Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Imagine waking up to the dreamy aroma of freshly baked Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls wafting through your kitchen. This crave-worthy mashup takes all the gooey nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls and swirls in pockets of luscious cream cheese and sweet-tart strawberries. In just 30 minutes, you can bring together the best of breakfast and dessert in one gloriously simple, gloriously decadent treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is in how each humble ingredient transforms into something truly special. These staples are easy to find, but when combined, they create irresistible layers of flavor, creaminess, and a pop of fresh fruit.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Use store-bought cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury Cinnabon) for that signature soft, pillowy texture with swirls of cinnamon spice.
- Fresh strawberries: Diced strawberries add bursts of juicy, tangy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of pink to every roll.
- Cream cheese: A softened brick of cream cheese gives the filling richness and classic cheesecake flavor that makes these rolls extra luscious.
- Powdered sugar: Just a touch, blended into the cream cheese, balances tartness and creates a dreamy-smooth texture.
- Reserved cinnamon roll icing: The sweet icing drizzle is the crowning touch, turning every bite into gooey, glazed perfection.
- Optional graham cracker crumbs: For a true “cheesecake” vibe, sprinkle these on top for a little buttery crunch (highly recommended!).
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and give an 8-inch round baking dish a light mist of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter—this prevents sticking and helps those Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls lift out beautifully. Pop open your tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing. Gently unroll each cinnamon roll into a long strip; it’s surprisingly satisfying!
Step 2: Mix the Dreamy Cheesecake Filling
In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s cloud-like and smooth. This simple step infuses the rolls with a classic cheesecake tang and an ultra-creamy bite. For extra dimension, you can add a drop of vanilla extract, but the basic mix is already heavenly.
Step 3: Layer in Strawberries and Roll Up
Spread a thin but generous layer of the cream cheese mixture along each unrolled cinnamon roll strip, making sure to go right to the edges. Scatter diced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese. Now, gently roll each strip back up—the strawberries and cream cheese get tucked inside, creating showstopping swirls that peek out after baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Nestle your filled rolls into the greased dish, placing them just far enough apart so they can puff up and get snug as they bake. Slide the dish into the oven and let the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls work their magic for 18–22 minutes, until they’re golden, puffy, and your kitchen smells like pure bliss.
Step 5: Frost, Garnish, and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes (if you can wait!). Then, drizzle the reserved icing generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt into the nooks and crannies. Top with more fresh strawberries and, if you feel extra fancy, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Serve them gooey and fresh—the cheesecake filling will still be dreamy and warm.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Garnishes
The finishing touches make a huge difference! I love scattering extra diced fresh strawberries on top for vibrant color and a juicy burst. A handful of graham cracker crumbs sprinkled over the icing sets off the cheesecake theme to perfection and adds a subtle crunch. If you’re feeling playful, a dusting of powdered sugar looks gorgeous too.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with a side of thick Greek yogurt or a cloud of whipped cream for a breakfast-as-dessert spread that feels like a holiday. For brunch, pair them with crisp bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad to balance out all the sweet decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking each roll into a decorative cupcake liner before plating for a bakery-worthy presentation. Cut larger rolls in half and stack with layers of extra cream cheese and strawberries for an impressive brunch centerpiece. For parties, arrange them in a spiral on a pretty cake stand and let everyone grab their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling keeps its creamy texture and the rolls hold up beautifully.
Freezing
Want to squirrel some away for later? After baking and cooling, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. Stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave briefly from frozen—you’ll have instant comfort food!
Reheating
To bring leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls back to ooey-gooey perfection, warm them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or pop in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. They’ll turn soft and melty, nearly as fresh as the first batch out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap frozen for fresh strawberries in this recipe, especially when berries are out of season. Just make sure to thaw, drain, and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture making the filling runny.
What if I don’t have graham crackers for the topping?
No worries at all! The graham cracker crumbs are totally optional and the rolls will still be delicious without them. Try crushed vanilla wafers or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch, or simply enjoy them as is.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the rolls (with filling and strawberries) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed for an easy, show-stopping breakfast treat.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, starting with softened cream cheese is key for mixing a smooth, creamy filling that’s easy to spread and blend. If you forget to let it come to room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use two cans of cinnamon rolls and double the filling and toppings. Bake in a larger (9×13-inch) dish and add a few more minutes to the baking time, watching for that golden-brown glow.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the kind of treat that brings smiles to every table and turns ordinary mornings into something unforgettable. Whether you make them for brunch, a special holiday, or just because, you’re in for a swirl of pure joy. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with every bite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberry cheesecake and cinnamon rolls with this scrumptious recipe. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or a dessert treat!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 package (about 12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury Cinnabon)
For the filling:
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the topping:
- Reserved icing from cinnamon roll package
- ¼ cup diced strawberries
- Optional: graham cracker crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round baking dish.
- Prepare the dough: Separate the cinnamon rolls and gently unroll each into a strip.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture along each unrolled strip, then sprinkle with diced strawberries. Roll them back up and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then spread the reserved icing over the warm rolls. Top with additional fresh strawberries and graham cracker crumbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a touch of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
