Ah, Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls! Just the mention of them makes my taste buds twirl in delight. I stumbled upon this recipe a few summers ago when a friend invited me over for brunch. When she pulled out a tray of these beautiful rolls topped with gooey strawberry glaze and dusted with powdered sugar, I knew I had to have the recipe! It was like dessert and breakfast had a delicious baby.
The sweet, fluffy dough enveloping a creamy cheesecake filling, paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of strawberries, creates a harmony that is hard to resist. Whether you’re gearing up for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a lazy Saturday morning, these sweet rolls will surely light up the room (and your heart). Trust me; you’ll be re-creating this recipe again and again!
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our sweet rolls! I usually sift mine to make sure my rolls turn out super light and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for sweetness in both the dough and the cheesecake filling. I prefer using organic sugar whenever possible; I think it just tastes better!
Active Dry Yeast: The magic ingredient that helps our sweet rolls rise. Remember, fresh yeast is key to successful rolls, so check the expiry date.
Butter: I like to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and provide richness to the dough. Melting it adds a delicious flavor to the rolls.
Milk: Whole milk is my go-to as it makes the rolls tender and adds a creamy texture.
Eggs: These help create a rich dough that’s also packed with nutrition. They also aid in binding all our ingredients together.
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling! Cream cheese brings that luscious cheesecake flavor and texture that pairs so wonderfully with strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: You can’t have strawberry cheesecake rolls without strawberries! Fresh or frozen works; just make sure they’re ripe and juicy for flavor.
Powdered Sugar: For that final sweet touch on top, making it pretty and delightful.
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Good for You?
Let’s be real; these rolls are a treat, so moderation is key. However, they do incorporate some lovely ingredients.
Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries play a significant role in keeping your immune system healthy while also adding that refreshing flavor.
Cream Cheese: While it contains fat, it also delivers some protein and calcium. Opting for low-fat cream cheese can be a healthier twist.
The rolls do contain sugar and carbs, so they’re best enjoyed occasionally rather than on a daily basis, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Ingredients you’ll need for Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls (Serves 12)
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup whole milk, warmed
– 2 large eggs
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus more for topping)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls?
1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and well!
2. In another bowl, mix melted butter and eggs. Once mixed, stir this mixture into the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Fold in diced strawberries.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle shape.
7. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the dough and roll it tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover again, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before drizzling with a glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk. Top with extra strawberries, and dig in!
Sweet Tips and Twists!
– If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the rolls, place them in the fridge overnight after the second rise, and bake them fresh in the morning!
– Consider swapping strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist.
– Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheese: strawberry, vanilla, or even lemon would work beautifully!
I absolutely adore making Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls, and I hope you will too! Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your sweet roll creations with me. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – happy baking!