Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe

The Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, transforming beloved flavors into a playful, eye-catching treat. Imagine the tender sweetness of sponge cake wrapped around luscious cream cheese filling, fresh diced strawberries, and a sweet strawberry preserve, all rolled up like sushi for a fun and elegant presentation. This Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on any dessert table, making it perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply a joyful indulgence at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this dessert are wonderfully simple yet crucial for balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component plays a specific role: the light sponge cake provides structure without overpowering, the cream cheese mixture adds creamy richness, and the fresh strawberries bring bright freshness and color, while strawberry preserves give a lovely burst of sweetness.

• Sponge cake sheet (approx. 10×15 inches): This forms the delicate base for your roll and should be cooled completely.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds smooth creaminess and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Whipped cream (1 cup): Lightens the cream cheese filling for a fluffy, airy texture.
• Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, diced): Provides juicy bursts of flavor and vivid red color.
• Strawberry preserves or jam (3 tablespoons): Adds concentrated strawberry sweetness and helps the layers stick together.
• Optional garnishes: White chocolate drizzle, extra whipped cream, and mint leaves elevate presentation and taste.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the cake

Begin by laying your baked and completely cooled sponge cake flat on parchment paper or a silicone rolling mat. This careful preparation helps your roll stay intact without tearing as you assemble the dessert. If you’re using a store-bought sponge cake, be sure it’s fresh and slightly springy to the touch for perfect rolling.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy filling that melts in your mouth. The combination of tangy cream cheese with sweetened vanilla whipped cream is magic!

Step 3: Assemble the roll

Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the surface of the sponge cake to add concentrated strawberry sweetness. Then, carefully spread your cream cheese and whipped cream mixture on top of the preserves, making sure to cover every inch. Finally, sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries uniformly over the filling to ensure you get bursts of fruity delight in every bite.

Step 4: Roll

Starting from one of the short ends, use the parchment paper to help you roll the cake tightly but gently into a log. This technique prevents cracks and keeps the filling nicely enclosed within. Once rolled, wrap it in parchment and chill the roll in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the roll set and makes slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice & serve

Remove the chilled roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into one-inch thick pieces, just like sushi. Arrange the slices beautifully on a serving platter. For an extra-special touch, drizzle white chocolate over the rolls and add dollops of whipped cream and fresh mint leaves if you like. Your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert

Garnishes

Garnishing your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert is where you can get really creative! White chocolate drizzle adds a lovely sweetness and elegant look, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh mint leaves introduces freshness and visual contrast. Even a few whole strawberries on the side brighten the presentation and invite guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a light, fruity beverage like a sparkling rosé or a chilled herbal tea. For a casual gathering, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complement the creamy, fruity sushi rolls perfectly without overwhelming the palate. The balance of flavors and textures will make your dessert experience truly memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the usual plate? Serve the rolls on a long wooden board for a sushi-like vibe or in decorative glass jars layered with whipped cream and crushed sponge cake crumbs for an unexpected look. You can even stack the rolls tiered with small edible flowers tucked between layers for festive celebrations. Presentation is half the fun with the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert and makes every bite feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the sushi roll pieces tightly in plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated. They maintain their texture and freshness well for about two days. Just make sure to store them in a single layer to avoid squashing the beautiful rolls.

Freezing

Though freezing can slightly change the texture of the sponge cake and fresh strawberries, you can freeze the roll (preferably uncut) in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve the creamy filling’s texture as much as possible.

Reheating

The Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Serving cold allows the flavors to meld and the texture to stay just right. If you prefer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese filling slightly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake for the roll?

Absolutely! While sponge cake is traditional for its lightness and flexibility, you can experiment with chiffon or genoise cakes as long as they are pliable enough to roll without cracking.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s fully cooled but still flexible is key. Use parchment paper to guide the roll gently and roll tightly without pressing too hard. Chilling afterward helps the roll set and hold its shape.

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?

Yes, you can try whipped mascarpone or a stabilized whipped cream mixture for a different flavor and texture. However, cream cheese adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

With some adjustments, yes! Use a vegan sponge cake recipe, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and plant-based whipped cream. The strawberries and preserves are naturally vegan, so the main switch is dairy ingredients.

How far in advance can I prepare the dessert?

You can assemble and chill the roll up to one day in advance, which actually makes slicing and serving easier. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert enough—it’s such a joyful, delicious way to reinvent a classic flavor combination. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating your family, or simply craving something special, this dessert brings smiles and compliments every single time. Don’t hesitate to roll one up soon and experience this charming fusion of flavor and fun yourself!

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