If you love bakery-style cinnamon rolls and rich cheesecake desserts, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence. Imagine pillowy soft cinnamon rolls swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, layered with creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry compote, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Every bite is gooey, fruity, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, holidays, special occasions, or simply craving a show-stopping homemade dessert, this recipe delivers professional-quality results with beginner-friendly steps.
Let’s dive into this irresistible fusion of cinnamon rolls and strawberry cheesecake.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
These rolls aren’t just delicious — they’re unforgettable.
Here’s what makes them special:
- Ultra-soft, fluffy homemade dough
- Sweet cinnamon swirl filling
- Creamy cheesecake layer inside
- Fresh strawberry filling
- Thick, silky cream cheese glaze
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
They combine the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the decadence of strawberry cheesecake.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe is divided into five key components:
- Dough
- Cinnamon filling
- Cheesecake filling
- Strawberry filling
- Cream cheese glaze
Let’s break them down.
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
Why This Dough Works
This enriched dough creates:
- Soft texture
- Slight sweetness
- Perfect structure for swirls
- Fluffy interior with golden exterior
Warm milk activates the yeast, while butter and egg enrich the dough.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
This classic filling creates the gooey caramel-like swirl inside each roll.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This adds rich tanginess that balances sweetness.
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
The cornstarch thickens the strawberries into a jam-like consistency.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
This glaze melts into the warm rolls for the ultimate finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Follow these detailed steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl:
- Combine warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast over the top.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine flour and salt.
- Add melted butter and egg.
- Pour in activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Tip:
The dough should feel soft but not sticky. Add 1 tablespoon flour at a time if too wet.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl.
- Cover with a towel.
- Let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Warm environments speed up rising.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan:
- Combine strawberries and sugar.
- Cook over medium heat until softened.
- Stir in cornstarch.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Cool completely before using.
Cooling prevents soggy dough.
Step 5: Prepare Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Set aside.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen:
- Punch down dough.
- Roll into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread softened butter evenly.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over butter.
Step 7: Add Cheesecake & Strawberry Layers
Carefully:
- Spread cheesecake filling evenly.
- Spoon cooled strawberry mixture on top.
Avoid overfilling — it can leak during rolling.
Step 8: Roll and Slice
- Roll tightly from the long edge.
- Pinch seam to seal.
- Cut into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 9: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover loosely.
- Let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes until:
- Golden brown
- Cooked through
- Slightly caramelized on edges
Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Spread generously over warm rolls.
The glaze will melt into every swirl.
Tips for Ultra-Soft Cinnamon Rolls
1. Don’t Overheat Milk
Too hot can kill yeast.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cream cheese blends smoother.
3. Don’t Overbake
Overbaking dries out rolls.
4. Let Strawberry Filling Cool
Warm filling can ruin dough texture.
5. Cover While Cooling
Prevents rolls from drying.
Flavor Variations
Want to customize your strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls?
Chocolate Strawberry Rolls
Add mini chocolate chips.
Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls
Add lemon zest to cheesecake filling.
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Rolls
Use raspberries or blueberries.
Extra Decadent Version
Drizzle white chocolate over glaze.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
- Prepare rolls up to second rise.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Let come to room temperature before baking.
Storage
- Store covered at room temperature for 1 day.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Reheat in microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Freezing
- Freeze baked rolls without glaze.
- Thaw and warm before glazing.
Why These Rolls Taste Better Than Store-Bought
Homemade strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls offer:
- Fresher flavor
- Real strawberry filling
- Balanced sweetness
- Customizable texture
- No preservatives
Plus, nothing beats the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do you keep strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls from becoming soggy?
Ensure the strawberry filling is thickened and completely cooled before spreading. Avoid overfilling, and bake fully to set the interior.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry cheesecake Cinnabon rolls?
Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking them down with sugar and cornstarch.
3. Can I make strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls without yeast?
You can use store-bought dough or biscuit-style dough, but traditional yeast dough gives the softest, fluffiest texture.
4. How do I get super soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls every time?
Knead properly, allow full rising time, and avoid overbaking. Covering rolls while cooling also preserves moisture.
5. Can I prepare strawberry cheesecake rolls the night before baking?
Yes. After assembling and placing in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30–45 minutes before baking.
6. What is the best way to reheat strawberry cheesecake Cinnabon rolls?
Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Perfect Occasions for These Rolls
These indulgent rolls are ideal for:
- Holiday brunch
- Mother’s Day
- Valentine’s Day
- Birthday breakfasts
- Weekend baking projects
- Special family gatherings
They’re guaranteed to impress guests.
Final Thoughts: Bake These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Today
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine everything you love about cinnamon rolls and cheesecake into one unforgettable dessert. With soft, fluffy dough, gooey cinnamon swirls, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry compote, and rich glaze, they’re pure comfort in every bite.
Even if you’re new to baking with yeast, this step-by-step guide makes it approachable and rewarding.
-Ready to create bakery-style magic at home?
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of these irresistible strawberry cheesecake rolls today.
If you loved this recipe, save it, share it, and make it part of your special occasion baking tradition!
