If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that blends the gooey, cinnamon-spiced nostalgia of a classic breakfast with the dreamy flavors of a creamy dessert, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are it. Imagine ultra-soft cinnamon rolls swirled with tangy cream cheese and luscious strawberry jam, finished with juicy berries and a sweet graham cracker crunch. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch or a surprise dessert, this recipe will have everyone swooning from the first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls rely on just a handful of accessible ingredients that truly deliver. Every element plays a starring role—like juicy strawberries for freshness, tangy cream cheese for richness, and a playful hit of crunchy graham cracker on top.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The shortcut star of the recipe—they bake up fluffy and save time without scrimping on taste.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of our cheesecake flavor; make sure it’s softened for smoothest blending.
- Powdered sugar: Brings the essential sweetness and that ultra-creamy texture to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors for a true cheesecake vibe.
- Diced fresh strawberries: Juicy pops that beautifully balance the rich and sweet elements—fresh is best, but you can swap in preserves if you’re short on time.
- Strawberry jam: Takes the berry flavor to another level and keeps the centers moist and fruity.
- Crushed graham crackers: Delivers the “cheesecake crust” effect—totally transforms the finish!
- Extra strawberries for topping (optional): Slice them up for that gorgeous, colorful bakery-style look.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F—it’s the sweet spot for perfectly golden rolls. Then, lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish. This not only helps the rolls pop out easily but also keeps all that oozy, delicious filling safely inside.
Step 2: Unroll the Cinnamon Rolls
Gently separate and unroll each cinnamon roll into a long strip. Lay them flat—you’re creating a blank canvas ready to soak up all the delicious flavors to come. It might feel a bit fiddly, but it’s totally worth it for those beautiful swirls!
Step 3: Layer on the Strawberry Jam
Spread each dough strip with a thin, even layer of strawberry jam. This simple step infuses every bite with berry brightness and keeps the rolls delightfully moist during baking.
Step 4: Make and Spread the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and dreamy. Dollop and gently spread a spoonful of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer of each roll. That tangy cream cheese creates pockets of irresistible flavor.
Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries
Sprinkle a generous handful of diced fresh strawberries onto each strip. Their juiciness bursts through every bite, making these rolls taste like spring and summer in every forkful.
Step 6: Roll and Arrange
Roll the strips back up and nestle them side-by-side in the prepared baking dish. Don’t stress if the filling peeks out a bit—it just means extra caramelized edges!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the rolls turn golden on top and are cooked through the center. Your whole kitchen will smell like pure heaven right about now.
Step 8: Mix Up the Icing
While the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are baking, stir together the included icing with any leftover cream cheese mixture. This makes your drizzle extra rich—totally worth the extra minute!
Step 9: Drizzle and Decorate
Once the rolls are golden and your patience has reached its limit, pull them out and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with your upgraded icing, shower with crushed graham crackers, and add extra strawberries for a bakery-worthy finish. Serve them warm for maximum gooey joy.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls a final flourish with a generous sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for crunch and a handful of sliced fresh strawberries. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can add an elegant touch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent rolls with something fresh and light to balance their richness. A big bowl of mixed berries, a tangy yogurt parfait, or even a simple fruit salad makes a lovely side that lets these rolls sing. For brunch, strong coffee or a citrusy mimosa are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, arrange the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls on a pretty platter, drizzle extra icing in a lattice for drama, or serve each in individual ramekins. If you’re making them for a holiday, top each roll with a tiny edible flower or colored sugar for festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls cool completely, then cover them tightly or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep soft and tasty at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days (if they last that long!).
Freezing
To freeze, cool the rolls without icing, then wrap each tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and glaze as usual for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or reheat a whole dish in a low oven (around 300°F) until heated through. If you added extra strawberries on top, you might want to add them after reheating so they stay fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them well first to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. For the best texture and color, fresh strawberries are ideal.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No graham crackers? Try crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread crumbs. Any cookie with some crunch and gentle sweetness will do the trick!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls the night before, cover tightly, and keep them in the fridge. In the morning, just bake as directed (add an extra couple of minutes if baking straight from the fridge).
How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?
Let the rolls cool slightly, then cover loosely with foil to hold in moisture. Avoid leaving them uncovered for long periods, as they’ll dry out. Reheat gently if needed for that bakery-soft texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can! The texture will be a bit less rich and creamy, but you’ll still get gorgeous flavor. Make sure it’s still plenty soft before mixing for the best results.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls really are the best of both worlds—comforting cinnamon rolls meet bright, creamy cheesecake and bursts of fresh berry. Give them a try the next time you want to spoil yourself (or someone you love) with something seriously special. One batch and you’ll be hooked!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls with a strawberry cheesecake twist in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are sweet, fruity, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base:
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Cheesecake Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Additional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- Extra strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Prepare cinnamon rolls: Unroll each cinnamon roll and spread with strawberry jam.
- Make cheesecake filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over jam.
- Add strawberries and roll: Sprinkle diced strawberries on top, then roll up each strip and place in dish.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare icing: Mix icing with leftover cream cheese filling (optional).
- Finish and serve: Drizzle rolls with icing, sprinkle with graham crackers and strawberries. Serve warm.
Notes
- For convenience, use pre-chopped strawberries or strawberry preserves.
- Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
