Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

If you’re looking for the perfect homemade brunch showstopper, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture, tangy-sweet filling, and buttery cinnamon swirls that rival anything you’ll find at the mall.

With layers of fluffy cinnamon roll dough, creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, these indulgent rolls are a must-try fusion dessert. Imagine the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls with the fruity twist of ripe strawberries and the tang of rich cheesecake. Yes—it’s as amazing as it sounds.

These cheesecake cinnamon rolls also make the kitchen smell heavenly—and thanks to a few pro tips, they’re totally doable even if you’re new to baking.

What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls?

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a mouthwatering combination of:

Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls
Strawberry cheesecake filling
Cream cheese frosting
A crispy graham cracker crumble topping

Unlike basic cinnamon rolls, this version infuses the rich, tangy notes of a traditional cheesecake with the fruity brightness of fresh strawberries. What makes them even better is the use of enriched dough, which is soft, airy, and ultra buttery.

Wondering how they bake up so soft and gooey? It’s all about the yeast science and proper proofing. If you’re curious how yeast works its magic, King Arthur Baking’s yeast guide explains it beautifully.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Bakery-quality results in your own kitchen
Strawberries + cheesecake + cinnamon = epic flavor fusion
Perfect for holidays, brunch, or sweet cravings
Customizable with different fruits or fillings
Ideal for sharing or freezing

Beyond flavor, they also bring nutritional benefits. Did you know that strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants? According to Healthline, they offer several health perks, which gives you an excuse to go for that second roll (you’re welcome).

📝 Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup melted butter
2 large eggs

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
2 tbsp strawberry jam

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter

For the Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp softened butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract

For Topping:

Graham cracker crumbs
Fresh strawberry slices

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

1. Make the Dough

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.

Add milk, butter, and eggs. Stir until combined into a soft dough.
Knead for 8–10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Pro tip: Dough should be smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1–2 hours.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in diced strawberries and jam. Chill until needed.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Have softened butter ready to spread.

4. Roll and Layer

Roll out dough to a 16×12″ rectangle.
Spread butter, then cinnamon sugar.
Spread cheesecake filling evenly on top.

5. Shape and Slice

Roll tightly from the long side.
Slice into 12 rolls using dental floss (for clean cuts).
Place into a greased 9×13” baking dish.

6. Second Proof

Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Pour ¼ cup heavy cream over the rolls for extra gooey texture.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden.

8. Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
Spread over warm rolls.

9. Top and Serve

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs.
Add sliced strawberries.
Serve warm and gooey!

👵 Grandma’s Baking Secrets

Milk temperature matters: “It should feel like a warm bath—not too hot!”

Butter the bowl before rising: Prevents drying and sticking
Double proofing: Ensures fluffy, well-risen rolls
Cream before baking: Traps moisture for gooey centers

🔁 Substitutions & Ingredient Swaps

Frozen strawberries: OK if thawed and drained
Mascarpone: Richer, sweeter substitute for cream cheese
Bread flour: Yields chewier texture
Active dry yeast: Works if dissolved in warm milk first

Brunch Idea? Here is this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble that are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. It’s an easy, comforting dessert that tastes like summer in every bite! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat.

🍓 Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, it’s time to get creative! These flavor-packed rolls are incredibly adaptable, and small tweaks can turn them into totally new treats. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Strawberry Cheesecake Hawaiian Rolls

Use pre-made Hawaiian roll dough for a shortcut version. The slightly sweet, fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Just cut the dough, fill, roll, and bake as usual.

2. Grands Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Short on time? Use Pillsbury Grands refrigerated cinnamon rolls as your base. Flatten each roll, add the strawberry cheesecake filling, and roll it back up before baking. Quick and crowd-pleasing!

3. Strawberry Jam-Only Rolls

Skip the cheesecake layer for a lighter version. Use a generous spread of strawberry jam on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Great for brunch or kids’ breakfasts.

4. Gluten-Free Version

Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum). Keep in mind the dough may be slightly more delicate, so handle with care. The flavor and texture will still be divine!

5. Sourdough Discard Strawberry Rolls

Add sourdough starter discard to the dough for a complex, tangy flavor. You’ll get a slightly denser texture with extra depth, and it’s a great way to reduce waste.

6. Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Use half the amount of dough per roll and bake in a muffin tin for adorable mini versions. Perfect for parties, brunch buffets, or gifting in bakery boxes.

These creative cinnamon roll variations let you customize the flavor, texture, and prep time based on your needs. Whether you’re baking from scratch or going semi-homemade, there’s a version for every occasion.

🧰 Essential Tools

Stand mixer with dough hook
Rolling pin
Greased 9×13-inch baking dish
Unflavored dental floss for slicing clean rolls
Large bowl for proofing dough

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room temp: Store unfrosted rolls in airtight container up to 2 days
Fridge: Frosted rolls last up to 5 days, reheat before serving

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 3 months. Thaw and frost fresh

🧩 Troubleshooting Common Problems When Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Even with the best intentions, baking Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls can come with a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix common issues and avoid baking flops:

1. Dough Didn’t Rise

Possible Cause: The yeast was expired or the milk was too hot and killed it.

Fix: Always test your yeast before using it. Make sure your milk is warm—about 100–110°F—not hot. You can test it on your wrist; it should feel like a warm bath.

2. Rolls Turned Out Dense or Heavy

Possible Cause: Under-proofed dough or over-kneading.
Fix: Allow the dough to rise fully in both the first and second proofs. It should double in size. Don’t rush it!

3. Filling Leaked Out During Baking

Possible Cause: The rolls were overfilled or not rolled tightly enough.

Fix: Spread the filling in an even layer, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll tightly and use dental floss for clean slices.

4. Bottoms Burned Before Tops Were Done

Possible Cause: Oven temperature was too high or uneven.
Fix: Bake in the center rack at 350°F and rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

5. Frosting Was Runny or Slid Off

Possible Cause: Rolls were too hot when frosted.
Fix: Let rolls cool for 10–15 minutes before frosting. If the frosting is too loose, chill it for 10 minutes or add more powdered sugar.

Mastering these tips ensures your cheesecake cinnamon rolls come out bakery-perfect every time!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Why pour cream over cinnamon rolls before baking?

It creates steam, which softens the rolls and adds extra gooeyness. This is a signature trick for Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls.

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon?

Cinnabon uses Makara cinnamon, known for its deep, sweet flavor. Their frosting also uses rich cream cheese, vanilla, and butter—just like this recipe.

What makes a Cinnabon different from a regular cinnamon roll?

Cinnabons are extra-large, gooey, and smothered in cream cheese frosting. Regular cinnamon rolls might be smaller or glazed differently.

What are the key ingredients in strawberry cheesecake?

Cream cheese, strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and sometimes graham cracker crust. This recipe adapts those flavors into a soft, rollable filling.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp and rise before baking the next morning.

Can I use canned dough instead of homemade?

Absolutely. It won’t be as fluffy, but using store-bought dough like Grands is a quick and easy option.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: the nostalgic comfort of a classic cinnamon roll with the indulgent twist of creamy strawberry cheesecake. Whether you’re baking them for brunch, a special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.

Serve them with:

Mimosas
Fresh fruit salad
Easy Oreo cupcakes for the ultimate dessert spread

With each bite, you’ll experience the joy of homemade baking—and a flavor combo that’s truly unforgettable.