Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Rolls

These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls transform classic strawberry shortcake into a delightful, handheld treat that combines the tangy richness of cheesecake with fresh strawberries and crunchy shortcake crumbs. The unexpected use of flour tortillas creates the perfect vessel for this creamy, fruity filling—making an impressive dessert that requires minimal effort.

I created these rolls for my daughter's birthday when I needed something special but was short on time. The combination was such a hit that they've become our signature dessert for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: forms the tangy base of our filling. Always use full-fat for the creamiest results and make sure it's properly softened
• Fresh strawberries: provide bursts of juicy sweetness. Look for bright red berries with no white shoulders for the best flavor
• Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies: create the shortcake element. Choose buttery varieties for authentic shortcake flavor
• Strawberry gelatin powder: adds color and intensifies the berry flavor throughout the crumb coating
• Flour tortillas: might seem unusual but they work perfectly as neutral, flexible wrappers that let the fillings shine
• Heavy whipping cream: lightens the filling. Make sure it's very cold for the best volume when whipped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cheesecake filling:

Beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla until completely smooth with no lumps whatsoever. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The texture should be light and fluffy, resembling thick frosting. Fold in the whipped cream using a gentle lifting motion to maintain as much air as possible.

Create the shortcake crumbs:

Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and strawberry gelatin thoroughly until every crumb is coated with pink powder. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake until just golden and fragrant. The scent will tell you when they're ready. Cool completely to ensure maximum crunch.

Roll assembly:

Lay a tortilla flat and spread about 3 tablespoons of filling in an even layer, leaving a half-inch border at the edges. Distribute about 2 tablespoons of diced strawberries evenly over the filling. Roll tightly from one edge, applying gentle pressure to avoid squeezing out the filling. The roll should be firm but not compressed.

Chill and finish:

Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight to allow the filling to set and slightly soften the tortilla. After chilling, unwrap and lightly brush the exterior with melted butter before rolling in the strawberry shortcake crumbs.

Slice and serve:

Use a serrated knife to cut each roll into approximately 1-inch slices with a gentle sawing motion to maintain the round shape. Arrange on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar just before presenting.

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The moment I serve these rolls at gatherings, everyone asks for the recipe. The secret is in the strawberry gelatin powder—it adds that nostalgic strawberry shortcake flavor that immediately transports people back to summer childhood memories.

Make-Ahead Magic

These rolls actually benefit from being made ahead of time. The filling firms up beautifully in the refrigerator, making slicing cleaner and easier. The tortillas also soften slightly as they chill, creating a texture that's reminiscent of cake rather than bread. You can prepare these up to 24 hours before serving, but add the crumb coating and powdered sugar just before presenting for maximum visual impact and texture.

Clever Substitutions

If strawberries aren't in season, you can use frozen berries that have been thawed and well-drained. For a variation, try blueberries with lemon zest added to the filling, or raspberries paired with a bit of almond extract. The tortillas can be swapped for thin crepes if you're feeling ambitious, or even slices of pound cake flattened slightly with a rolling pin. For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps—they're slightly less pliable but will work with careful handling.

Serving With Style

Present these rolls on a white platter scattered with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a beautiful contrast. For an elegant dessert table, slice some rolls and leave others whole to show both the spiral pattern and the exterior coating. These rolls pair wonderfully with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a romantic dinner, serve with glasses of champagne or strawberry prosecco.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these cheesecake rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the rolls a day in advance. Just assemble and chill before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I use instead of vanilla wafers for the crumb topping?

You can substitute crushed shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or even digestive biscuits for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas and substitute gluten-free cookies for the crumb topping for a great alternative.

→ Is there a way to avoid using gelatin in the recipe?

If you prefer to avoid gelatin, you can skip it in the crumb topping or use freeze-dried strawberry powder for a natural flavor boost.