If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping treat that combines everything you love about breakfast pastries and decadent desserts, look no further than Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. These swirled beauties are soft, gooey, and bursting with layers of cheesecake filling and a vibrant homemade strawberry sauce. Imagine the classic comfort of a Cinnabon roll, but with the bright, jammy flavor of ripe strawberries and the creamy tang of cheesecake in every bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to make your weekend a little sweeter, these rolls are guaranteed to make everyone swoon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is how a handful of familiar ingredients can create something truly memorable. Each component plays a key role, from the doughy cinnamon rolls to the fresh strawberries, bringing flavor, texture, and a pop of color that’s hard to resist.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The shortcut hero! These rolls bake up fluffy and tender, and the included icing adds the perfect sweet finish.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberry filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling and helps draw out the berries’ natural juices.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out both the cheesecake and strawberry flavors with its classic warmth.
- Fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of fruit and a beautiful rosy hue.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture to create that jammy, spoonable consistency you want in every bite.
- Water: Combines with cornstarch to ensure your strawberry sauce thickens just right.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry flavor and adds just a hint of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Strawberry jam (optional): For even more strawberry punch, a drizzle of warm jam over the rolls is pure bliss.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting gives a bakery-worthy finish and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for that irresistible golden-brown finish. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish so your rolls come out easily and look picture-perfect once baked.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine your chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour it into the pan. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries break down and the sauce becomes thick and jammy. This homemade filling is what makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls so special—let it cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
While your strawberry mixture cools, grab a small bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This quick cheesecake filling adds that signature tang and creaminess to every swirl.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Unroll each cinnamon roll just enough to open it up (no need to flatten completely). Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling and 1 teaspoon of the strawberry mixture inside each roll. Carefully roll them back up and place them into your prepared baking dish. Repeat with the rest, then spoon any extra strawberry filling over the tops for even more flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are puffed, golden, and your kitchen smells like heaven. The strawberry filling will bubble, and the rolls will turn beautifully golden on top.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the included icing. For a finishing flourish, dust with powdered sugar and, if you’d like, warm up a little strawberry jam to drizzle over the top for even more berry goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Garnishes
These rolls are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. After drizzling with icing, add an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices for a pop of color and freshness. A sprig of mint or a light dusting of lemon zest is also lovely if you want to brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. For dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s a classic combo that always gets rave reviews.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, arrange the rolls on a cake stand and drizzle the icing in front of your guests for a dramatic reveal. You could also serve them in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or slice them in half and layer with extra berries for a playful dessert platter. However you present them, Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are sure to turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls left (lucky you!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping their soft texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds until warm and gooey, or cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to bring them back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries first to avoid excess liquid in your filling. The flavor will still be bright and delicious, making your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls just as irresistible.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave for 10–15 seconds. This will help it blend smoothly with the vanilla for your cheesecake filling.
Can I make these rolls ahead for a brunch party?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Fresh-baked Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls will be ready with minimal fuss!
Is the strawberry jam necessary?
The strawberry jam is totally optional. It adds an extra punch of berry flavor, but the homemade strawberry filling is already bursting with fresh fruit taste. Use the jam if you want a little more sweetness or to make the rolls extra glossy.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be puffed and golden brown on top, and the strawberry filling will be bubbly. If you gently touch the tops and they feel set (not doughy), they’re ready to come out and cool before icing.
Final Thoughts
If you adore the flavors of strawberries, cheesecake, and classic cinnamon rolls, you absolutely have to give Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls a whirl. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and every bite is pure comfort with a fruity twist. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch—you’ll be making sweet memories in no time!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling for a perfect breakfast or dessert treat. These soft, sweet rolls are topped with a luscious strawberry glaze and icing, making them an irresistible sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8-count)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and a mixture of cornstarch and water. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble Rolls: Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll slightly. Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly inside each roll, followed by 1 teaspoon of the cooled strawberry filling. Roll each cinnamon roll back up and place them snugly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping: Spoon any leftover strawberry filling evenly over the tops of the rolls to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the included icing over the warm rolls and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra boost of strawberry flavor, warm the strawberry jam gently and drizzle it over the rolls before adding the icing.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
