Craving something sweet, sushi-shaped, and utterly delicious? These strawberry shortcake cheesecake dessert sushi rolls are your ticket to dessert heaven. Combining the freshness of strawberries, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the fun form of sushi, this recipe is a game-changer for dessert lovers.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s a unique fusion of Japanese sushi presentation and classic American dessert flavors.
- The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries offers a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to customize with different fruits or cake flavors.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dessert night.
- No raw fish or seaweed in sight, making it a hit even with sushi skeptics.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 sponge cake, flattened into a thin layer
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Bamboo sushi mat (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Assemble the Dessert Sushi
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Place the flattened sponge cake on top, spreading a thin layer of strawberry jam over it. Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the jam, then arrange the strawberry slices in a line along one edge. Using the plastic wrap to help, tightly roll the cake around the filling, sushi-roll style. Tip: Chill the roll for 30 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
Slice and Serve
With a sharp knife, carefully slice the roll into 1-inch pieces. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Tip: For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the rolls with melted white chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. If you’re short on time, store-bought sponge cake and whipped cream can be used as shortcuts. Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberries or kiwi for a colorful variation. To make the rolls even more sushi-like, serve them with a side of sweetened condensed milk for dipping.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate sponge cake and add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling.
- Tropical Twist: Substitute strawberries with mango and pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- Berry Medley: Mix strawberries with raspberries and blackberries for a berry-packed roll.
- Peanut Butter Banana: Spread peanut butter on the cake and use banana slices as the filling.
- Matcha Green Tea: Incorporate matcha powder into the cheesecake filling for a Japanese-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just slice them before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of a bamboo sushi mat? A piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper can be used to help roll the dessert sushi if you don’t have a sushi mat.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling? Make sure the cake is moist and pliable. If it’s too dry, lightly brush it with simple syrup before adding the fillings.
Summary
These strawberry shortcake cheesecake dessert sushi rolls are a fun, creative, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of strawberry shortcake in a unique form. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.