You know that feeling when you bite into something so unbelievably delicious it makes you want to do a little happy dance? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I made these strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls! They’re the perfect blend of gooey, cinnamon-y goodness and tangy, sweet strawberry cheesecake. Honestly, it’s a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.

These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. We’re taking the classic comfort food and giving it a seriously decadent upgrade. Think fluffy, buttery rolls, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and the bright, juicy burst of fresh strawberries – all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a treat!

My grandma used to make the most amazing cinnamon rolls, and this recipe is my attempt to honor her memory while adding my own little twist. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Recipe Story/Background

The idea for these strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls came to me one summer afternoon while I was enjoying a plate of fresh strawberries and a slice of cheesecake. I thought, “What if I combined the two?” And the rest, as they say, is history!

While the basic concept of cinnamon rolls has ancient roots, this particular recipe is a modern fusion. It borrows from the comforting tradition of cinnamon rolls and elevates it with the sophisticated elegance of strawberry cheesecake. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration.

Seasonal relevance plays a huge role. Strawberries are best enjoyed during their peak season (typically spring and summer), making these rolls a perfect summer dessert. However, using frozen strawberries in a pinch works well too!

Ingredient Discussion

Let’s talk ingredients! The success of these strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls hinges on using high-quality ingredients.

Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls

I prefer to use a name-brand refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. They’re already pre-made, saving you a ton of time. Look for a dough that’s soft and slightly sticky, indicating freshness.

Cream Cheese

For the cheesecake filling, use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending. Don’t even think about using low-fat – trust me on this one!

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is key for the smooth cheesecake filling. It blends seamlessly with the cream cheese and adds a delicate sweetness. I usually use a brand known for its fine consistency.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh, ripe strawberries are a must! Choose strawberries that are plump, firm, and deeply colored. Avoid any that are bruised, mushy, or have mold spots. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries, thawed and drained, can be substituted.

Strawberry Jam

A high-quality strawberry jam adds a layer of intense strawberry flavor and helps to create a beautiful glaze. Look for jams with minimal added sugar.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these rolls! Here’s what you’ll need:

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife

If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can certainly mix the cream cheese filling by hand, but it will require a bit more elbow grease. A sturdy wooden spoon will do the trick!

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This is where the mixer really shines; it makes the filling super creamy.
Beat in the vanilla extract. Just a teaspoon will do wonders!
Gently unroll the cinnamon rolls onto a lightly floured surface. Be careful not to tear the dough.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each cinnamon roll. Don’t be shy with the filling; it’s what makes these rolls so special!
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese filling. A pretty arrangement is nice, but don’t stress about perfection.
Carefully roll up the cinnamon rolls again. Try to keep them as tight as possible for even baking.
Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll. This prevents them from sticking together.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
While the rolls are still warm, drizzle the strawberry jam over the top. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

To achieve perfectly baked rolls, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the baking time accordingly.

Don’t overmix the cream cheese filling. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less creamy texture. Just mix until smooth and combined.

For even cooking, try to arrange the rolls on the baking sheet with equal spacing. This will ensure that all of the rolls bake evenly.

One time, I forgot to grease my baking sheet, and the rolls stuck terribly. Learned my lesson the hard way!

Variations & Adaptations

These rolls are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

Blueberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls: Substitute blueberries for strawberries.
Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls: Add diced apples to the cream cheese filling.
Miniature Cinnabon Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into smaller pieces before baking for bite-sized treats.

I once experimented with adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling—delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate experience. They’re also delicious at room temperature.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a warm treat. The flavors actually deepen a bit after a day or two.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a fantastic accompaniment.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

These rolls are rich in carbohydrates and fats, providing energy. Strawberries offer Vitamin C and antioxidants. Cream cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. However, they are also high in sugar and calories, so enjoy them in moderation.

Conclusion

These strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls are a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with a little love and creativity. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, fluffy and creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

I encourage you to experiment with different fruit combinations, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! I’d love to see your creations.

Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the rolls.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can certainly mix the cream cheese filling by hand, but it will take a bit more effort. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula and mix until everything is well combined.

How do I store leftover rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with these rolls?

These rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of coffee or tea.

Easy Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Author: Brian Murry
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A seriously decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls – filled with creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries, finished with a sweet strawberry jam drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with electric mixer until smooth (2–3 minutes).
Add vanilla extract and mix just until combined.
Unroll cinnamon rolls gently on a lightly floured surface.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over each roll.
Layer sliced strawberries on top of filling.
Carefully re-roll the dough tightly.
Place rolls on a greased baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Drizzle warm rolls with strawberry jam and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute frozen strawberries (thawed and drained). Don’t skip greasing your pan – it makes a big difference!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: strawberry, cheesecake, cinnabon, rolls, dessert, summer treat