Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Introducing the irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, a delightful fusion of classic cheesecake flavors and comforting sweet roll texture, perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a straightforward way to bring this beloved dessert into your home, making it a go-to treat for mornings, brunches, or satisfying your sweet cravings.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (100-110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened and divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (optional, for extra strawberry flavor)

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced or chopped, for garnish

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Get ready to create a masterpiece of fluffy dough, luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry swirl, all topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. This recipe is surprisingly simple, yielding a dessert that’s both satisfyingly rich and wonderfully bright with berry flavor. With about 30 minutes of active prep time and some rise time, you’ll soon be enjoying warm, gooey Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

2. Create the Dough Base: To the activated yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, and 4 tablespoons of the softened butter. Beat with a whisk or a dough hook attachment until just combined.

3. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and the salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed with the dough hook (or by hand with a sturdy spoon) until a shaggy dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic, pulling away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Knead the Dough: Continue kneading the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is soft, smooth, and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes.

5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or butter. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl: While the dough is rising, make the strawberry swirl. In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If using, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries.

8. Assemble the Sweet Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches, with the long side facing you.

9. Spread the Filling and Swirl: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. Drizzle the cooled strawberry swirl mixture over the cream cheese filling in an attractive pattern.

10. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll up the dough, enclosing the filling. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or unscented dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices, about 1.5 inches thick.

11. Second Rise: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced sweet rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut-side up, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have nearly doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 15 minutes of this rise.

12. Bake: Bake the Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and baked through. The centers should be set, not gooey.

13. Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking (or cooling), prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk or heavy cream, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

14. Frost and Serve: Once the sweet rolls have cooled slightly (just enough to handle), generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

You’ll absolutely adore these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls for their perfect union of comforting, pillowy dough and the rich, tangy sweetness of cheesecake, all infused with the bright, delightful taste of fresh strawberries. Imagine the soft, chewy texture with pockets of creamy filling and bursts of berry flavor – it’s pure bliss in every bite, and a delightful alternative to a traditional cheesecake or a plain cinnamon roll. Making these at home is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dessert experience without the hefty restaurant price tag, proving that delicious homemade treats are often the most rewarding.

Moreover, the vibrant strawberry swirl is more than just color; it’s a burst of fresh, fruity goodness that elevates the entire dessert, making it a showstopper for any gathering or a special treat to brighten your day. The luscious cream cheese frosting ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply unforgettable, so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy-to-make marvel? Dive into the process and discover the joy of baking these spectacular Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls – you won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to store them for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Once completely cooled, you can wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, gently warm the rolls in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the frosting has softened slightly. If reheating from frozen, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before warming or reheat them directly from frozen, which may take a few minutes longer.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are an absolute triumph, blending beloved flavors into a comforting and unforgettable treat. We encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and experience the pure joy of baking and savoring these delightful rolls in your own kitchen. Embrace the sweet adventure!