These strawberry cream cheese roll ups feature a luscious filling of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese rolled in soft bread. Toasted to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, they make a delightful breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
I stumbled upon this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning when I realized we had no cereal but plenty of bread and cream cheese. The smell of cinnamon toasting in the skillet filled the whole house and immediately woke everyone up. It turned a boring breakfast into something that felt like a special occasion without any real effort.
My kids usually complain about fruit in their dessert, but they devoured these before I could even set the plate down. I remember watching them try to sneak a second one while I was still cleaning the skillet. It is now the only way I can get them excited about helping in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it is completely soft so you do not tear the delicate bread.
- Fresh Strawberries: Dicing them small keeps the filling even and prevents the roll ups from getting soggy.
- White Sandwich Bread: Removing the crusts is essential for rolling them tight enough to hold the filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting it makes it much easier to brush evenly over every nook and cranny.
- Cinnamon Sugar: This creates that beautiful, crunchy shell that mimics a churro.
Instructions
- Mix the Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until fluffy, then gently fold in the strawberries.
- Flatten the Bread:
- Use a rolling pin to press each slice into a thin, square sheet.
- Fill and Roll:
- Spread the mixture onto the bread and roll them up as tightly as possible.
- Butter and Coat:
- Brush the rolls with butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cook to Perfection:
- Fry them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
These became a staple during our rainy weekend movie marathons. There is something so comforting about holding a warm, crispy roll in your hands.
Making Them Ahead
You can assemble the roll ups and keep them in the fridge wrapped in plastic. Just wait to coat them in cinnamon sugar until right before you cook them.
Serving Suggestions
A drizzle of chocolate sauce takes these over the top. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of black coffee to cut through the sweetness.
Getting Creative
Do not be afraid to swap the fruit for whatever is in season. Blueberries or even sliced peaches work beautifully here.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar coating for warmth.
- A drop of almond extract in the cream cheese adds a sophisticated note.
- Serve immediately for the best texture experience.
I hope these little roll ups bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Enjoy every warm, sweet bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different fruit?
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Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or thinly sliced bananas for variety.
- → How do I make these roll ups crispier?
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Ensure you cook them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
- → Can I add extra flavor?
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Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam before adding the cream cheese mixture for an extra fruity kick.
- → What can I serve with these roll ups?
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They pair well with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
- → Are these roll ups vegetarian?
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Yes, these strawberry cream cheese roll ups are vegetarian as they contain no meat or fish products.