Last summer, my daughter saw a video of dessert sushi and begged me to make it for her birthday party. I'll be honest, I thought it was going to be complicated and weird. But after making these Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll, I understood the hype. They're basically strawberry shortcake disguised as sushi, and they look so impressive that everyone thinks you spent hours on them.
The kids at the party couldn't stop talking about them, and my sister has been asking for the recipe ever since. This fun sushi idea combines sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy filling wrapped up like actual sushi rolls. It's one of those illusion desserts that makes people do a double take.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll is the ultimate party showstopper that's way easier than it looks. If you're hunting for creative dessert sushi ideas or need something unique for a Korean food party, this is it. The combination of fresh berries, soft cake, and sweet cream cheese filling tastes exactly like classic strawberry shortcake but in a totally unexpected form.
My mom was skeptical until she tried one, then she ate three more. These fruit sushi rolls require no baking, no fancy equipment, and you can make them ahead of time. Kids go absolutely wild for them because they're fun, colorful, and taste like candy. Plus, they work as hibachi desserts, strawberry shortcake treats, or just a creative way to serve strawberry desserts at any gathering.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
- Aliana's Top Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
- FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More DESSERT
What You'll Need
Just a few simple ingredients stand between you and these adorable sushi roll desserts. Most of this lives in my pantry or fridge already, which is why I love making them on short notice.
Main Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pound cake or angel food cake (about 10 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
Optional Extras
Drizzle with melted white chocolate, dust with extra powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top when serving. My husband likes to add a mint leaf for that restaurant look.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
Slice the Cake Thin
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice your pound cake horizontally into thin sheets, about ¼ inch thick. You want them thin enough to roll but thick enough that they don't tear. I usually get about 4 to 5 slices from one cake. Lay each slice flat on plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Make the Cream Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until it's smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined and light. This strawberry shortcake filling is the secret to that creamy, dreamy texture.
Spread and Layer
Take one slice of cake and spread a thin layer of strawberry jam across the surface. Then spread about ¼ cup of your cream cheese filling evenly over the jam, leaving about half an inch at the top edge. Line up thin strawberry slices in a row along the bottom edge of the cake, kind of like you're making rolled food.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing. They actually hold their shape better when they're cold, so making them the night before a party is perfect.
Roll It Up Tight
Starting from the strawberry edge, carefully roll the cake up like a jelly roll or Swiss roll, using the plastic wrap to help guide it. Roll it as tightly as you can without squeezing out the filling. Once rolled, wrap it completely in plastic wrap and twist the ends like a candy wrapper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so everything sets.
Slice into Sushi Pieces
After chilling, unwrap the roll and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch thick pieces, just like you would with real sushi rolls. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Roll the outer edge of each piece in graham cracker crumbs to mimic the look of sesame seeds on sushi. Arrange them on a plate and serve.
Aliana's Top Tip
The biggest mistake people make is using cake that's too thick or too crumbly.
Pound cake works best because it's dense and holds together when you roll it.
If you're using angel food cake, freeze it for about 30 minutes first so it firms up and doesn't fall apart.
Also, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened, otherwise you'll end up with lumps in your filling and it won't spread smoothly.
My daughter learned this the hard way when she tried to help me and the filling was all chunky.
Room temperature ingredients are your best friend here.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the pound cake for shortcake biscuits if you want a more traditional strawberry shortcake vibe, just slice them horizontally. You can also use a strawberry roll cake as the base for extra strawberry flavor. For a gluten free shortcake version, use gluten-free pound cake from the store. Want chocolate covered strawberry desserts instead? Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished rolls. You can also make this vegetarian cake style by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based, using coconut whipped cream instead of dairy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store these dessert sushi rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake absorbs some of the cream as it sits, which actually makes them taste even better the next day. Don't leave them at room temperature for more than an hour because the cream will soften too much. These don't freeze well because the texture of the cake changes, so I recommend making only what you'll eat within a few days.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
These are rich and sweet, so I like serving them with fresh fruit on the side or a light green tea to balance things out. They're perfect as part of a dessert sushi platter with candy sushi rolls and other fruit sushi variations. For a full party spread, pair them with cucumber sushi rolls made savory-style, then let guests enjoy both sweet and savory options. My family also loves them alongside strawberry cheesecake egg rolls for a total strawberry dessert feast.
FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling?
Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. The cold helps everything set and hold together. Also, don't overfill with cream or the roll will burst open.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best because frozen ones release too much liquid and make the rolls soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before using.
What kind of cake works best for this recipe?
Pound cake is the top choice because it's sturdy and slices thin without crumbling. Angel food cake works too but needs to be slightly frozen first. Avoid super fluffy or crumbly cakes that won't hold their shape when rolled.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're obsessed with creative dessert ideas like these strawberry shortcake sushi rolls, you'll want to try my Candy Sushi Rolls made with Rice Krispies and gummy candies, perfect for kids' parties. Or check out my Dragon Roll Sushi dessert version with mango and coconut cream. For more fresh berries recipes, my Strawberry Swiss Roll is a classic that never disappoints. You'll find all of these and more meal ideas in my DESSERT category.
Gave this recipe your own spin? Share it on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes; I can't wait to see your take on it!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Recipe:
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