-Friendly Favorite
Kids adore this dessert for its fun appearance and familiar flavors. The strawberry shortcake vibe is a childhood favorite, and the soft, creamy texture is appealing to even picky eaters. Letting kids help sprinkle powdered sugar or arrange strawberries on top can turn baking into a fun family activity. Plus, because it’s not overly sweet or complicated, it’s a dessert that parents feel good about serving.
Nutritional Considerations
While this is an indulgent treat, it offers some redeeming qualities. The strawberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, and the whipped filling uses less sugar than traditional baked cheesecake. Using low-fat cream cheese or substituting with Greek yogurt can further lighten the dessert without compromising flavor.
You can also make it gluten-free by substituting the sponge cake flour with a certified gluten-free blend. Just be sure the mixture includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the roll’s structure.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of two worlds—light and fruity shortcake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. Its airy sponge, luscious filling, and vibrant strawberries make it a crowd-pleasing showstopper perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe offers both simplicity and sophistication. It’s versatile, photogenic, and above all, incredibly delicious. With a few thoughtful techniques and fresh ingredients, this roll might just become your new go-to dessert for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a slice of happiness.