Strawberry Cheesecake Sliders Recipe

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Sliders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 5 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, plus more for topping; 1 egg; 1 (12 count) package hawaiian rolls; 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling; 3 Tablespooons butter, melted

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Original Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

5 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners sugar, plus extra for topping
1 large egg
1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and confectioners sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, mix until smooth and well combined.
Add the egg to the mixture and continue beating until the filling is light and fluffy.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, without separating them. Place the bottom layer back into its packaging and set it on a baking sheet.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the bottom layer of the rolls, spreading it evenly.
Top the cream cheese with the strawberry pie filling, spreading it out evenly over the mixture.
Place the top half of the rolls on top of the filling, then brush the top layer with the melted butter.
Cover the rolls with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the top is golden and toasted.
Once out of the oven, dust the rolls with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 259
Total Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 7g (33% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 44mg (15% Daily Value)
Sodium: 268mg (12% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 31g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 14g
Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 16mg (18% Daily Value)
Calcium: 78mg (6% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium: 115mg (2% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Sweet Story Behind Strawberry Cheesecake Sliders

Strawberry cheesecake sliders are a modern twist on the classic cheesecake dessert, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the convenience of a handheld slider. Their origins can be traced back to the United States, where inventive home bakers sought ways to reinvent traditional desserts for brunches, potlucks, and casual gatherings. By using Hawaiian rolls as a base, this dessert not only became easier to serve but also added a subtly sweet and fluffy bread layer that complements the cream cheese and strawberry filling perfectly.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While this dessert is widely associated with American cuisine, regional adaptations often reflect local tastes. In the southern United States, bakers may incorporate pecans or a drizzle of caramel over the strawberry topping for added flavor, while in the Midwest, a hint of lemon zest in the cream cheese filling is popular to balance the sweetness. West Coast variations sometimes use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling, giving the sliders a fresher, lighter taste that suits summer brunches.

How They Differ From Similar Desserts

Unlike traditional cheesecakes that are baked in a single large pan and served in slices, strawberry cheesecake sliders are designed to be individual portions, making them perfect for sharing or serving at casual events. They also differ from strawberry shortcakes, which use biscuits or sponge cakes, as the Hawaiian roll provides a unique, soft, and slightly sweet texture. This combination of slider-style presentation and cheesecake filling is what sets these mini desserts apart from other sweet treats.

Where They Are Commonly Served

Strawberry cheesecake sliders are a favorite at brunches, tea parties, and family gatherings. Their compact size and easy-to-hold format make them ideal for buffets or dessert tables. They are also popular at holiday events, potlucks, and summer picnics, where guests can enjoy a decadent dessert without needing a fork or plate. In cafes and bakeries, these sliders are often featured as a seasonal special during strawberry season.

Fun and Interesting Facts

The use of Hawaiian rolls in desserts became popular in the early 2000s, thanks to home bakers looking for creative, quick solutions for party desserts.
Strawberry cheesecake sliders can be easily customized with toppings such as chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut, or even a hint of liqueur in the cream cheese layer.
Because each slider is individually portioned, they reduce food waste compared to a whole cheesecake, which often leaves leftover slices.
The combination of sweet bread, creamy filling, and fruit topping reflects a broader trend in American cuisine toward playful miniaturized versions of classic dishes.
These sliders are visually appealing, making them a favorite choice for social media food posts and dessert competitions.

FAQ about Strawberry Cheesecake Sliders Recipe

Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling and bread may soften a bit when refrigerated, but they will still be delicious.

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the sliders.

While Hawaiian rolls are the most common choice for this recipe due to their sweetness, you can also use other types of soft rolls, such as brioche or dinner rolls. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the sliders will change depending on the bread you choose.

It is not recommended to freeze the sliders once baked, as the bread may become soggy when reheated. However, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Yes, you can substitute the strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries, but keep in mind that the filling will not have the same sweetness or texture. To make a similar filling, you could cook down fresh strawberries with some sugar to create a sweet, thick syrup.

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling. You can also use less strawberry pie filling or substitute it with a fruit topping that has less sugar.

Yes! You can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness level based on the fruit's natural sugar content.

Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes covered with foil. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the tops are toasted and golden brown.

Strawberry cheesecake sliders are best served warm, right after they are baked. However, you can also enjoy them at room temperature or cold, depending on your preference.