Thursday, June 11, 2015

Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls



Doesn't this look awesome? Thank you Carol for sharing another fabulous recipe!!!!!!!!


                                      Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls 

This recipe is the very first sweet roll recipe I created from scratch.

I had been thinking about making a roll with these flavors for quite some time...to the point of trying ideas for them twice. Neither attempt gave me the end result I was looking for. I wanted something like a cinnamon roll, only with strawberries and cream cheese in the filling. A great idea, but I wasn't happy with the the bread in the center of the rolls-the layers of cream cheese and fruit created too much moisture so it was really wet. They tasted great-we ate them-but I knew there had to be a better way.

Finally it hit me-I was going about this all WRONG! I had a "light bulb moment" if you will.....put the cream cheese IN the dough instead of spread it ON the dough. The cream cheese can take the place of butter, PLUS will give a "cheesecake" taste...at least I HOPED it would. Since I always add butter extract and vanilla extract to my sweet roll dough's, both would be included here, as well as freshly grated lemon zest-something I add to my mini cheesecakes. 


Making ropes of bread dough then forming them into coils like I do when making a favorite recipe for Raspberry "Danish" would be PERFECT for these!  

Cyndy sent me a kaboodle of Lorann Double Strength flavored oils to add to melted chocolate to bump up the flavor when making making candy, flavored popcorn or baking...well, one of the the oils she included in the mix is CHEESECAKE! What better way to enhance the flavor of the cream cheese?  The oils are concentrated so a little goes a long way.  These oils can be found in craft stores, baking supply stores and online.

Instead of spreading the strawberry filling onto the bread dough and rolling it inside, why not TOP the bread with the strawberries?  After all-the image of the cheesecake I had in my mind had the strawberries spread on top.

The final hurdle was to get graham cracker crumbs incorporated into the recipe. That part was easy...instead of adding melted butter to graham cracker crumbs and a touch of sugar that I use for the mini cheesecake crust, I would brush the butter onto the rope of dough, then roll it in the graham cracker crumbs-hence a "crust" on the outside of the "cheesecake" roll.

All that was needed was a light glaze over top to make this creation complete. I added a little cheesecake oil to it to further enhance that cheesecake flavor.


FINALLY-the end result I dreamed of. It's everything I wanted and more. The soft, tender roll has a slight cream cheese/cheesecake flavor, the graham crackers add a little crunch to the outside of the rolls when they're fresh out of the oven and the fresh strawberry topping adds a delicious not-too-sweet finale. The crumbs do soften once the rolls are covered for storage, but that's OK-they still taste FABULOUS!

It's been awhile since I've played with some new ideas on this cheesecake roll theme....I'm sensing some experimenting in my kitchen "laboratory" coming up soon. I suddenly have a few more  flavor ideas rolling around in my head to take these on another tasty ride. :)


Carol


STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SWEET ROLLS

STRAWBERRY FILLING
1 (2 lb.) container fresh strawberries, chopped
1/2-3/4 c. granulated sugar (adjust the amount up or down according to the sweetness of the strawberries)
2 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

4-5 drops red food coloring

BREAD DOUGH:
2 1/2-3 c. bread flour
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. instant or quick-rise yeast
1/4 c. warm water (120-130 degrees)
1/4 c. warm milk (120-130 degrees)
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened (light cream cheese can be used)
1 large egg
Grated zest of 1 lemon (about 1 Tbsp.)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. butter extract
1/4 tsp. Lorann cheesecake flavor double strength oil (optional)
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

CONFECTIONERS' SUGAR GLAZE:
1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp. clear vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. Lorann cheesecake flavor double strength oil (optional)
1-2 Tbsp. milk

For the filling, combine the strawberries, sugar and cornstarch in a 10" skillet. Bring the mixture  to a boil, stirring constantly, crushing the berries lightly with the back of a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook and stir until the mixture has thickened.  It will be chunky-that's the end result you want.  Remove from the heat and let the filling cool completely.

For the bread dough, combine 1 1/2 c. flour, sugar, salt and yeast in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Add the warm water, milk and cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is combined. Add 1/2 c. flour, egg, lemon zest, vanilla, butter extract and cheesecake oil. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky.  

Turn the dough onto a floured board. Knead in some of the remaining 1/2-1 c. flour until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. I used about 2 1/2 c. flour total in this dough-that includes the kneading. It all depends on how warm it is in your kitchen and how much humidity is in the air as to how much flour you'll need to add. The dough should be slightly sticky-too much flour will dry the bread out. 


Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. 

Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar and spread the mixture out on a piece of waxed paper.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 15" rope.  Brush each rope with melted butter, then roll the rope in the graham cracker crumb mixture, coating it well.  

