Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of three irresistible treats—pillowy cinnamon rolls, creamy cheesecake, and fresh, juicy strawberries—all wrapped into one decadent bite. Imagine a soft, gooey cinnamon roll, filled with swirls of cream cheese and strawberry jam, topped with a luscious cheesecake glaze and fresh strawberry slices. It’s a rich, indulgent dessert or breakfast option that tastes like a bakery masterpiece but can easily be made at home. These rolls bring the perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and buttery flavors, making them a stunning centerpiece for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or any day that calls for something extra special.

The History of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have a long and delicious history dating back to Northern Europe, particularly Sweden, where the beloved “kanelbulle” originated. The traditional cinnamon roll traveled globally and was eventually adapted into the gooier, richer versions popular in the United States today, especially by the famous Cinnabon brand introduced in the 1980s. Cheesecake, on the other hand, traces its roots back to ancient Greece, with modern creamy versions evolving in New York City during the 20th century. Strawberries, widely loved and grown around the world, have long been paired with cream-based desserts. The idea to combine all three—cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and strawberries—into one dish is a fairly modern culinary innovation, often attributed to home bakers and social media food trends. The result is a rich, show-stopping dessert that layers comfort with indulgence and brings together three dessert legends in a single dish.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the dough:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and chew.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the dough.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to its tender texture.

For the filling:

Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, adds tangy richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without grittiness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake flavor.
Strawberry jam or preserves: Adds fruity sweetness and moisture to the filling.
Ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and depth to balance the sweet elements.

For the topping/glaze:

Cream cheese: Forms the base of the cheesecake-style glaze.
Butter: Adds richness and helps smooth out the glaze.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced and added on top for color, flavor, and freshness.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prepare the dough: Warm the milk until just lukewarm and stir in the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Add the milk mixture and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Assemble the rolls: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, followed by a generous layer of strawberry jam. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, then cut into even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through in the center.
Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and spreadable.
Top and serve: Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and top with fresh strawberry slices. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough and filling. Don’t overheat the milk—too hot, and it will kill the yeast. Make sure your yeast is active; if the mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, start over. Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which creates a soft, stretchy texture. When rolling and slicing the dough, use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts that won’t squash the rolls. Let the rolls proof a second time until visibly puffy—this ensures they bake up light and fluffy. Bake until golden but don’t overbake or they may dry out. Always frost while warm so the glaze melts into the crevices. For neat presentation, wait to add fresh strawberries until just before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Swap strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves for a new flavor twist. Use flavored cream cheese such as strawberry or honey vanilla for a richer profile. Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture. Replace the glaze with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting. For a shortcut, use store-bought crescent dough or cinnamon roll dough. Add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese for brightness. For an over-the-top dessert, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a rich and indulgent treat, typically high in calories, sugar, and fat due to ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and sugar. Each roll can range from 300 to 500 calories depending on size and toppings. While they’re not a health food, they’re fine in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can make them lighter by reducing the sugar in the dough and filling, using low-fat cream cheese, or opting for a lighter glaze. For dietary needs, plant-based milk and cream cheese substitutes work well to make them dairy-free or vegan. Using whole wheat flour for part of the dough adds a bit more fiber. Fresh strawberries provide vitamins and antioxidants, giving a slight nutritional boost.

FAQ

Can I make them ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze them? Absolutely. Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, or freeze baked rolls without glaze. Reheat and frost just before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best for topping, but you can use thawed frozen ones in the filling—just drain excess liquid.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam? Substitute with any berry jam, or use a quick homemade compote.
Can I make these without eggs? Yes—use an egg replacer like flaxseed meal and water, or a store-bought substitute.
How do I get perfect swirls? Roll the dough tightly and cut with dental floss to preserve the layers.
What size pan should I use? A 9×13 inch baking dish works well for 12 rolls, but you can use two smaller pans if needed.
Can I make them vegan? Yes—use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese, and replace the eggs with flax eggs.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting? Not at all. You can use a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or omit it entirely if preferred.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a dreamy mashup of soft cinnamon rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries, topped with a rich glaze for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they’re flavorful, versatile, and guaranteed to impress.

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Total Time 1 55

Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk approximately 110°F
¼ cup unsalted butter melted
1 large egg

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped
¼ cup strawberry jam

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

¼ cup unsalted butter softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 ounces cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk adjust as needed for consistency

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Fold in the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, mixing until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches.
Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then layer the strawberry cheesecake filling on top.
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge.
Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (adding more if needed) until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy the rich, gooey, and creamy delight!

Notes

The rolls can be assembled the night before and refrigerated for a convenient bake the next morning.
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with strawberry preserves.
For an extra rich flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top of the rolls before baking.

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