Flaky Puff Pastry Swirled with Creamy Cheesecake & Fresh Strawberries – A Dreamy Dessert!
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine the buttery crispness of puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry jam, and fresh berries, all topped with a golden cookie crumble for that classic shortcake vibe. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a fancy snack, these rolls are easy to make yet look bakery-worthy!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Rolls:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold) – The key to flaky layers!
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (pat dry to avoid sogginess)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – For the creamy filling
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (or preserves) – For extra berry sweetness
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for golden egg wash)
- ¼ cup crushed golden sandwich cookies (optional, for shortcake crunch)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use for maximum flakiness.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
📌 Pro Tip:
- If the mixture is too thick, add 1 tsp milk to loosen.
3️⃣ Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out puff pastry slightly on a floured surface (to ~10×12 inches).
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Layer strawberry jam, then sprinkle chopped strawberries.
- Roll tightly (like a cinnamon roll), starting from the long edge.
- Slice into 6–8 pieces (use dental floss for clean cuts).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill the log for 15 mins before slicing for neater swirls.
4️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place rolls on baking sheet, brush with egg wash.
- Bake 18–22 mins until puffed and golden.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle crushed cookies (if using).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Rotate pan halfway for even browning.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool 5–10 mins before serving (filling will be hot!).
- Optional drizzle: Powdered sugar glaze or melted white chocolate.
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
✅ Yes! Thaw, drain well, and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these ahead?
✅ Yes! Assemble (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh.
3. Why did my pastry leak filling?
- Overfilled (stick to recommended amounts).
- Seam not secure (place rolls seam-side down).
4. Can I use phyllo dough instead?
⚠️ Not recommended—puff pastry gives the best texture.
5. How do I store leftovers?
- Room temp: Up to 1 day (cover loosely).
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat in air fryer for crispiness).
- Freeze: Up to 1 month (thaw & reheat before serving).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Blueberry Lemon: Swap strawberries for blueberries + lemon zest.
- Chocolate Raspberry: Use raspberry jam + mini chocolate chips.
- Apple Cinnamon: Replace berries with sautéed apples + cinnamon sugar.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use store-bought jam (no cooking required).
✔ Skip cookie topping and dust with powdered sugar instead.
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Summer tea party
- Valentine’s Day dessert
💬 Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are flaky, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor—like a cross between a danish and strawberry shortcake! The puff pastry bakes up perfectly crisp, while the cheesecake filling stays luxuriously smooth.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! 🍓✨
Tried them? Share your pics below! 📸👇
