1. Discover how to transform the classic strawberry shortcake into a decadent cheesecake roll using a versatile jelly-roll pan. This recipe blends layers of moist shortcake, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant macerated strawberries for a multi-textured dessert that impresses every time.

• Moist shortcake foundation

• Silky cheesecake layer

• Bursts of fresh strawberries

• Elegant glaze drizzle makes it shine

By exploring the Strawberry Shortcake origin and the science of Cream Cheese, you’ll unlock flavors that elevate your baking. Check out our detailed Origins & Inspiration or dive into the essentials of the jelly roll technique on Pinterest for creative ideas: Shortcake Inspirations and Delightful Cheesecakes.

Learn how maceration enhances strawberry sweetness via Maceration and master the perfect glaze finish. For baking tips, visit Jelly Roll Recipes or browse strawberry dessert ideas on Pinterest. Explore Equipment & Prep next to get started. Harness traditional Cheesecake methods for a flawless texture. Every slice truly delights.

2. Origins & Inspiration

Long before our strawberry shortcake cheesecake roll graced tables, desserts celebrating seasonal berries and cream were beloved in royal courts and colonial homes. Early recipes combined biscuits with sugar-kissed fruits to honor summer’s bounty. Over centuries, American bakers refined these creations into iconic strawberry shortcake featuring tender cake layers and lush berry toppings.

The evolution into a cheesecake-inspired dessert reflects bakers’ desire to marry creamy indulgence with fruit-forward brightness. By folding sweetened cream cheese and diced berries into a biscuit crust, innovators created a hybrid that satisfies both comfort cravings and elegant pastry standards. For deeper context, revisit our Introduction and explore classic methods on Cheesecake for achieving silky textures that hold up within delicate rolls.

Using a jelly-roll pan transforms assembly by encouraging even baking and flawless rolling. This flat, rimmed pan ensures the sponge sets uniformly, preventing cracks when you roll slices into spirals. To master these steps, see Equipment & Prep where we discuss ideal pan choices and prep techniques. For inspiration, browse creative techniques on Jelly Roll Pan Recipes and understand the science behind gentle maceration at Maceration. Its nonstick option enhances release, while aluminum pans provide superior heat distribution for evenly baked, crack-resistant cheesecake spirals time.

3. Key Ingredients Breakdown

The Key Ingredients Breakdown section delves into each component that makes this dessert unforgettable. Understanding the role of every shortcake, velvety cheesecake, and ruby-red strawberries empowers bakers to achieve harmonious balance. Use top-quality ingredients and precise techniques to ensure each roll bakes to perfection. This breakdown guides you through selecting, preparing, and combining each component for flawless results.

As outlined in our Equipment & Prep, inspired by Strawberry Shortcake, selecting premium ingredients ensures consistent texture and flavor. Always choose ripe strawberries, high-quality butter, and fresh dairy to prevent separations. Proper ingredient handling enhances results.

• Shortcake Layer
  Crafted from a tender biscuit-like dough, this foundation must be moist yet sturdy. High-protein flour and chilled butter yield optimal flakiness. For tips on dough handling and pan choice, refer to our Equipment & Prep and explore industry techniques at the Jelly Roll Cake Technique.

• Cream Cheese Filling
  Use full-fat cream cheese for smooth consistency. Beat until completely lump-free, then sweeten with granulated sugar and enhance flavor with vanilla extract. Discover cream cheese science on Wikipedia’s Cream Cheese page and browse creative variations via Delightful Cheesecakes.

• Fresh Strawberries
  Proper maceration brings out berry juices and intensifies sweetness. Toss diced strawberries with sugar and let rest until glossy. Learn more about fruit treatment at Maceration and find inspiration on Strawberry Dessert Variations.

• Glaze Components
  A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla creates a silky glaze. Adjust thickness for ideal drizzling. Discover innovative glazes on Pinterest’s Creative Dessert Glazes.

Equipment & Prep

Achieving perfect strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls begins with gathering essential tools. You’ll need:

• One jelly-roll pan (rimmed, nonstick)

• A stand mixer or hand mixer with paddle attachment

• Rolling pin and lightly floured surface

• Mixing bowls and rubber spatula

• Parchment paper and wire cooling rack

• Digital kitchen thermometer ensures accurate oven heat

Before baking, ensure your oven calibration matches the recipe’s 350°F. Preheat fully while you prepare your dough. Also always grease and thoroughly line the pan with parchment for easy release. Familiarize yourself with dough handling to prevent tearing or uneven thickness.

For detailed assembly guidelines, visit Step-by-Step Assembly and review proper pan selection on the Jelly Roll Cake Technique. Browse additional setup ideas at Jelly Roll Recipes to visualize layout options.

Proper prep extends beyond equipment. Review ingredient preparation in the Key Ingredients Breakdown and explore fruit treatment science via Maceration for optimal berry flavor release.

