If you love the classic charm of strawberry shortcake and the playful twist of sushi presentation, you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe. Imagine biting into a delightful no-bake treat where tender pound cake meets creamy cheesecake filling and bursts of fresh strawberries, all rolled up sushi-style and topped with a luscious strawberry sauce. It’s a dessert that feels like a fun surprise, perfect for impressing guests or indulging your sweet cravings with something truly unique and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a dessert roll placed on a white marbled surface, showing three main visible layers: the outer golden crumb coat sprinkled with fine crumbs, a thin white creamy layer beneath it, and a bright red strawberry filling layer peeking from the side. Surrounding the roll are ingredients arranged neatly, including a bowl of white powdered sugar and a bowl of whole red strawberries on the top, a bowl of chopped strawberries below, a rectangular block of soft white cream cheese, and a small pile of light brown crumbs next to a butter knife. There is a white marble cutting board with square golden-brown crackers stacked on the right, partially overlapping a yellow lemon. A wooden rolling pin rests diagonally in the bottom right corner, and a piece of gray fabric peeks from below it. The entire setting is on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe brings together simple yet essential ingredients that create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the soft pound cake forming the “rice” base to the creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries adding freshness and brightness.

1 loaf Pound cake or angel food cake: Choose a moist, sturdy cake so it holds together well when rolling.
8 oz Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for a perfectly smooth filling texture.
¼ cup Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without any grit.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Provides a subtle warmth that enhances the sweetness.
1 cup Fresh strawberries (diced): Adds juicy bursts of flavor throughout the filling.
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs: For that classic crunch and to coat the finished rolls.
1 cup Fresh strawberries (for sauce): Hulled and ready to become a vibrant drizzle.
2 tablespoons Sugar: Balances the tartness in the strawberry sauce.
1 tablespoon Lemon juice: Brings brightness and a fresh zing to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Additional whole strawberries, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs: For garnishing and adding extra visual appeal and texture.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Pound Cake

Start by slicing the pound cake into thin, even sheets — no thicker than a half-inch so that it is pliable yet sturdy. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice evenly. This will mimic the thin layer of sushi rice and make rolling easier and cleaner.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth and creamy. This sweet and tangy filling is the heart of the rolls, giving them the irresistible cheesecake flavor. Stir in the diced fresh strawberries carefully so you get juicy pockets of strawberry surprise in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Spread an even layer of the cream cheese and strawberry filling across each flattened cake slice. Then, tightly roll the cake into a sushi log, making sure the filling stays evenly distributed as you roll. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to help them keep shape.

Step 4: Chill the Rolls

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together and the rolls to firm up, making them easier to slice cleanly.

Step 5: Coat and Slice the Rolls

Once chilled, carefully unwrap the rolls and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the outside of each. Then roll the outsides in graham cracker crumbs to add that signature shortcake crunch. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolls into 1-inch sushi-sized pieces, cleaning the knife between cuts to keep edges neat.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

While your rolls chill, blend fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice to create a vibrant sauce. Cook the mixture gently, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it to a perfect pourable texture. This sauce is the finishing touch that elevates the dessert visually and taste-wise.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe

A close-up image of a sushi roll arranged in a row on a long white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each sushi piece has three visible layers: the outer white rice layer with a soft, slightly sticky texture, a middle layer of white cream filling, and fresh red strawberry pieces in the center. On top of each sushi roll, there are halved strawberries placed in a neat line, sprinkled with light crumbly beige crumbs. A light brown sauce is drizzled around the sushi on the plate, adding contrast to the bright colors. A whole strawberry is placed on the side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe really shines when you add your personal touch with garnishes. Whole strawberries placed artfully on top bring freshness and color, while a dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and whimsy. Sprinkle a bit more graham cracker crumbs for texture contrast and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Although these rolls are delightful enough to stand on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing mint tea can round out the experience wonderfully. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad work well too if you want to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert, serve the strawberry shortcake sushi rolls on a wooden sushi platter with parchment paper underneath. Add edible flowers or mint leaves for an elegant touch. You can also arrange the rolls in a circle around a bowl of strawberry sauce for dipping, turning this dessert into an interactive treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry shortcake sushi rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 2 days without losing their texture or flavor. Make sure to cover them well to prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and fresh strawberries can become grainy and watery after thawing. Fresh is best for enjoying this delightful dessert.

Reheating

Since this dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat. Simply take them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let the flavors mellow slightly and the cake soften just a touch.

FAQs

Can I use angel food cake instead of pound cake?

Absolutely! Angel food cake is a lighter option and works beautifully in this recipe, giving the rolls a fluffier texture. Just make sure it is sliced thinly and flattened gently.

How far in advance can I make these rolls?

You can prepare the rolls up to a day ahead, keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge, and add the graham cracker coating and strawberry sauce right before serving to maintain maximum freshness.

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with whipped cream?

While whipped cream adds lightness, cream cheese provides the tangy richness that defines strawberry shortcake flavor. You could fold whipped cream into the cream cheese to lighten it, but pure whipped cream might be too soft to hold the rolls together well.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pound cake or angel food cake and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to ensure the dessert stays safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

What is the best way to slice the sushi rolls cleanly?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean with a warm damp cloth between cuts. This prevents the filling from smearing and helps achieve smooth, attractive slices.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Recipe—it’s playful, beautiful, and downright delicious. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for special occasions or a delightful treat to elevate any day, these sushi rolls will bring smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try making them and discovering how easy it is to wow with this creative take on a beloved classic.