A Culinary World Adventure Awaits!
Picture this: a bustling street market overflowing with tantalizing scents—a fusion of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Amongst the cacophony, you stumble upon an intriguing delight, shimmering like the sun—Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls! This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s a passport to a world of sweet brilliance where every bite is an exploration of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries, all wrapped in a soft cake disguise. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare for a delicious adventure that transcends boundaries.
Why make this recipe
Why limit dessert to mere cake and icing when you can create a culinary art piece that invites curiosity? Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls are the perfect whimsical twist on traditional flavors—combining the beloved shortcake with the indelible charm of sushi presentation. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that will leave your friends buzzing with delight and begging for your secret!
How to make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake Base:
- 1 store-bought pound cake (or homemade sponge cake)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin)
For the Fresh Strawberry Component:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Coconut "Rice" Coating:
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Additional fresh strawberry slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra coconut for serving
- Berry coulis (optional)
Directions:
- Slice your pound cake horizontally into ¼-inch thick slabs—you want them flexible like a yoga master! Give them a light roll to increase that flexibility—think cake acrobatics!
- Next, let’s make a simple syrup: combine the water, sugar, and fragrant vanilla in a pot. Bring to a gentle boil and let it cool completely as it transforms into a sweet elixir perfect for brushing onto our cake.
- Time to whip up the cheesecake filling! Beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smoother than a jazz saxophonist. Add that powdered sugar, vanilla, and the zesty lemon juice—mix until shiny and happy!
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks—soft peaks, not mountain ranges! Now gently fold that dreamy whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture. You want it to resemble a fluffy cloud of cheesecake magic!
- It’s strawberry time! Macerate those luscious sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for about 15 minutes—this will coax out their fabulous juices. Drain lightly and marvel at your creation!
- Prepare the coconut coating by mixing shredded coconut with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla in a shallow dish. Feel free to go wild with food coloring—make it a rainbow if you dare!
- For each glorious roll: Spread the cheesecake filling onto a cake slice, lay a line of those macerated strawberries, and roll it up tightly from the near edge. Wrap these beauties in plastic wrap and chill them for at least 2 hours until they transform into solid masterpieces.
- Slice the chilled rolls into 1-inch pieces with a sharp, wet knife—cleaning between cuts for seamless designs that your sushi chef would applaud!
- Roll each piece in the coconut coating like it’s a beautiful snow-capped mountain. Arrange them elegantly on a serving platter, garnishing with more strawberry slices, mint leaves, and that optional berry coulis drizzle—fancy, right?
How to serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls
Serve these rolls at your next gathering, cosmic birthday party, or simply as a treat to impress that special someone. They can be served chilled, and the vibrant colors will surely light up any dessert table. Add a sprinkle of extra coconut and several fresh mint leaves to elevate your presentation to Instagram-worthy perfection!
How to store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls
The remnants of your delectable creation can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But let’s be real—will they even last that long? They’re bound to be devoured faster than you can say “sushi rolls!”
Tips to make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls
- For an extra luxurious touch, add some crushed graham crackers into your cheesecake filling. It’ll give a nod to traditional cheesecake crusts!
- Experiment with different fresh fruits—mango, kiwi, or blueberries could take these rolls to new delightful heights!
- Use gluten-free cake if you want to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends!
Variations
Want to change the game? Swap out the strawberries for seasonal fruits that tantalize your palate! Blueberries paired with lemon zest, or even peaches with a hint of cinnamon can lead you on an unforgettable fruity journey.
FAQs
-
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the pound cake for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go! -
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well! You don’t want your rolls to turn into a soggy mess. -
How can I make the coconut coating stick better?
Brushing a bit of extra cream from the filling over the rolled pieces before rolling them in coconut can really help the “rice” stick!
Embarking on this culinary adventure is like embracing a world of flavors wrapped in one bite—let your creativity flourish and serve up some love with these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls! Enjoy every fabulous bite, and happy cooking!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sushi Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Slice your pound cake horizontally into ¼-inch thick slabs, making them flexible.
- Combine water, sugar, and vanilla in a pot to create a simple syrup; bring to a gentle boil and let it cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, and then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until shiny.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Macerate the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for about 15 minutes, then drain lightly.
- Prepare the coconut coating by mixing shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
- Spread the cheesecake filling onto a cake slice, place a line of macerated strawberries, and roll it tightly.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Slice the chilled rolls into 1-inch pieces.
- Roll each piece in the coconut coating.
- Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and garnish with additional strawberry slices, mint leaves, and berry coulis if desired.