Ah, Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls! Just the sound of it makes my heart sing. This delightful treat takes two beloved desserts and wraps them into one gooey, sweet package. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday brunch with friends, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The combination of the soft, fluffy rolls, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet, tart strawberry topping is nothing short of heavenly.
Each bite transports me back to those carefree afternoons filled with laughter and indulgence—who can resist a sweet roll that tastes just like cheesecake? It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special breakfast treat! Plus, baking these rolls with a friend can turn an ordinary day into a sweet memory.
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
Now, let’s dive into the fabulous ingredients that make these sweet rolls so irresistible!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our sweet rolls. I usually go for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor. You could try bread flour for a chewier texture, but I find all-purpose makes the rolls wonderfully soft.
Milk: I like to use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is what you’ll need to help our sweet rolls rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results—there’s nothing worse than flat rolls!
Sugar: We’ll sweeten both the dough and the cheesecake filling. You can use granulated sugar or even brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
Butter: A must for adding flavor and making the rolls tender. I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dough.
Eggs: These guys give the rolls structure and richness. They also help achieve that beautiful golden color when baking.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla in both the dough and filling is non-negotiable! It adds an aromatic sweetness that makes everything taste better.
Cream Cheese: The star of our filling! I use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, low-fat versions can work too, but they won’t be as indulgent.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Powdered Sugar: This is not just for sweetness—it’s also for the lovely glaze that we’ll drench our rolls in before serving.
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest: these rolls are a treat! They aren’t exactly health food, but they have their charms.
Strawberries: They provide a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants, which definitely makes eating these rolls a little more guilt-free.
Cream Cheese: While delicious, it’s important to enjoy this in moderation due to its fat content. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is part of a balanced diet, right?
The beauty of these rolls lies in their shared pleasure, not in their nutritional content. They’re perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up your day—even if you “just” enjoy them while binge-watching your favorite show.
Ingredients List
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup strawberries, diced
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for the glaze
This recipe serves about 12 rolls, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying over the week (if they last that long!).
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (not hot!). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. **Make the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. **Knead:** Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
4. **Prepare the Filling:** In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, diced strawberries, and a splash of vanilla extract until combined.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has risen, punch it down! Roll it out into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
6. **Spread the Filling:** Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. **Roll Up:** Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
8. **Second Rise:** Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. **Glaze:** While they’re baking, mix the powdered sugar with a bit of milk until you reach a drizzling consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm!
Sweet Suggestions for Serving
You’ve made it to the finish line! To take your rolls to the next level, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These rolls are also fantastic for brunch gatherings, paired with a mimosa or a rich cup of coffee.
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a twist on the classic cheesecake flavor.
I genuinely hope you find joy in making these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls as much as I do. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a treat that brings smiles and memories. So, gather your ingredients, crank up your favorite tunes, and take a moment to savor the process. After all, food is best enjoyed when shared, so don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out! Happy baking!