Form the rope into a coil, tucking the ends under.  Place the coils on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Sprinkle the coils with any remaining graham cracker crumb mixture.  Cover them lightly with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30-45 minutes.

When the rolls are almost doubled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly press the center of each roll with your fingers to make a hole for the filling. Fill each indentation generously with strawberry filling. I fill the center, then mound and slightly spread the filling on the top of each roll.  

Bake @ 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls are lightly browned. Immediately remove the rolls from the pans to a wire rack and cool completely.


For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, cheesecake oil (if using) and just enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Lightly drizzle the glaze over each roll.  Makes 12.

Featured June 15th 2015  Make It Monday

Featured June 19th 2015  Gator Mommy

Featured June 21 2015 Sunday's Best Link Up

Featured June 22, 2015 Good Tips Tuesday

Featured June 23th 2015 Tasty Tuesdays

Featured July 2nd 2015 Carole's Chatter

72 comments:

  1. Dreams can come true and I Love the way these look. I have the strawberries and want to make Linda's Frapp and these rolls. I'd be in strawberry Heaven. I'm out of the cheesecake flavor and emulsion. need to get more. Love the photo, makes me want to dig right in. Need more? I have lots

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    1. meant to say when I get more i'll have plenty and can send some out

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    2. I'm pretty well stocked with both the oil and the emulsion Cyndy-thanks for asking. :) You know the trials and tribulations I went through with these...the end result was SO worth it though.

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  2. OMGoodness......these look like they came out of a magazine. Carol, your baking and your photos are just amazing. I would probably not make these, since I am not a baker, but I do like to read your blog post and read the recipes. I can imagine your family is treated to your great food every day. Awesome. Can't wait for your next one.

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    1. Thanks Myra-wish I could share 1 or 3 with ya! I don't bake as much as I used to when Robin was living at home and had a passel of friends in and out. Those were the good ol' days. Now I have my fun baking for church bake sales-just had a Bake-a-Thon for one yesterday. I enjoy it.

      The next recipe I'll be sharing is easy and SO good......

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  3. Hi there, I do hope you'll come over to Food on Friday: Berries & Currants to add this to the recipe collection! Cheers from Carole's Chatter

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  4. Hi again, so glad you stopped by to add to the collection. If you would like me to send you a reminder about each new Food on Friday, just drop me a line on ca4ole@gmail.com . Cheers from Carole's Chatter

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    1. Thank you for the invite Carole....sorry I goofed the first time posting-now I know what to do....takes me a bit sometimes. You have a great party going!

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  5. Oh my goodness these look amazing!! I am so glad you dropped these by #FoodieFriDIY...my kids will love these!

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    1. Thank you Michelle-everyone that's tried these has enjoyed them-I hope your family does too. :)

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  6. It is fun when you can see your ideas through! These look delicious!

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    1. It sure is Carlee.....once that little light bulb came on it was smooth sailin!

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  7. The photo of this amazing dessert roll should be in a magazine somewhere...just wonderful

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    1. Thank you do much bj-my husband really enjoys taking food photos and I enjoy that he enjoys doing it. :) I don't have the patience he does when it comes to food photography but he's taught me a lot.

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  8. This looks absolutely heavenly! Thank you for sharing at #OhMyHeartsieGirlsWW! Have a fabulous day!

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    1. Thanks Christine-they're a nice treat with a cup of coffee for breakfast.

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  9. WOW - does this ever look delicious! I'm visiting from "My Favorite Things Saturday"
    Thanks
    Angie
    PS - I wanted to invite you to hop on board the Great Blog Train (blog hop) & this month we are traveling to Kentucky: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2015/06/the-great-blog-train-30-giveaway.html

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    1. Thank you Angelique- I wish I could pass one over to you. :)

      Off to check out your Great Blog Train-thanks so much for the invitation.

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  10. Oh my goodness! This looks fantastic and the recipe is perfect. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

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  11. If these taste half as good as they look they must be absolutely divine.

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  12. I gotta tell ya Heidi-these are one mighty great tasting roll...we thought they lived up to being as good as they look. Hope you do too! :)

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  13. Oh this is so getting pinned and tried. It looks AMAZING! Thank you so much for sharing it with us at the #HomeMattersParty this week!

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    1. Thanks so much for the pin Nicole...I hope you love them as much as we do. :)

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  14. This is another winner of a recipe! Thank you for posting it over at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.

