Name: Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sponge cake sheet (approx. 10×15 inches, homemade or store-bought); 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream; 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, diced; 3 tablespoons (45 g) strawberry preserves or jam; Optional: white chocolate drizzle; Optional: extra whipped cream; Optional: mint leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 20 reviews

If you love the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake but want to wow your friends with a fresh, playful twist, you are going to adore this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe. Imagine all the luscious tastes of soft sponge cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling rolled up neatly just like sushi, creating bite-sized delights full of color and flavor. It’s a fun, delicious way to serve a beloved dessert that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special. This recipe is as impressive as it is approachable, making the magic of strawberry shortcake even more delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A row of sushi rolls is shown on a long white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has an inner layer of a red strawberry piece surrounded by black seaweed, then a layer of white rice tightly wrapped around it. The sushi is topped with a smooth pink sauce, dripping with bright red strawberry sauce. Crushed crumbs are sprinkled on top and around the plate. The focus is on the closest sushi piece with the rest fading into the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe is essential and works together to bring harmony in taste, texture, and appearance. Simple but carefully chosen components turn an ordinary cake into an extraordinary treat that’s creamy, fruity, and just right in sweetness.

Sponge cake sheet: Use a 10×15-inch sponge cake, either homemade or store-bought, as the soft yet sturdy base for rolling.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without graininess.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that deepens the flavor profile.
Whipped cream (1 cup): Folded into the cream cheese for extra lightness and fluffy texture.
Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, diced): Sweet and juicy, these bring bright color and fresh, natural flavor.
Strawberry preserves or jam (3 tablespoons): Spread on the cake for a concentrated burst of strawberry essence that helps hold the roll together.
Optional garnishes: White chocolate drizzle, extra whipped cream, and mint leaves for a beautiful, inviting presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start with a sponge cake sheet that is fully cooled and set on a flat surface like parchment paper or a bamboo rolling mat. This base needs to be flexible enough for rolling without cracking, so ensure it’s fresh or properly stored if made ahead. The light texture of the sponge cake is key to this dessert’s signature softness.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the whipped cream to lighten the mixture. This velvety filling is what gives each slice its luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality and perfectly complements the fruity strawberries.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll

First, spread a thin, even layer of strawberry preserves or jam over the entire surface of the sponge cake. This not only infuses concentrated strawberry flavor but also helps the cream cheese filling stick better. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture uniformly on top of the preserves. Finally, sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries evenly across the filling—these create juicy pockets of sweetness in every bite.

Step 4: Roll

Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll the cake into a tight log, using the parchment paper or rolling mat to guide you and keep the shape consistent. The rolling action firmly packs all the layers together, creating the sushi-like appearance. Chill the roll for 20 to 30 minutes to help it set and make slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

With a sharp knife, cut the chilled roll into 1-inch pieces. These bite-sized portions showcase the beautiful swirl of cake, filling, and strawberries inside. Arrange the slices on a platter, drizzle with white chocolate if desired, and garnish with extra whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for a finishing touch that’s both elegant and inviting.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe

The image shows close-up sushi rolls made with white rice and a dark seaweed layer inside, wrapped around a red and white strawberry center. The rolls are topped with red sauce, white cream-like swirls, and beige crumbly bits scattered on top. The sushi pieces are placed on a white rectangular plate with drops of red sauce around them. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with garnishes for this dessert! A delicate drizzle of white chocolate over each slice instantly elevates the look and adds a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tart strawberries. Fresh mint leaves bring a pop of green and a refreshing aroma, while dollops of whipped cream provide extra indulgence and soft texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries. For a refreshingly light complement, a sparkling rosé or a chilled glass of lemon water cuts through the richness and adds a little fizz to the celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the rolls on a bamboo sushi board or a sleek white platter to emphasize the sushi-inspired design. For a festive touch, add edible flowers or serve each piece atop a small dessert spoon for individual tasting plates. Changing up the preserves—for example, using raspberry or blueberry—can offer colorful variations that still honor the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and sliced, store leftover rolls tightly covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep best within 2 to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the cake from drying out. The cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries are delicate, so enjoy them soon for peak taste.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dessert, it’s best to freeze the whole rolled cake before slicing. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice just before serving. Note that fresh strawberries may lose some texture after freezing, so freezing is ideal for the roll as a whole rather than individual pieces.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes out of the fridge if it feels too chilled, then serve to enjoy its full flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sponge cake for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought sponge cakes work great and save time, just make sure the cake is fresh and pliable enough for rolling without cracking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a thick Greek yogurt mixture, though cream cheese provides the best balance of tang and creaminess for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With some modifications, yes. Use vegan sponge cake, dairy-free cream cheese, and whipped cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How long does it take to prepare this dessert?

The whole process takes about 50 minutes, including chilling time, making it an ideal quick yet impressive dessert to whip up for any occasion.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

While strawberries are classic here, you can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango for a fun twist on the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert Recipe is a charming, fresh way to share the joy of strawberry shortcake in a novel presentation. It’s playful and elegant, sure to impress your loved ones and satisfy sweet cravings with a burst of fruity freshness and creamy comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite dessert to brighten up any day!