Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll

Last Saturday, Max's friend came over and saw these on the counter; his eyes got huge and he said "Wait, is that SUSHI made of CAKE?!" The pure joy on his face when he took a bite was everything. These strawberry shortcake sushi rolls prove that the most memorable desserts don't need to be complicated; just creative enough to make people smile before they even taste the sweet strawberry cream filling wrapped in soft cake with that satisfying crunch from graham cracker coating.

What is Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll

Strawberry shortcake sushi roll is a creative no bake dessert that mimics traditional sushi by wrapping cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries in thin layers of pound cake or sponge cake, then coating it with crushed graham crackers and drizzling with strawberry sauce for a fun take on classic strawberry shortcake. Unlike actual sushi that uses rice and raw fish, this dessert sushi uses sweet ingredients to create bite sized treats that look impressive but require zero cooking skills. The result is an adorable party dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry cheesecake with the presentation of Japanese sushi rolls.

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll

Our strawberry shortcake cheesecake sushi roll recipe uses store bought pound cake that gets rolled thin to prevent cracking, combined with a stabilized cream cheese filling that holds its shape when sliced. The secret is letting the rolls chill completely in the fridge so they set up firm enough to slice cleanly without the filling squishing out the sides. This method ensures picture perfect dessert sushi pieces that look just like the real thing but taste like sweet strawberry heaven.

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Ingredients

For the Sushi Rolls:

• 1 store bought pound cake or angel food cake
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

For Garnish:

• Whole fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra graham cracker crumbs

Step by Step Method

Prep Cake for Rolling

• Slice pound cake horizontally into ½ inch thick slabs
• Use rolling pin to gently flatten each slice until thin and pliable
• The cake should be thin enough to roll without cracking
• Work on parchment paper to prevent sticking

Make Cream Cheese Filling

• Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy
• Add vanilla extract and mix until completely combined
• Filling should be spreadable but thick enough to hold shape
• Refrigerate for 10 minutes if too soft to work with

Assemble the Sushi Rolls

• Spread thin layer of cream cheese mixture on flattened cake slice
• Place line of diced strawberries along one short edge
• Roll cake tightly around filling like a jelly roll
• Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours minimum

Coat and Finish Like Real Sushi

• Spread thin layer of cream cheese on outside of chilled rolls
• Roll in graham cracker crumbs to coat completely
• Slice into 1 inch pieces using sharp serrated knife
• Arrange cut side up on serving platter like sushi

Create Strawberry Sauce Drizzle

• Blend fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth
• Heat in small saucepan over medium heat until bubbling
• Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook 1 minute until thickened
• Let cool slightly then drizzle over sliced sushi rolls

What Pairs Well With Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll?

These fun strawberry sushi rolls pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, chocolate fondue, or fresh fruit salad for complete dessert spreads. Try them alongside other finger desserts like cake pops or brownie bites for party dessert tables. For brunch gatherings, serve with mimosas, fresh berries, or coffee for an Instagram worthy spread that guests will remember.

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Variations

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Dessert Sushi Rolls

• Use actual cheesecake layer instead of pound cake for the wrap
• Increase cream cheese filling for double cheesecake flavor
• Roll in crushed vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers
• Creates richer, more decadent version for cheesecake lovers

Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Sushi

• Use chocolate pound cake or brownie as the wrapper
• Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling
• Roll in crushed Oreo cookies for chocolate coating
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce along with strawberry sauce

Tropical Fruit Sushi Rolls

• Replace strawberries with diced mango and pineapple
• Add shredded coconut to cream cheese filling
• Roll in toasted coconut flakes instead of graham crackers
• Use passion fruit sauce or mango puree for tropical twist

Lemon Blueberry Dessert Sushi

• Add lemon zest to cream cheese filling for brightness
• Use fresh blueberries instead of strawberries
• Roll in crushed lemon cookies or shortbread
• Drizzle with blueberry sauce for beautiful color

Equipment

• Rolling pin for flattening cake slices
• Sharp serrated knife for clean slicing
• Parchment paper for easy rolling
• Plastic wrap for chilling rolls
• Small blender for strawberry sauce

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Storage Tips

Best Fresh

• Serve within 2 hours of slicing for the crispiest graham cracker coating
• Fresh cut sushi rolls have the best visual presentation
• Cream cheese filling is most stable at cool room temperature
• Strawberry sauce is most vibrant when freshly made

Make Ahead Strategy

• Roll and chill the sushi logs up to 24 hours before serving
• Wait to slice and coat until serving time for best texture
• Make strawberry sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate
• Store unsliced rolls tightly wrapped in plastic in fridge

Leftover Storage

• Store sliced sushi rolls in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
• Graham cracker coating will soften slightly but still tastes delicious
• Let come to cool room temperature for 15 minutes before serving

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll FAQs

Your New Party Dessert Winner

Now you have the secrets to creating these incredible strawberry shortcake sushi rolls that prove dessert doesn't have to be boring to be delicious. This recipe shows that the most memorable sweets combine creativity with familiar flavors everyone already loves; no fancy techniques required.

Ready for more strawberry desserts? Try our Strawberry Pound Cake for classic Southern sweetness, or explore our Strawberry Poke Cake for easy crowd pleasing results. For elegant berry desserts, our Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake uses similar creamy techniques with sophisticated caramelized fruit flavor.

Share your strawberry shortcake sushi rolls! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #StrawberryShortcakeSushiRoll; we're dying to see your creative dessert sushi presentations and hear about your family's reactions to this fun twist on strawberry shortcake!

Star ⭐️ Rate this strawberry shortcake sushi rolls recipe and join our community of creative dessert lovers!

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