🕰 Introduction: A Sweet History of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
📜 The Origins of Cinnamon Rolls & Cheesecake Collide
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls may sound like a modern marvel, but they’re rooted in centuries of sweet tradition. Cinnamon rolls—originally called kanelbullar—were first baked in Sweden during the 1920s, quickly becoming a national favorite. Sweden even honors these sticky, spiced spirals each October 4th with Kanelbullens Dag, or Cinnamon Roll Day. These pastries made their way across Europe and eventually captured hearts in the American Midwest, where bakeries embraced the buttery dough and gooey cinnamon-sugar centers.
On a parallel path, cheesecake began its journey in ancient Greece, often served during Olympic games to energize athletes. When cream cheese became mass-produced in the U.S. during the early 1900s, cheesecake became a dessert staple in American homes and diners.
So when did these two classics meet? Around the early 2010s, food bloggers began experimenting with bold fusions—enter: the strawberry cheesecake cinnamon roll. By combining a fluffy cinnamon roll base with a rich cheesecake filling and fruity strawberry topping, a new brunch superstar was born.
🌍 Who’s Loving This Flavor Fusion?
This hybrid dessert has exploded in popularity worldwide. Today, here are the top 10 countries that adore Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls the most:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇵🇭 Philippines
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
This global fan base is no surprise—just like these Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies, these rolls deliver nostalgia with a fresh fruity twist.
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11 Crazy-Good Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls to Make Now
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (includes rising)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these crazy-good Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls at home! Ooey-gooey, rich, and fruity—perfect for dessert, brunch, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Warm the milk and butter together until melted, let cool to lukewarm
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt
- Mix in milk mixture and egg, knead into smooth dough
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour)
- Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar
- Spread evenly on rolled-out dough
- Top with strawberry preserves
- Roll dough into a log
- Slice into 12 even rolls
- Place in greased baking dish
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar for the frosting
- Spread over warm rolls, top with fresh strawberries
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
🧾 What You’ll Need
🍴 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Flawless Rolls
Creating Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls from scratch doesn’t require a professional kitchen—just a few essential tools will do the trick. These staples are likely already in your kitchen:
- Mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large): For combining dry and wet ingredients
- Rolling pin: To roll out the dough evenly
- Plastic wrap or a clean towel: For covering the dough during the rise
- 9×13-inch baking dish: To snugly hold your rolls as they bake
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional): Saves time and effort on kneading
If you’re just getting started with baking, investing in these basic tools can level up your home-cooked recipes—whether you’re rolling dough or whipping up something cozy like Egg Gravy Over Biscuits.
🧂 Pantry Essentials to Stock Before Baking
Aside from tools, you’ll want to double-check your pantry and fridge for some key ingredients that give these rolls their soft texture, rich flavor, and fluffy rise:
- All-purpose flour: The structure-builder of the dough
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and yeast activation
- Active dry yeast: To give the rolls that beautiful lift
- Salt: A small amount enhances all the flavors
Keeping these pantry basics on hand means you’re only a few steps away from homemade magic. While the ingredients may be humble, the flavor payoff is anything but.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, the right setup makes all the difference.
🧺 Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
🍞 The Dough: Soft, Fluffy, and Ready to Rise
The foundation of any good cinnamon roll lies in the dough. This dough is buttery, tender, and slightly sweet—perfect for holding that luscious strawberry cheesecake swirl. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Start by warming the milk and butter together until melted but not hot—lukewarm is ideal for yeast activation. Mixing these with the dry ingredients and an egg gives you a dough that’s supple and easy to roll.
If you’re experimenting with dough-based recipes, you might also love the flavor layering in this satisfying Nacho Cauliflower Casserole, where comfort food meets smart twists.
🍓 Filling & Topping: Where Cheesecake Meets Strawberry Bliss
The show-stopping center and topping are where the strawberry cheesecake vibes really shine. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare both the filling and the final glaze:
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Using real strawberries and a touch of vanilla makes this dessert bright and flavorful without being overly sweet. And that cream cheese glaze? It turns these rolls from breakfast-worthy to brunch-legendary.
🥣 Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
👩🍳 Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining warm milk and butter in a small bowl. Make sure the mixture is lukewarm, not hot, or the yeast won’t activate properly. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Pour in the milk mixture and crack in the egg. Use a wooden spoon or dough hook to mix everything into a soft, sticky dough.
If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
This dough technique is also useful in savory applications—like the hearty dough base in this Shakshouka Recipe that brings bold flavor and a soft texture.
🍓 Step 2: Fill, Roll & Bake
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, followed by spoonfuls of strawberry jam. Use a spatula to gently swirl them together without overmixing.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the swirled side facing up.
Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.
While baking, prepare the glaze by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Once the rolls are slightly cooled, drizzle generously and top with diced strawberries.
🧮 Nutrition Score: What’s Inside Each Sweet Roll?
🍓 Calorie Count & Macros (Per Roll)
When it comes to indulgent treats like Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls, it’s helpful to know what you’re biting into—especially if you’re balancing flavor with mindful eating.
Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per roll (based on a 12-roll yield):
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 14 oz
- Saturated Fat: 8 oz
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46 oz
- Sugars: 24 oz
- Protein: 5 oz
The rich cream cheese filling and topping contribute to the fat and sugar content, but they also bring that ultra-satisfying cheesecake flavor. Using whole milk and butter keeps the texture tender, while eggs and flour provide a good structure with just enough protein to balance the sweetness.
It’s a dessert, yes—but also a mood-booster, brunch hit, and comfort food all wrapped in one gooey swirl.
