Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a decadent twist on two beloved desserts: gooey cinnamon rolls and rich strawberry cheesecake. These indulgent rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar swirls, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries—all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They make an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
- Fusion of Favorites: Combines the comforting flavor of Cinnabon rolls with the creamy tang of strawberry cheesecake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a show-stopping dessert for guests, these rolls fit the bill.
- Beautiful Presentation: The red strawberries and rich swirls make them visually stunning on any dessert table.
Key Ingredients
Dough:
- Flour, sugar, active dry yeast, butter, milk, and egg form the soft, pillowy base.
Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese: smooth and creamy
- Fresh strawberries: sweet and slightly tangy
- Sugar & vanilla: enhance sweetness and depth
Cinnamon-Sugar Layer:
- Brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter: create the signature spiced sweetness
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk: for a thick and creamy topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Warm 1 cup of milk (110°F/43°C), mix with 2 tbsp sugar and 2 1/4 tsp yeast. Let sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix 4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix and knead for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
2. Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (or 1/2 cup strawberry compote).
3. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- Combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
4. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar layer evenly, then the strawberry cheesecake mixture on top.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 1.5-inch slices.
- Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Optional: Cover with foil after 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2-3 tbsp milk until smooth.
- Optional: Add a touch of lemon juice or zest.
7. Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Garnish with sliced strawberries or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add-ins: White chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Fruit swaps: Try raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp and rise before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Dough not rising? Check yeast freshness and room temperature.
- Rolls too dry? Avoid over-flouring and over-baking.
- Too wet? Drain strawberries well to avoid soggy filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
How to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temp (2 days), refrigerate (5 days), or freeze (2 months).
Can these be made gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free yeast.
Quick Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare and rise the dough.
- Make the cheesecake filling.
- Mix the cinnamon-sugar paste.
- Roll out dough, layer fillings, roll, and cut.
- Let rise again and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Make and drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy this heavenly fusion of strawberry cheesecake and Cinnabon!