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  15. Oh this looks a bit decadent but I'll have some thank you! Thanks for sharing at the #AnythingGoes Linkup party

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  16. For a first time making a sweet roll, it looks amazing! I know I couldn't do that well on my first time out. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! - Jerusha, TheDisneyChef.com

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    1. Thanks Jerusha-I've been making bread for years, but this one is the first one I created on my own.....it was lots of fun and has led to even more sweet roll "experiments"...some great...some not so much. :)

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  17. WOW! This is melt-in-your-mouth sweet goodness :) Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe! Happy Monday!

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    1. You're so welcome, Stephanie. I hope you enjoy them if you decide to give them a try.

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  18. Wow your recipe looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing at Cooking and Crafting with J & J party!

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    1. Thanks so much for popping in Julie. :)

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  19. Oh, yummy! That looks awesome :)

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  20. Wowsers, this looks so good! I'll put the kettle on shall I!?

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    1. Hi Debs.....yes indeed....you put the kettle on and I'll bring the rolls. :)

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  21. Holy cow this sounds delicious!

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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    1. Thank you Jess-they're really good! :)

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  22. This look Yummy!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday - Link Party!! Hope to see you again this week!! Love having you!! Pinned!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Elaine and thanks for the pin too ;)

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  23. Yum! This looks amazing!

    By the way, I'd love to have you share some posts at my new blog hop—The Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home (www.myflagstaffhome.com). It begins on Thursday evening and lasts through the weekend, if you're interested.

    Jennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer.....I'm just a guest poster....Linda owns the blog so I'm passing your message about your Blog Hop on to her.

      Thanks so much :)

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  24. I think I might make this for my mother-in-law's birthday afternoon tea on Sunday. Thanks for sharing with us at #WednesdaysWisdom

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    1. I hope your mother-in-law enjoys them if you decide to give them a try, Sue. I'm sure she'll have a wonderful time at her tea-what a lovely thing to do for her.

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  25. Oh wow, I want this right now! Pinning :)

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    1. I wish I could reach through the screen and give you one! :) Thanks so much for the pin.

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  26. Oh my goodness Carol! How totally gorgeous! Thank you so much for linking up to Thriving on Thursdays. I am so going to try these once strawberries come back into season here in Australia. I'm featuring this one at tomorrow's party. Thank you so much for coming. Please come again. Your recipes you posted are just gorgeous.

    Anne @ Domesblissity xx

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    1. Thank you for featuring the rolls, Anne...I'm so happy Linda shared the recipe here on her blog. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. :)

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  27. Strawberries are almost ready around here, and this looks like a great way to use them! Visiting from Thriving on Thursdays :)

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    1. It sure is a great way to have a serving of strawberries, Jenn! :)

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  28. These certainly do look delicious and congrats on first time making sweet rolls! I have featured them via last week's Say G'day Party! My blog post will be live today! Pinned and shared and hope to see you at this week's party!

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    1. Thank you Joanne....I've been making bread for years but had yet to create a recipe on my own...this was my first and has led to quite a few other bread "experiments".

      Thanks for the pin and share. :)

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  29. My mouth is watering over these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls. Fresh Strawberries are being picked in our area right now. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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    1. Thank you Kathy-strawberry picking season JUST began here. The perfect excuse to make these again. :)

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  30. This roll looks so delicious! I love sweet rolls, too. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week.

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    1. Thanks Sherry-they're so good and a lot of fun to make.

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  31. This looks delicious - I love your recipes :) 'Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.

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    1. Thanks so much Amber and thank you for the pin too! :)

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  32. Your first time creating a sweet roll from scratch? These look wonderful, I bet mine wouldn’t look so picture perfect. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday linkup. Pinned to our linkup board.

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    1. Yes indeed Tanya-my first "creation" from brain to board.....and boy was I happy when it turned out as good as it looked and tasted in my mind! I bet yours would look exactly the same as these. Wish I could pass the plate to you through the screen. :)

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  33. I'm in love with this! Thank you for sharing this with us! Pinned and tweeted! I hope to see you at tonight's party. We are always so impressed with your creations and can't wait to see them! Lou Lou Girls

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    1. Thanks so much Kimberly-there's lots to love about these, that's for sure. Thank you for the pin and tweet too! :)

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  34. Yum, Yum! Another delicious treat! I could not bake as often as you do. I would be gobbling constantly. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks Jann...I don't bake like I used to any more.....sadly. I miss the days of a houseful of kids in and out every day-then I could bake and it would disappear in no time! With just 2 of us here, I have to bake and send it of the house to work with my husband or wait until I have an occasion to take it some place. Darn it.....cause I LOVE to bake! If it's here? I tend to do a lot of "gobbling" too. :)

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  35. What gorgeous Sweet Rolls! Love the strawberry cheesecake filling too! Pinned :-) Thank you for sharing with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.

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