Lemon Zest Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls With Cinnamon Swirl

Get ready to experience a delightful fusion of flavors with these Lemon Zest Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls with Cinnamon Swirl! These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; we’re taking things up a notch with a creamy, dreamy strawberry cheesecake filling infused with bright lemon zest, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough and finished with a luscious glaze. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. This recipe balances the sweetness of strawberries and sugar with the tangy zest of lemon, creating a truly unforgettable pastry experience. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500 g (4 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough, all-purpose flour provides the structure needed for a soft and chewy roll. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 60 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for the dough): A touch of sweetness to activate the yeast and contribute to the dough’s tender texture.
• 7 g (2 ¼ tsp) Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives our rolls their beautiful rise. Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date and proofing it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the other ingredients.
• 240 ml (1 cup) Warm Whole Milk (110 °F/43 °C): Warm milk provides the ideal temperature for activating the yeast and adds richness to the dough. Using whole milk results in a softer, more flavorful roll, but 2% milk can be used as a substitute.
• 60 g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter adds tenderness and flavor to the dough. Make sure it’s cooled slightly before adding it to the milk and egg mixture to avoid killing the yeast.
• 1 Large Egg: An egg contributes to the dough’s richness, structure, and color.
• ½ tsp Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for the roll swirl): The classic spice that adds warmth and aroma to our cinnamon swirl.
• 250 g (9 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: The star of our filling! Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
• 100 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for the filling): Sweetens the cream cheese filling, complementing the tartness of the strawberries and lemon.
• 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling with its warm, sweet aroma.
• 150 g (1 cup) Fresh Strawberries, Pureed: Fresh strawberries provide a vibrant flavor and beautiful color to the filling. Ensure the strawberries are ripe and sweet for the best results.
• 1 tsp Finely Grated Lemon Zest (filling and glaze): Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the strawberries and cream cheese. Use a microplane to zest the lemon, avoiding the white pith underneath the peel.
• 120 g (1 cup) Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Creates a smooth and glossy glaze that adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• 60 g (¼ cup) Strawberry Purée (for the glaze): Intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze and adds a beautiful pink hue.
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of tartness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness.
• 4 Fresh Strawberries, Thinly Sliced (garnish): A beautiful and flavorful garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Pinch of Toasted Sliced Almonds (optional, garnish): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the finished rolls.

Substitutions

While we recommend using the ingredients as listed for the best results, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Whole Milk: Can be substituted with 2% milk or even plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk), though the texture may be slightly different.
• Fresh Strawberries: In a pinch, you can use frozen strawberries, thawed and drained well.
• Lemon Zest: If you don’t have fresh lemons, a small amount of lemon extract can be used, but it won’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a consistent rise. Creating a well in the center provides a perfect spot for the wet ingredients.
2. Activate the Yeast: Gently warm the milk to 110°F (43°C). This temperature is crucial – too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Add the melted butter and egg to the warm milk and whisk until combined. Pour this mixture into the well in the dry ingredients.
3. Form the Dough: Begin mixing the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough that will hold its shape during rising and baking.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. This prevents the dough from drying out. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This process allows the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that give the rolls their light and airy texture.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and lemon zest until light and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 in) rectangle. The parchment paper makes transferring the rolled dough easier.
7. Assemble the Rolls: Evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling over the dough, leaving a 2 cm (¾ in) border along one long edge. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the filling.
8. Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. A tight roll is essential for creating well-defined swirl patterns in the finished rolls. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 5 cm (2 in) thick.
9. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls seam-side up in a greased 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls proof for 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to become even lighter and fluffier.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
11. Prepare the Lemon-Zest Strawberry Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest until smooth and glossy. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
12. Glaze and Garnish: Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm glaze over them, allowing it to pool in the crevices. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds (optional).

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why Cinnamon Works

The cinnamon swirl isn’t just for flavor; it plays a crucial role in the texture and visual appeal of these rolls. Cinnamon contains compounds that help to tenderize the dough, creating a softer bite. When heated, the cinnamon releases its aromatic oils, infusing the rolls with a warm, comforting scent. The contrasting color of the cinnamon against the strawberry cheesecake filling also creates a beautiful swirl pattern, making these rolls visually irresistible.

Strawberry & Lemon: A Flavor Harmony

The combination of strawberry and lemon is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of the strawberries is perfectly balanced by the bright, zesty acidity of the lemon. This pairing prevents the rolls from becoming overly sweet and adds a refreshing complexity to the flavor profile. The lemon zest, in particular, provides a concentrated burst of citrus aroma and flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Rise

A successful rise is the key to light and fluffy rolls. Here are a few tips: ensure your yeast is fresh; use warm (not hot) milk; create a warm, draft-free environment for rising; and don’t over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can result in tough rolls. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) can provide an ideal rising environment.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These Lemon Zest Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap a roll in plastic wrap and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. A quick brush of melted butter before reheating will help restore some of the original softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing. Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

While cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake flavor, you could experiment with a mixture of mascarpone and ricotta cheese, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Enjoy Your Sweet Creation!

These Lemon Zest Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls with Cinnamon Swirl are a delightful treat perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion. Their vibrant flavors and soft, fluffy texture are sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later!

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