Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I arranged the vibrant slices of my freshly made Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll, the light scent of whipped cream and sweet strawberries wafted through the air, instantly brightening my kitchen. This creative dessert reinterprets the beloved flavors of strawberry shortcake and transforms them into an exciting no-bake sushi roll that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence on a cozy evening, this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I guarantee you’ll impress your friends and family with this fun twist on a classic favorite. Ready to roll into the world of whimsical desserts? Let’s dive in! Why is this dessert a must-try? Whimsical and fun: The Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll reinvents a classic favorite, making dessert exciting and visually captivating. No-bake convenience: Whip this up in no time with minimal effort—perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet without the fuss. Crowd-pleaser: Impress your guests with these charming pinwheels that are both light and delicious; they’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen! Versatile: Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist, catering to various tastes. Creative presentation: Serve on a sushi board or tiered platter, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering, just like your favorite Moist Strawberry Shortcake or Strawberry Cake Refreshingly. Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Ingredients For the Sponge Cake Sponge Cake – This provides the base for your strawberry shortcake sushi roll; you can choose between store-bought or homemade, just ensure it’s fully cooled. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Essential for creaminess; mascarpone cheese makes a terrific substitute for a unique twist. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens your filling; this ingredient is crucial and doesn’t have a substitute. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; consider using vanilla bean paste for a richer essence. Whipped Cream – This lightens your filling; flavored whipped cream can add a fun surprise! For the Strawberry Layer Strawberry Preserves – Adds sweetness and a lovely fruity layer; you can swap it for raspberry preserves for a different flavor profile. Diced Fresh Strawberries – These lend freshness and texture; frozen strawberries are an option if properly thawed and drained. Optional Topping Melted White Chocolate – Drizzle this over your rolls for added sweetness; feel free to use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. Embrace the art of dessert-making with this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert — it’s sure to enchant your taste buds and your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake Begin by baking the sponge cake in a jelly roll pan, following package instructions if using store-bought, or your favorite recipe. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm, as this will help maintain the shape of your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll when you roll it. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined, creating a light and airy filling that perfectly complements the sponge cake. Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Roll Spread a generous layer of strawberry preserves evenly over the cooled sponge cake, ensuring every corner is covered. Next, spoon the cream cheese filling over the preserves, spreading it smoothly to create an even layer, preparing to wrap your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll layers together. Step 4: Add Fresh Strawberries Sprinkle diced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese filling, allowing their sweetness and texture to shine through. This step injects brightness into your dessert, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile as you prepare for the rolling process. Step 5: Roll the Cake With the help of parchment paper, carefully lift one short end of the sponge cake and start rolling it tightly toward the opposite end, creating a log shape. Ensure the roll is snug but not too tight to avoid tearing the sponge, resulting in a beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll. Step 6: Chill the Roll Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 20-30 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier, ensuring you achieve tidy pinwheels packed with flavor when you cut your Sushi Roll dessert. Step 7: Slice into Pinwheels Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to maintain clean edges, revealing the delightful layers of your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll for an inviting presentation. Step 8: Serve and Garnish Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a platter, showcasing their vibrant colors. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate over the rolls and garnish with fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream, creating an enticing look for your guests. Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Cool Completely: Ensure your sponge cake is fully cooled before filling; a warm cake can melt the cream cheese mixture, making rolling difficult. Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overload the cake with cream cheese filling or preserves; this can lead to messy rolling and squished pinwheels. Chill for Clean Cuts: Always chill the rolled cake for optimal firmness, making it easier to slice and achieving beautiful, clean edges for your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll dessert. Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is your best friend—this prevents squashing your lovely layers during slicing, ensuring they maintain their appetizing appearance. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different fruits or flavorings in your filling. This versatility keeps the dessert exciting and allows you to customize it to your liking. What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this delightful treat with complementary flavors and textures. Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and blueberries adds a burst of color and tangy goodness that enhances the sweetness of the sushi roll. Whipped Cream: A dollop of softly whipped cream echoes the silky texture of the filling, making each bite feel even richer and more indulgent. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling a warm chocolate sauce brings a decadent twist, contrasting the lightness of the sushi roll beautifully. Iced Herbal Tea: Serve with refreshing iced herbal tea for a light, cooling balance, perfect for a summer gathering or garden party. Coconut Sorbet: This refreshing frozen dessert complements the creamy filling of the roll while adding an exotic flair that delights the palate. Mint Leaves: Garnishing with fresh mint not only visually elevates your presentation but also introduces a refreshing aroma that brightens the overall experience. Crispy Biscotti: For added texture, serve alongside crunchy almond biscotti, creating a fun contrast to the soft, velvety sushi roll. Sparkling Lemonade: Pair with bubbly sparkling lemonade for a fun, zesty drink option, which cuts through the sweetness and refreshes the palate. Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea provides a gentle earthiness that balances the bright flavors of the dessert, enhancing its enjoyment. Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Variations Feel free to put your personal spin on this delightful dessert, making it uniquely yours with these easy variations! Fruit Swaps: Replace strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a delicious twist. Each fruit lends its unique flavor, making every batch special. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sponge cake or mix to cater to gluten sensitivities. You can still enjoy the same light and fluffy texture—no one will know the difference! Flavored Cream Cheese: Experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or cinnamon, for an unexpected burst of flavor. It adds a delightful layer that can elevate the overall taste. Add Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts into the filling for added crunch. This twist introduces a delightful texture contrast that complements the creaminess of the cheese. Alternative Chocolate: Instead of white chocolate, try drizzling with dark or milk chocolate for a more robust flavor profile. Each type of chocolate offers its own unique sweetness and richness. Yogurt Swirl: Mix in some Greek yogurt with the cream cheese for a tangy spin! This can lighten the filling while adding a delicious creaminess that works beautifully with the strawberries. Minty Freshness: Incorporate finely chopped mint into the filling for a refreshing flavor burst. It brightens up the dish, making it perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. To enhance your dessert experience, don’t forget to consider serving it alongside a slice of Red Velvet Strawberry or a warm batch of Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls to create a delightful dessert spread that your guests will love! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sponge cake and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake and cool the sponge cake, then combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create the filling, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain quality and prevent sogginess, avoid adding the fresh strawberries and preserves until just before rolling. On the day you plan to serve, quickly spread the strawberry preserves, add the filling, and roll the cake. Chill for 20-30 minutes to set, slice, and you’ll have delicious Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls ready for your guests with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Fridge: Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious while maintaining their delightful texture. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: To enjoy your frozen sushi roll, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This gradual process helps retain its creamy filling and wonderful taste. Serving: When ready to serve, slice the sushi roll while it’s still chilled, ensuring the pinwheels remain neat and enticingly presentable for your guests. Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for this dessert? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid those with dark spots all over or white tips, as they may not have ripened fully. Locally sourced strawberries often taste sweeter and fresher, enhancing your dessert’s flavor! What’s the best way to store leftover sushi rolls? Very! Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to 1 month; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Can I freeze the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll? Yes, you can! To freeze the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before slicing. What should I do if my sponge cake is too moist? If your sponge cake ends up too moist, this can make rolling tricky. You can lightly toast the cake in the oven at a low temperature (about 200°F) for 5-10 minutes to dry it out slightly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent it from getting hard; the goal is to achieve the right consistency for rolling. Are there any dietary considerations I need to keep in mind? Absolutely! This dessert is vegetarian-friendly, but if you have any allergies, such as to dairy, you can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. As for pets, keep this dessert away from dogs, as chocolate and sugar aren’t great for them. Additionally, always check with guests about allergies to specific fruits or ingredients used. How can I adjust the sweetness of the filling? If you prefer a less sweet filling, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar used in the cream cheese mixture without sacrificing texture. You can taste it after mixing and adjust by adding just a pinch more if desired. Alternatively, using less strawberry preserves can also help balance the sweetness to your liking. Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert combines delightful flavors into a whimsical no-bake treat that's easy to make and perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sponge Cake1 package Sponge Cake store-bought or homemadeFor the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cream Cheese softened1/2 cup Powdered Sugar1 tsp Vanilla Extract1 cup Whipped CreamFor the Strawberry Layer1/2 cup Strawberry Preserves or raspberry preserves1 cup Diced Fresh Strawberries or thawed frozen strawberriesOptional Topping1/2 cup Melted White Chocolate or dark/milk chocolate Equipment jelly roll panMixing bowlsharp knifePlastic wrapParchment paperWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Sponge Cake by baking it in a jelly roll pan, following package instructions if store-bought, or your recipe. Allow to cool completely.Make the Cheesecake Filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.Assemble the Sushi Roll by spreading strawberry preserves over the cooled sponge cake, then add the cheesecake filling evenly.Add diced fresh strawberries over the filling to enhance flavor and appearance.Roll the cake tightly using parchment paper, forming a log shape.Chill the roll wrapped in plastic wrap for 20-30 minutes before slicing.Slice the chilled roll into 1-inch pinwheels, cleaning the knife after each cut.Serve the pinwheels on a platter, drizzling with melted white chocolate if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure the sponge cake is fully cooled before rolling to avoid melting the filling; chill before slicing for clean edges. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!