Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls

Introduction

What happens when dessert meets sushi? You get Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls — the viral TikTok dessert that’s stealing hearts (and taste buds). According to Pinterest trend data, “dessert sushi” searches jumped +180% this year, and it’s easy to see why: it’s fun, elegant, and totally customizable.

These rolls combine soft sponge cake “rice,” creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries, all wrapped together and topped with that nostalgic strawberry shortcake crunch. The result? A show-stopping bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just treating yourself at home.


Ingredients List

For the Cake “Rice” Layer:

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla sponge)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

For the Strawberry Crunch:

  • 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
  • 2 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling & Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely diced
  • Strawberry syrup or jam (optional drizzle)

Substitutions:

  • Use angel food cake for a lighter roll.
  • Swap Oreos for vanilla wafers if you prefer a milder crunch.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Bake Time: 15 minutes
  • Assemble & Chill: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Quick, fun, and perfect for beginner bakers!


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layer

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake batter as directed. Line a baking sheet (10×15 inches) with parchment paper and spread the batter evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

Tip: Don’t overbake — a soft, flexible texture is key for rolling.


Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until fluffy and silky. Chill for 10 minutes.


Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch

Combine crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry Jell-O mix, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly and evenly coated. Bake for 5 minutes at 350°F (optional) for extra crunch.


Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Once the cake cools slightly, cut it into long rectangular strips (about 3 inches wide). Spread cheesecake filling evenly on each strip and sprinkle with diced strawberries. Gently roll up each piece to form “sushi” logs.


Step 5: Coat and Slice

Roll the sushi logs in strawberry crunch coating. Slice into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife.

Pro Tip: Chill for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts and firmer texture.


Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top each roll with a small dollop of cheesecake filling, a strawberry slice, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for presentation.


Nutritional Information

NutrientPer 2 Rolls
Calories250 kcal
Protein3 g
Fat14 g
Carbohydrates28 g
Sugar20 g
Fiber1 g

These bite-sized delights pack big flavor for just a fraction of the calories of traditional cheesecake slices.


Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free cake mix and erythritol-based sweeteners.
  • Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use plant-based cookies.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix and cookies.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled with fresh whipped cream or strawberry coulis.
  • Arrange sushi rolls on a bamboo mat for an authentic “dessert sushi” presentation.
  • Pair with iced matcha latte or rosé sparkling water for a sophisticated touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbaking the cake: Makes rolling difficult and causes cracks.
  • Overfilling the rolls: Leads to messy slices—less is more.
  • Skipping the chill time: The filling needs to firm up before slicing.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Best Served: Cold — they taste like a frozen strawberry dream!

Conclusion

These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a whimsical twist on a timeless dessert—sweet, creamy, and perfectly portioned. Whether for birthdays, bridal showers, or weekend fun, they’re guaranteed to wow your guests (and your taste buds).

👉 Try making these today and tag your creations online! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more creative dessert trends and viral recipes.


FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes! Use pre-made pound cake or sponge cake sheets for an easy shortcut.

Q2: How do I make them look more like real sushi?
Wrap the rolls in thin white chocolate or coconut flakes to mimic sushi rice texture.

Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry to prevent sogginess.

Q4: Can I make these ahead for parties?
Absolutely—prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store chilled.

Q5: What other flavors work well?
Try blueberry lemon, mango coconut, or cookies & cream versions!

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls

Recipe by Sara
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

  • 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

  • ½ cup crushed Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers

  • 1 tbsp strawberry jam or syrup

Directions

  • Flatten the Bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread until thin.
  • Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread a thin layer over each slice of bread.
  • Add Strawberries: Spoon chopped strawberries and a bit of whipped cream along one edge of each slice.
  • Roll It Up: Gently roll the bread into tight logs, seam-side down. Slice each roll into 3–4 bite-sized “sushi” pieces.
  • Top and Decorate: Drizzle with strawberry jam and sprinkle crushed cookies on top. Add a small dollop of whipped cream if desired.
  • Serve Chilled: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve — best enjoyed cold and creamy!