I have to admit, my first attempt at this was a disaster. I tried to just mix strawberry jam into the filling, and it was a sticky, pink, undercooked mess. My husband, Adam, lovingly called it "strawberry soup." But I was determined! This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls recipe is the final, perfected result of all my testing. It's a foolproof method for getting that perfect, tangy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry swirl without turning into soup!
Strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert with their sweet cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker crumble. Fluffy cinnamon roll dough swirled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze is absolute heaven that brings the bakery experience right to your kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- My Top Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with My Family
- Substitutions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Variations on Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Equipment for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Adam's Tip for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- FAQ about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Best of both worlds: These rolls combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the elegance of strawberry cheesecake in every bite.
- Bakery-quality at home: The cream cheese filling with fresh strawberries creates a luxurious filling that rivals any high-end bakery.
- Perfect for special occasions: Whether it's Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or Sunday brunch, these rolls make any morning feel celebratory.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
This strawberry cheesecake roll recipe uses enriched dough (milk, butter, egg) for the softest, fluffiest rolls. The homemade strawberry jam provides intense fruit flavor, while the cream cheese glaze / frosting and graham cracker crumble add those signature cheesecake elements. The whipped cream cheese strawberry frosting is the crowning glory.
What You'll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
- ½ cup strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Graham Cracker Topping:
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Extra graham cracker crumbs
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Enriched dough with milk, butter, and egg: Creates the softest, most tender rolls with a beautiful golden color and rich flavor.
- Fresh strawberries and strawberry jam: Using both gives you intense strawberry flavor plus texture from the fresh fruit pieces.
- Graham cracker crumble: This is what makes these taste like cheesecake, adding that signature crust flavor and crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- While dough rises, make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in diced fresh strawberries gently.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Set aside.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Drizzle homemade strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer.
- Starting from the long side, roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal slices using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each.
- Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes for second rise / proofing until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
- Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread with whipped cream cheese strawberry frosting.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumble and top with fresh strawberry slices.
Hint: For easy strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls: spread no-bake cheesecake, freeze-dried strawberries, roll up, bake using store-bought dough to save time.
My Top Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Don't skip the second rise after cutting the rolls. This second rise / proofing is what makes them incredibly fluffy and tender. Also, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature before making the filling and frosting. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that won't smooth out. The graham cracker crumble should be added right before serving to maintain its crunch. This attention to detail is similar to what we use with our Amish cinnamon bread recipe, where proper rising makes all the difference.
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with My Family
Last Mother's Day, my son helped me make these rolls for breakfast. He carefully measured all the ingredients and was fascinated by watching the dough rise. "It's like magic, Mom! It got so big!" he exclaimed. When it came time to spread the filling, he made sure every bit was covered evenly.
The next morning when we pulled them from the oven, the whole house smelled incredible. He took a bite and said, "These are way better than the store ones!" Grandma Viola, who was visiting, tried one and said, "Easy strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe with a cream cheese filling, strawberry jam, and graham cracker topping is absolutely divine. These are restaurant-quality."
Substitutions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Dough: Use pillsbury strawberry cinnamon rolls or grands strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls for a quick shortcut version.
- Berries: Try raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries instead of fresh strawberries for different flavors.
- Nuts: Add strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls with pecans by sprinkling chopped pecans over the filling.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough to make these accessible to more people.
Variations on Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Pillsbury version: Make quick strawberry and cream cinnamon rolls pillsbury style using refrigerated dough and adding the cream cheese filling.
- Sourdough version: Try using sourdough discard in the dough for tangy strawberry cheesecake sourdough cinnamon rolls.
- Mini version: Make smaller rolls in a muffin tin for perfect individual portions. Check out these strawberry cinnamon rolls for more strawberry inspiration.
Equipment for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- 9x13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for 12 generous rolls with room to rise and expand.
- Rolling pin: For rolling the dough into an even rectangle for consistent rolls.
- Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading the enriched dough (milk, butter, egg) much easier.
- Dental floss or sharp knife: For cutting clean slices without squishing the rolls.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Refrigerator: Store unfrosted rolls covered for up to 3 days. Add cream cheese glaze / frosting just before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before frosting.
- Make-ahead: Prepare rolls through step 13, refrigerate overnight, then let come to room temperature and rise before baking.
These rolls are perfect for eat cake for breakfast occasions and special cinnamon rolls celebrations. The cream cheese filling with fresh strawberries makes them ideal for cinnamon roll breakfast ideas. They pair beautifully with our homemade cookie butter latte or blended chocolate overnight oats for a complete brunch spread.
