Tip:

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of shortcake and cheesecake, making it perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even a sweet afternoon tea. Although it’s a rich treat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content. A single serving of these rolls typically has about 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size, so it’s a nice indulgence without being too overwhelming. They’re especially enjoyable for those who love fruity desserts with a creamy filling.

This dessert is ideal for anyone who loves a rich, creamy dessert with the fresh zing of strawberries. However, those who are on a low-calorie or sugar-restricted diet, or individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, may want to skip this dessert or consider making substitutions to suit their needs.

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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls Recipe

Calories per serving: ~250-300 calories (depending on portion size)

Serving size: Makes 6-8 servings

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

• 2 tbsp sugar

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent the cake from sticking. This step will ensure that your cake rolls come out easily without sticking to the pan.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

   In another large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes of beating. The texture should be airy, and the mixture should double in volume.

   Add in the vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix until combined.

   Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in small batches, stirring gently to avoid over-mixing. Once combined, pour in the milk and melted butter, and stir until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

3. Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking. Let it cool completely before rolling.

4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While the cake cools, make the creamy cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps. Add vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.

   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed). Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, making sure the filling stays light and fluffy.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Wash and dice the fresh strawberries. In a small bowl, mix the diced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, which will enhance their sweetness and create a natural syrup to drizzle over the rolls.

6. Assemble the Rolls: Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the cake layer using a spatula. Make sure to spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage when rolling.

   Evenly distribute the strawberries (along with their syrup) over the cheesecake filling.

   Now, carefully begin rolling the cake from one edge, using the towel to help guide the cake into a tight roll. Be gentle to avoid cracking the cake. Once rolled, slice the cake into 6-8 individual portions, depending on your preferred serving size.

   Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the filling and allow the flavors to meld together.

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How to Save Energy:

To save energy when baking, consider using a convection oven instead of a conventional oven. Convection ovens have fans that circulate the hot air, which helps bake items faster and more evenly. This reduces cooking time, meaning less energy is used. Additionally, using smaller pans can reduce baking time and ensure the oven doesn’t need to be on for as long. If you don’t have a convection oven, simply reduce the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) when using a conventional oven to achieve similar results.

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Important Notes:

• Who benefits from this dish:
  This dessert is an excellent choice for those who enjoy rich and creamy treats with a sweet and fruity twist. It’s a hit at gatherings, parties, and celebrations. The combination of the fluffy cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries makes it a well-rounded dessert that appeals to many.

• Who should avoid it:
  If you're lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, this dessert may not be suitable unless you substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and whipped coconut cream. Similarly, those on a low-sugar or low-calorie diet should enjoy this dessert sparingly or look for sugar substitutes and low-fat alternatives.

• Additional note on health benefits:
  While this dessert is rich in flavor, the fresh strawberries offer a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. However, due to the sugar and calorie content, it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls, and treat yourself to a little slice of heaven!

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Feel free to experiment with your ingredients or make adjustments based on dietary preferences. Happy baking!