If you’re craving something with more protein or lean ingredients, you might enjoy the Dangerously Delicious Shrimp Lettuce Wraps—a lighter option that still brings bold flavors to the table.
🧠 Tips for Lightening It Up
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie load without sacrificing flavor, consider the following substitutions:
- Use light cream cheese instead of full-fat
- Swap strawberry preserves for fresh mashed berries mixed with honey
- Replace half the flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber
- Cut the frosting portion in half or skip the extra drizzle
Remember, these rolls are meant to be a treat—and every bite is worth it when shared with good company (or enjoyed solo with your favorite coffee mug).
🍽 Serving & Storage: Savor Every Bite, Then Save for Later
👌 How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Once your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are fresh out of the oven, there’s only one thing left to do—serve them warm and let the magic happen. The cream cheese glaze melts just slightly over the rolls, blending into the soft swirls of strawberry and cinnamon.
Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:
- Pair with iced coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even chai latte for cozy contrast
- Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries or a sprig of mint for a brunch-worthy finish
- Dust with a light coating of powdered sugar for extra sweetness
Whether it’s Sunday brunch, a family gathering, or a sweet start to your weekday, these rolls fit any moment. And if you love serving up colorful spreads, try the Chorizo-Spiced Chopped Salad on the side—it’s bold, refreshing, and balances the sweetness perfectly.
🧊 Storage Tips to Keep Rolls Fresh
Room Temperature:
If you’re planning to eat them within a day or two, store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to avoid direct sunlight or warmth from the stove.
Refrigerator:
For longer freshness, especially with the cream cheese topping, refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.
Reheating Tip:
Pop individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving. This softens the roll and revives the frosting without drying things out.
Freezer Option:
Want to prep ahead? Freeze unfrosted rolls after baking. Thaw overnight, then reheat and add fresh glaze just before serving.
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these—and with a little planning, you can stretch out the indulgence over several days.
🔄 Variations: Flavor Twists & Dietary Options
🧁 Flavor Twists to Customize Your Rolls
One of the best parts about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls at home is how easily you can customize them. Whether you’re catering to cravings, celebrating the seasons, or just experimenting, here are some irresistible variations:
- Blueberry Bliss: Swap the strawberry jam for blueberry preserves and top with fresh blueberries
- Raspberry Ripple: Use seedless raspberry jam and white chocolate chips for tart-sweet balance
- Tropical Sunrise: Try pineapple or mango preserves with toasted coconut for a sunny twist
- Graham Cracker Crunch: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the frosting for a cheesecake “crust” finish
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling and top with a chocolate drizzle
Want to get creative with colorful, earthy flavors? Try the gorgeous contrast of citrus and beets featured in this Zesty Roasted Beet and Orange Salad—a fun inspiration for vibrant, seasonal bakes.
🌱 Dietary & Seasonal Substitutions
If you’re serving guests with dietary preferences or allergies, here are some thoughtful ways to make these rolls more inclusive:
Vegan Option:
- Use plant-based butter
- Choose dairy-free cream cheese (like almond or cashew-based)
- Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
Gluten-Free Friendly:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- Add a bit more rising time for best results
Seasonal Twists:
- Cranberry Sauce: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Orange Zest: Adds brightness to the cream cheese frosting
- Apple Pie Filling: For an autumn twist with cinnamon spice
With these variations, you can bake this recipe again and again—each time with a fresh new flavor profile.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cinnamon rolls sit out?
Cinnamon rolls can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, as long as they’re stored in an airtight container. However, because these rolls contain cream cheese filling and frosting, refrigeration is best for longer storage. Leaving them out too long could compromise freshness and food safety.
For make-ahead convenience, you can even bake the rolls, cool them completely, and refrigerate or freeze them without frosting—then glaze just before serving for that “freshly baked” feel.
Do you have to refrigerate cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing?
Yes—absolutely. Cream cheese-based toppings are perishable and must be stored in the fridge. Keep your rolls in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent the icing from drying out. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for soft, gooey goodness.
If you’re into dairy-based dishes, another one to try is the creamy, savory comfort of Egg Gravy Over Biscuits—perfect for breakfast and just as indulgent.
How long does strawberry cheesecake last in the fridge?
Much like traditional cheesecake, these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls will last up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating and always use an airtight container to preserve their flavor and texture.
What is a fun fact about cinnamon rolls?
In Sweden, cinnamon rolls are so beloved that they have their own holiday: Kanelbullens Dag, celebrated every year on October 4th. It’s a day dedicated to baking, sharing, and enjoying this comforting pastry.
So the next time you whip up a batch of these Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls, consider yourself part of a global tradition with sweet, swirly roots.
Conclusion: Sweeten Life One Roll at a Time
🎉 A Dessert That Delivers Every Time
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch, treat yourself to a cozy weekend bake, or simply try something new, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls offer the best of all dessert worlds. They’re tender, gooey, creamy, and just the right amount of fruity. From the swirls of cinnamon to the creamy cheesecake center and juicy strawberry topping, every bite is loaded with indulgent flavor.
And the beauty? You can reinvent them again and again. Add your twist, try a seasonal spin, or go totally off-script—because baking is as much about joy as it is about precision.
If you’re the kind of home cook who loves trying unique and flavorful recipes, you might also fall in love with these cute and flaky Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies—they deliver that same fruity satisfaction in a crispy, handheld package.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Drop a comment with your creative twist—whether it’s a raspberry swirl version, a dairy-free adaptation, or something entirely new. Your version might inspire the next reader!
There’s a reason this dessert is rising to cult status. It’s not just a roll—it’s a whole experience. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and make some magic.