5. Step-by-Step Assembly

Follow these detailed steps to layer your strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls flawlessly. Precise technique ensures even texture and beautiful spirals.

Dough Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a jelly-roll pan with butter or nonstick spray.

2. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough, pressing seams together to form one uniform rectangle.

3. Gently pat and roll with a rolling pin until the dough measures the pan’s dimensions.

Filling Creation

In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz of cream cheese with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar and ½ tsp vanilla extract until completely smooth. Fold in 1 cup diced strawberries, ensuring an even distribution. For tips on achieving lump-free texture, revisit Key Ingredients Breakdown and explore cream cheese science on Wikipedia’s Cream Cheese. Discover creative flavor twists at Pinterest’s Delightful Cheesecakes.

Spreading & Rolling

• Spread the cheesecake-strawberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side.

• Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal completely.

Refer to our Equipment & Prep for ideal pan choice and layout ideas, or get inspired by Jelly Roll Recipes.

Slicing & Arranging

1. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into eight equal pieces (about 1¼ inches thick).

2. Arrange each roll cut-side up in the prepared pan, leaving a small gap for expansion.

Baking to Perfection

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly.

• Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture. Use a digital kitchen thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160 °F.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let rolls cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze as detailed in Glazing & Finishing Touches. For additional design ideas, see Pinterest’s Creative Dessert Glazes and enhance your presentation with tips from Strawberry Dessert Variations.

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6. Glazing & Finishing Touches

The final glaze elevates your shortcake cheesecake rolls with a silky sheen and extra sweetness.

• Prepare the glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 Tbsp milk and ¼ tsp vanilla until smooth and pourable.

• Drizzle artistically: Use a spoon or piping bag to create thin, overlapping lines across each warm roll for a café-style finish.

• Add garnish: Top with extra diced strawberries or fresh mint leaves to contrast the white glaze.

For advanced presentation tips, refer back to Step-by-Step Assembly and explore plating ideas on Pinterest’s Creative Dessert Glazes. Proper glazing not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a delicate sweetness that ties together the shortcake and cheesecake layers.

7. Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve your jelly-roll pan creation to highlight its multi-textured layers:

• Individual plates: Place one roll on a dessert plate, drizzle any extra glaze around the edge, and sprinkle powdered sugar.

• Family-style: Arrange all rolls on a large platter; garnish with whole strawberries and mint sprigs for a show-stopping centerpiece.

• Pairing ideas:

  • Beverages: Sparkling rosé, Earl Grey tea, or a lightly sweetened iced coffee

  • Accompaniments: Vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, or a berry coulis

These suggestions build on flavor contrasts introduced in Glazing & Finishing Touches and echo the balance discussed in Key Ingredients Breakdown.

8. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Maximize convenience without sacrificing texture:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore creamy consistency.

• Freezing: Individually wrap rolls in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze just before serving.

• Make-ahead assembly: Complete through slicing, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake as directed, then proceed with glazing.

For thorough guidance, revisit Step-by-Step Assembly and Glazing & Finishing Touches.

9. Variations & Customizations

Transform your strawberry shortcake cheesecake into new flavor adventures:

• Berry swaps: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries; adjust maceration sugar to taste.

• Crust alternatives: Use a graham cracker crust or almond-flour base for extra crunch and nuttiness.

• Dietary adaptations:

  • Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free crescent dough or substitute with a nut-based crust.

  • Reduced sugar: Swap granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like erythritol in both filling and glaze.

These customizations build on techniques from Key Ingredients Breakdown and ensure your dessert fits any occasion or dietary need.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before dicing and macerating to prevent a soggy shortcake layer.

Why is my cheesecake filling too runny?
Overbeating adds air and can cause collapse. Beat just until smooth, then freeze briefly—5–10 minutes—before spreading.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking?
Line your pan with parchment and lightly grease it. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to relax before rolling.

Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
Absolutely. After rolling and slicing, cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours; then bake per instructions for fresh-baked appeal.

What’s the best way to slice for neat portions?
Use a sharp, non-serrated knife. Chill the log for 15 minutes before slicing to maintain shape and ensure clean cuts.

How to Bake Creamy Shortcake Cheesecake in a Jelly Roll Pan

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• Author: Elina

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Description

These Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls combine a tender shortcake base, luscious cream cheese filling, and juicy macerated strawberries, all baked in a jelly-roll pan and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures—flaky, creamy, and fruity—perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or an elegant dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the rolls:

• 1 (8-oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 Tbsp milk or half-and-half
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
• Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface, pressing seams together to form one rectangle.
• In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
• Spread the cheesecake-strawberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
• Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up jelly-roll style, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the log into 8 equal rolls and arrange them cut-side up in the prepared pan.
• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Yield: 8 rolls

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus any chilling)

• Bake time: 15–18 minutes

• Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 1 month

• Tip: For even sweeter berries, macerate overnight.

• Serve: Warm or at room temperature; glaze just before serving for best texture.