Picture this: a warm summer afternoon, a plate of creamy, sweet strawberry cheesecake roll ups in front of you, and the irresistible combination of soft crepes, fresh strawberries, and velvety cheesecake filling melting in your mouth. If that sounds like heaven, then you’re in for a real treat. Whether you’re planning a dessert for a party, a casual brunch with friends, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself, these roll ups are guaranteed to impress.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these delectable sweet strawberry cheesecake roll ups step by step, along with tips, variations, and answers to your most common questions.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Roll Ups
- Simple yet elegant: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopping dessert.
- Bursting with flavor: The fresh strawberries and cheesecake filling create the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- No-bake dessert option: With minimal cooking required, this is a great recipe for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients, adjust sweetness, or add toppings to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need for this recipe, separated into three easy categories:
Ingredient | Amount |
For the Filling | |
Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
For the Strawberry Layer | |
Fresh strawberries (diced) | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
For Assembly | |
Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers | 1 1/2 cups |
Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
Crepes or thin cake layers | 6 large |
Powdered sugar | For dusting |
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
1. Prep the Ingredients
Before you begin assembling, gather all your ingredients and prep them:
- Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Wash, hull, and dice the fresh strawberries.
- Crush the shortbread cookies or graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream to maintain a light, airy texture.
3. Prepare the Strawberries
- Combine the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to macerate. This step releases the natural juices from the strawberries, making them sweet and syrupy.
4. Make the Crumb Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers with melted butter.
- Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. This crumb mixture adds a crunchy contrast to the soft crepes and filling.
5. Assemble the Roll Ups
- Layer the Crepe: Start by laying one crepe flat on a clean surface.
- Add Filling: Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling evenly over the crepe.
- Add Strawberries: Spoon some of the macerated strawberries on top of the filling.
- Add Crumbs: Sprinkle the crushed cookie mixture over the strawberries for extra texture.
- Roll it Up: Roll the crepe tightly into a log, sushi-style. Repeat with the remaining crepes.
6. Chill the Roll Ups
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the rolls easier to slice.
7. Serve the Roll Ups
- Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Roll Ups
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: For the best flavor, choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant.
- Chill thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It ensures the roll ups hold their shape when sliced.
- Experiment with crumbs: Shortbread cookies add richness, but graham crackers or even vanilla wafers work beautifully too.
- Make ahead: These roll ups can be made the day before your event, making them a stress-free dessert option.
Nutritional Benefits of This Dessert
Nutrient | Benefits |
Vitamin C (strawberries) | Boosts your immune system and promotes glowing skin. |
Calcium (cream cheese, whipped cream) | Strengthens bones and supports muscle function. |
Energy (shortbread crumbs) | Provides quick energy from carbohydrates. |
While this dessert is indulgent, it also contains fresh fruit and can be a delightful way to treat yourself in moderation.
Creative Variations
1. Chocolate Lover’s Roll Ups
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the roll ups before serving for an extra touch of decadence.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for added sweetness.
2. Berry Explosion
- Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful twist.
- Swap the shortbread crumbs for crushed granola for a healthier option.
3. Tropical Bliss
- Replace the strawberries with diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- Use coconut-flavored crepes or sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
4. Keto-Friendly Option
- Use sugar-free sweeteners in the filling and macerated strawberries.
- Replace shortbread cookies with crushed keto cookies or almond flour crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
