If you’re looking for a fun and creative dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, these Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a must-try. Soft sponge cake or crepes are layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then rolled up and sliced to look like adorable sushi pieces. It’s a playful, no-bake treat that’s perfect for parties, spring gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with something truly unique.
The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how easy they were—and how quickly they disappeared! Once, I added a drizzle of strawberry sauce and white chocolate on top, and it made them taste like a bakery masterpiece. Light, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these sweet sushi rolls are pure joy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a fun dessert twist that turns a classic into a modern, elegant treat. They’re easy to assemble, require no baking, and are completely customizable. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries makes for a refreshing and indulgent bite-sized dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
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Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls: A Sweet, Creamy Twist on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creative dessert twist on sushi! These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls feature soft vanilla cake or rice, sweet cream filling, and fresh strawberries — rolled up and sliced into adorable bite-sized dessert sushi pieces perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice (or 1 thin sheet of vanilla sponge cake)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar (if using rice)
- ½ cup whipped cream cheese or mascarpone
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 6–8 fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs
- Strawberry sauce or melted white chocolate, for drizzle
Instructions
- If using rice: Mix warm sushi rice with sugar, vanilla extract, and rice vinegar. Stir gently and let cool to room temperature. If using sponge cake, trim to form a thin, even rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a bamboo sushi mat or clean surface. Spread the sweet rice (or cake layer) evenly into a thin rectangle.
- Spread the cream mixture evenly over the rice or cake, leaving a small border on one side.
- Arrange sliced strawberries in a single line across the center.
- Carefully roll up tightly, using the plastic wrap to help shape the roll. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Remove plastic wrap and slice the roll into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
- Sprinkle with crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs and drizzle with strawberry sauce or melted white chocolate before serving.
Notes
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Use raspberries, mango, or kiwi for a fun fruit variation.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or dessert platters.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion / Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sponge cake or vanilla Swiss roll cake – The soft “rice” base that holds the filling together. You can also use thin crepes or pound cake slices.
Fresh strawberries (diced) – Sweet, juicy, and the star of this dessert sushi.
Whipped cream or whipped topping – Light and airy, it adds that signature shortcake creaminess.
Cream cheese (softened) – For richness and to help the filling hold its shape.
Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the filling.
Vanilla extract – Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the cream filling.
Strawberry jam or puree (optional) – Adds extra sweetness and vibrant color.
White chocolate drizzle (optional) – For an elegant finishing touch.
Coconut flakes or crushed vanilla wafers (optional) – Perfect for coating the rolls.
Directions
- Prepare the cake base:
Use a store-bought sponge cake or make your own. Trim the edges so you have a thin, even rectangle. If using crepes, lay 2–3 slightly overlapping to form a large sheet. - Make the filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream until light and fluffy. - Assemble the roll:
Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cake or crepe surface, leaving a small border along one edge. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the cream. - Roll it up:
Starting from one end, gently roll the cake into a tight log, similar to a sushi roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up. - Slice the rolls:
Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled roll into 1-inch pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices. - Finish and decorate:
Drizzle with strawberry jam or melted white chocolate. Garnish with coconut flakes, wafer crumbs, or extra strawberry pieces. - Serve:
Arrange the pieces on a platter and serve chilled. Pair with a cup of tea or sparkling lemonade for the perfect sweet treat.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–16 sushi rolls and serves 4–6 people. It takes about 25 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for chilling and slicing.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as the whipped cream and strawberries lose their texture when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Strawberry Rolls
Use chocolate sponge cake and drizzle with dark chocolate for a rich twist.
Tropical Shortcake Rolls
Replace strawberries with mango, pineapple, or kiwi for a tropical variation.
Matcha Shortcake Sushi
Add matcha powder to the cake or filling for a subtle green tea flavor.
Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls
Use a thicker cream cheese filling and a swirl of strawberry jam for cheesecake-like richness.
Mini Strawberry Roll-Ups
Use smaller cake pieces or tortillas for bite-sized versions.
Vegan Version
Use coconut whipped cream and a vegan sponge or crepe base.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes! Pound cake, angel food cake, or sponge cake all work well for this recipe.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and chill the roll up to a day ahead, then slice just before serving.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best, but thawed frozen ones can be used if drained well.
4. Can I skip the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use only whipped cream for a lighter filling.
5. Can I make these into dessert wraps?
Yes, roll the filling in tortillas or crepes for a fun, handheld dessert.
6. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely—blueberries, raspberries, or peaches all taste great.
7. How do I make the rolls neater?
Chill the cake before slicing and use a sharp, clean knife for smooth cuts.
8. Can I dip them in chocolate?
Yes! Dip the ends in melted white or dark chocolate for a fancier presentation.
9. Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes, it works perfectly for stability and ease.
10. What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve chilled on a sushi platter with chopsticks for a fun presentation.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a playful, elegant dessert that turns a beloved classic into something fresh and exciting. With creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and soft cake rolled into sushi-style bites, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for spring parties, birthdays, or a creative dessert night, these sweet sushi rolls are proof that dessert can be both beautiful and delicious.
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