If you’re looking for a fun dessert that’s easy, beautiful, and guaranteed to impress, these Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are a must-try. They take everything you love about classic strawberry cheesecake — the creamy filling, fresh fruit, and buttery crumb — and transform it into adorable sushi-style dessert bites. No oven, no fuss, just a creative no-bake strawberry dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery display.
These cheesecake “sushi” rolls are perfect for brunches, parties, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, summer gatherings, or any time you want a dessert that feels special without complicated steps. They slice beautifully, store well, and always get people talking.
Why This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Works
It’s no-bake and beginner-friendly — You don’t need special equipment or baking skills.
The cheesecake filling is silky and light, thanks to whipped cream folded into softened cream cheese.
The sushi roll shape looks fancy, but the process is surprisingly simple.
It’s customizable — swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of fresh fruit.
Kids and adults love it — sweet, creamy, fruity, and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Fruit Layer
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating)
Crumb Layer
- 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Assembly
- 6 large crepes or thin cake sheets (store-bought or homemade)
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or extra strawberries
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare your mixing bowl, cutting board, and utensils. Ingredient textures and moisture levels can vary, so adjust amounts as needed. Prep and chilling times may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls
Step 1 — Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
(Do not overmix or it may soften too much.)
Step 2 — Prepare the Strawberries
Combine the diced strawberries with sugar.
Let rest 8–10 minutes until the juices release slightly.
(This helps the fruit blend without making the rolls soggy.)
Step 3 — Make the Crumb Mixture
Mix crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter until evenly coated.
The texture should resemble soft, damp crumbs.
Adjust crumbs or butter slightly if needed.
Step 4 — Assemble Each Roll
Lay one crepe flat on a clean surface.
Spread a thin, even layer of cheesecake filling from edge to edge.
Sprinkle crumbs lightly across the surface.
Arrange a narrow line of strawberries along one side.
Step 5 — Roll and Wrap
Starting at the strawberry end, roll tightly toward the opposite edge.
Press lightly as you roll to keep the shape compact.
Wrap each roll in plastic wrap so it holds its form.
Step 6 — Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice.
Chilling time may vary depending on moisture content and temperature.
Step 7 — Slice & Serve
Unwrap and slice into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
Serve chilled with optional toppings like powdered sugar or extra berries.
Food Safety Notes
- Keep rolls refrigerated and serve chilled.
- Do not leave dairy-based desserts at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Don’t overmix the filling or it will collapse and become loose.
- Chill before slicing to get perfect clean edges.
- Roll tightly — loose rolls fall apart when cut.
- Use fresh, not frozen strawberries to avoid excess moisture.
How to Serve
These strawberry cheesecake “sushi” rolls shine on:
- Dessert platters
- Brunch boards
- Tea parties
- Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day spreads
- Birthday dessert trays
Pair with a fruit salad, whipped cream, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate:
Up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Freeze:
Wrap each roll in plastic, then freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator 2–3 hours before serving.
Don’t reheat — they are a no-bake chilled dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting before chilling — leads to messy, flattened slices
Dry cookie crumbs — use fresh cookies so the butter binds them
Too much filling — causes rolls to burst open
Not rolling tight — the sushi shape won’t hold
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls / No-Bake Cheesecake Sushi Dessert
Q: Can I make these cheesecake rolls the night before?
Yes, this dessert is very make-ahead friendly. You can assemble the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight. Chilling actually improves the texture, helping the rolls firm up so the slices stay neat and clean the next day.
Q: Do the crepes become soggy after chilling?
Not if the rolls are assembled correctly. The key is to keep the strawberries on one side and avoid adding too much juice to the filling. The cheesecake layer acts as a barrier, keeping the crepes soft but not soggy.
Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes. Cool Whip creates a slightly sweeter, more stable filling that holds its shape well. It’s a great shortcut if you want a firmer cheesecake texture.
Q: What other fruit combinations work for this dessert?
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try raspberries, blueberries, mixed berries, mango, kiwi, or even peaches. Just make sure the fruit is diced small so the rolls stay tight and slice smoothly.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free crepes and gluten-free cookie crumbs. Many brands now make gluten-free shortbread or graham crackers that taste very close to the original.
Q: Can these rolls be frozen?
Yes. Freeze the whole rolled log wrapped tightly in plastic, then thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing. Freezing does not affect the texture of the cheesecake filling.
Q: Can I use store-bought crepes?
Yes, store-bought crepes work perfectly and save a lot of time. Just make sure they’re soft and pliable so they roll easily without cracking.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from unrolling when slicing?
Make sure the rolls chill for at least one hour, and use a serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife. Rolling tightly from the beginning also makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls are the kind of dessert that checks every box — simple to make, beautiful to serve, and packed with creamy, fruity flavor. With no baking required and only a handful of ingredients, they offer an impressive restaurant-style presentation without any complicated steps. Whether you’re preparing a party platter, a fun dessert board, or a refreshing summer treat, these cheesecake sushi rolls bring the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and creativity. Keep this recipe handy for holidays, brunches, family gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that feels special with minimal effort. One bite, and it becomes a new favorite for every occasion.
Strawberry Cheesecake “Sushi” Rolls Recipe Card
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare your tools and workspace. Ingredient textures vary, so adjust amounts as needed. Prep and chilling times may vary.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- 1 cup strawberries, finely diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1½ cups crushed shortbread cookies
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 6 crepes
- Optional: powdered sugar or drizzle
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
- Mix diced strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar and rest 10 minutes.
- Combine crushed cookies and melted butter.
- Lay a crepe flat and spread a thin layer of filling. Add crumbs and a row of strawberries.
- Roll tightly and wrap in plastic.
- Chill 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice.
- Slice into bite-size pieces and serve chilled.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 290 • Carbs: 32g • Fat: 18g • Protein: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
