Description
Imagine a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate – the tangy creaminess of cheesecake swirling with the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, all nestled within a soft, pillowy sweet roll. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls recipe combines the comforting warmth of homemade sweet rolls with the decadent indulgence of cheesecake and the vibrant sweetness of strawberries. It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply when you crave a little bit of happiness baked into every bite. This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic sweet roll, taking the taste experience to another level.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the creamy cheesecake filling, the sweet-tart strawberry filling, and the soft, glazed sweet roll is a taste sensation. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slightly tangy cream cheese filling cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries and the glaze, creating a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.
- Homemade Comfort: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls filling your kitchen. This recipe brings that comforting, home-baked goodness to your table. Making these rolls from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the sweetness and flavors to your preference.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Despite looking and tasting like a gourmet treat, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills. The steps are clearly outlined, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. The recipe uses simple techniques and readily available ingredients, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Swap out the strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture. The possibilities are endless. You can also adjust the sweetness level by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar in the fillings and glaze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sweet rolls are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress. The visually appealing swirls of cheesecake and strawberry filling add an elegant touch to your dessert spread.
- Makes any morning special: Whether it’s Christmas morning or just a Sunday brunch, this makes it extra special.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 105-115°F/40-46°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. This step is crucial for activating the yeast. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and active, which is essential for a good rise in the dough.
Next, add the softened butter, large egg, salt, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need to use all the flour, depending on the humidity and the moisture content of your flour. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes on medium speed. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness.
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your environment.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps in the filling. Beat the ingredients together with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set the cheesecake filling aside until you’re ready to assemble the sweet rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Next, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor of the strawberries but also helps to prevent the filling from becoming overly sweet. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth and luscious strawberry filling.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before using it in the sweet rolls. Cooling the filling prevents it from melting the cheesecake filling and making the rolls soggy.
Step 4: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to roll the dough evenly to ensure the sweet rolls bake uniformly.
Spread the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) around the edges. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Next, spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. This creates the beautiful swirls in the sweet rolls. Make sure to roll it tightly to prevent air pockets and ensure a uniform shape.
Step 5: Slice and Rise Again
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces. If using a knife, make sure it’s sharp to avoid squishing the rolls. Dental floss can also be used to make clean cuts without deforming the rolls.
Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls evenly, leaving a little space between them for expansion during the second rise. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they appear puffy and have almost doubled in size. The second rise is crucial for creating light and airy sweet rolls.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have completed their second rise, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the rolls and check them for doneness. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are cooling slightly in the baking dish, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and has the desired consistency. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm sweet rolls. The glaze will melt slightly and create a delicious, glossy coating. Serve the Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls immediately for the ultimate gooey, warm, and comforting treat. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the flavors are at their peak.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Taste: Excellent
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Offer as a dessert option at a potluck or gathering.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream alongside for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Ensure the yeast is active by letting it proof in warm milk for a few minutes.
- Do not overheat the milk as it can kill the yeast.
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for smoother fillings.
- Let the strawberry filling cool completely before assembling the rolls to prevent the cheesecake filling from melting.
- Roll the dough tightly to create neat swirls in the rolls.
- Let the rolls rise fully before baking for a light and airy texture.
- Monitor the rolls during baking to prevent over-browning.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or filling.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes rising time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per roll)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 6-8g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion
These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet strawberry swirl creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, you can bring the joy of homemade sweet rolls to your kitchen and create a dessert that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible sweet rolls. Your family and friends will thank you! Happy baking!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries! However, it’s important to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the strawberry filling. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery and ensure the rolls don’t get soggy. Thawing and draining the strawberries will help maintain the right consistency for the filling, resulting in delicious sweet rolls every time.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the rolls later?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then proceed with the recipe as instructed. This is a great way to break up the baking process and save time.
Q3: What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?
A: If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast, also known as rapid rise yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be proofed in warm water before adding it to the other ingredients. Simply add the instant yeast directly to the flour mixture. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. Keep in mind that the rising time may be slightly shorter with instant yeast.
Q4: Can I add nuts to this recipe? If so, when and how?
A: Yes, you can definitely add nuts to this recipe! To add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the cheesecake and strawberry fillings before rolling up the dough. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the sweet rolls. Alternatively, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the glaze for a decorative touch and extra texture. Ensure the nuts are finely chopped so they adhere well to the fillings or glaze.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish? Can I use something else?
A: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use another similarly sized baking dish, such as an 8×12 inch or a 9-inch square dish. You can also use a large cast-iron skillet. Just make sure the rolls are not overcrowded in the dish to allow them to bake evenly. If necessary, you can bake the rolls in two smaller dishes instead of one large one. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the size and material of the dish.