Adam's Tip for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
"Don't eat them right out of the oven or you'll burn your mouth on the hot strawberry filling. Wait at least 10 minutes. Also, the graham cracker crumbs on top are really important because they make it taste like actual cheesecake."
FAQ about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Do I need to thaw frozen cinnamon rolls before baking?
If using frozen homemade rolls, yes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then let them come to room temperature and complete the second rise / proofing before baking. For store-bought frozen rolls like grands strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls, follow package directions. Most require thawing and rising. For this strawberry cheesecake roll recipe, if you freeze unbaked rolls, thaw in the fridge overnight then let rise 45 to 60 minutes before baking.
What happened to Pillsbury cinnamon rolls?
Pillsbury strawberry cinnamon rolls where to buy can be challenging as they're often seasonal or limited edition flavors. Pillsbury strawberry cheesecake and strawberry and cream cinnamon rolls pillsbury versions may only be available in spring or summer. Check major grocery stores during strawberry season. If you can't find them, this homemade strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe gives you bakery-quality results any time of year.
Are cinnamon rolls better in the oven or air fryer?
For these rolls, the oven is better because it provides even heat for a full batch. The cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries need gentle, even baking to prevent burning. However, you can air fry 2 to 3 rolls at a time at 320°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The oven gives you the beautiful golden browning and soft texture that makes these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls special.
Does Pillsbury make strawberry cinnamon rolls?
Pillsbury strawberry cheesecake and strawberry-flavored rolls have been available seasonally in the past. Availability of strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls pillsbury varies by region and season. Making this homemade version gives you complete control over the cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker crumble. Plus, homemade strawberries on cinnamon rolls taste infinitely better than store-bought versions.
Conclusion
After all that trial and error, seeing Adam's eyes go wide when he took a bite of the final, perfect version was the best reward. This recipe is now my proof that a little determination (and a lot of cream cheese!) can make any delicious, crazy idea a reality. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with their cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker crumble are absolutely worth the effort.
This foolproof method is perfect for special cinnamon rolls and bake day ideas. Whether you make them from scratch or use grands strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls as a shortcut, they're always impressive. Try our Amish cinnamon bread recipe or blended chocolate overnight oats for more breakfast inspiration. Enjoy my perfected, fail-proof method!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls:
recipe
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl For mixing and kneading the dough.
- 1 Stand mixer with dough hook Helpful for enriched dough.
- 1 Rolling Pin For rolling the dough evenly.
- 1 Nine by thirteen inch baking pan Ideal size for a dozen rolls.
- 1 Sharp knife or dental floss Creates clean slices.
- 1 Rubber spatula For smooth filling application.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3.5 cups all purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast One packet
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup whole milk Warmed to 110 degrees Fahrenheit
- 0.25 cup butter Melted
- 1 large egg Room temperature
Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese Softened
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries Diced small
- 0.5 cup strawberry jam Homemade or store bought
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese Softened
- 0.25 cup butter Softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Topping
- 0.5 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter Melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. I always let my daughter sprinkle the dry ingredients in because she calls it making flour snow. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough comes together.
- Knead for about eight to ten minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. My daughter likes to count while we knead which turns this step into a little kitchen rhythm we share.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise for one hour. My daughter cannot resist peeking halfway through because she loves seeing how the dough grows.
- Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. My daughter loves watching the berries swirl pink through the creamy mixture.
- Stir the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together. The smell always reminds us of summer cheesecake nights.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle that is twelve by eighteen inches. My daughter loves patting the dough flat and calling it a cozy dough blanket.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough and leave a small border. Drizzle the strawberry jam on top. This step always feels like painting and my daughter takes it very seriously.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into twelve rolls using a knife or dental floss. My daughter loves counting the slices as they appear.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased nine by thirteen inch pan and let them rise for thirty to forty five minutes. This makes them extra soft and fluffy.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes until golden brown. The scent fills the house and everyone knows something special is coming.
- Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and silky. If my daughter had her choice we would make extra just to enjoy with spoons.
- Let the rolls cool for ten minutes. Spread the frosting and sprinkle the graham cracker topping. Add fresh strawberries if you like. This is the moment my daughter and I always pause and enjoy our work together.
Notes
- For a shortcut version, use store-bought refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and add the cheesecake filling.
- For a berry twist, swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries.
- Add chopped pecans for a strawberry-cheesecake-pecan variation.
- Store unfrosted rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months.
- This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
- Most importantly: make these with someone you love. The memories will last longer than the rolls.
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