Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls! I nearly caused a stampede at my niece’s birthday party when I brought these out last summer. Who knew rolling up classic strawberry shortcake ingredients like sushi would be such a showstopper? The looks on people’s faces when I unveiled these little rolls of joy – pure magic!
What makes these so special is how they take all those familiar flavors we love (you know – sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, that dreamy whipped cream) and turn them into something totally unexpected. No oven required, just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and suddenly you’ve got the most Instagram-worthy dessert that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. My sister’s kids still beg me to make these every time I visit!
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Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these little rolls will become your new go-to dessert. Here’s why:
- No oven needed – Perfect for when it’s too hot to bake or you’re just feeling lazy (we’ve all been there!)
- Ready in 15 minutes flat – Faster than running to the bakery when surprise guests show up
- Looks like you spent hours – That gorgeous spiral slice? Total wow factor with minimal effort
- Kids go nuts for them – My niece calls them “dessert worms” and thinks they’re magic
- Endless ways to customize – Swap fruits, add chocolate drizzle, or mix extracts into the cream
Seriously, once you see how easy and impressive these are, you’ll want to make them every weekend!
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
Gather these simple ingredients – trust me, you probably have most already!
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced (about 10 medium berries)
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled overnight for best whipping
- 1 sheet (9×13-inch) sponge cake, trimmed to ¼-inch thickness (store-bought works great!)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – the good stuff makes all the difference
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No sponge cake? No problem! Angel food cake works beautifully here – just make sure it’s not too soft or it’ll tear when rolling. For my dairy-free friends, coconut cream whips up wonderfully (chill the can overnight first).
Strawberries not in season? Thinly sliced peaches or kiwis make fabulous substitutes. One important tip: whatever fruit you use, pat it dry with paper towels – excess moisture makes soggy rolls (and nobody wants that)!
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Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Will Wow Everyone
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a fun twist on traditional desserts. Fresh strawberries, cake, and cream come together in a sushi-inspired presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 sheet sponge cake or pound cake, flattened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Lay the flattened cake sheet on a clean surface.
- Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cake.
- Arrange strawberry slices in a line along one edge.
- Roll the cake tightly from the strawberry side.
- Slice into sushi-sized pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
- Chill before serving for easier slicing.
- Add chocolate drizzle for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll be shocked how little you need to make these fancy-looking rolls! Here’s my go-to toolkit:
- Bamboo rolling mat (or parchment paper in a pinch) – keeps everything tidy
- Sharp serrated knife – crucial for clean slices without squishing
- Mixing bowls – one large, one medium, chilled if possible
Bonus points if you have a piping bag (or ziplock with corner snipped) – makes spreading that cream a breeze!
These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a fun, creative twist on dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends. Imagine fluffy cake, creamy filling, and sweet strawberries all rolled into bite-sized perfection. For another must-try strawberry treat, check out these Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos—they’re crunchy, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
Okay, let’s get rolling – literally! These come together so fast you’ll laugh when you see how impressive they look. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be a dessert sushi master in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling
First things first – that luscious cream filling! Here’s my foolproof method: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes (trust me, this helps). Pour in the cold cream, then beat on medium until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip until you get stiff peaks – when you lift the beaters, the peaks should hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
Lay your cake sheet flat on a clean surface or rolling mat. Spread the whipped cream in an even layer, leaving about half an inch bare at the far edge. Now arrange those gorgeous strawberry slices in a straight line about 1 inch from the nearest edge – this will be the center of your roll! Here’s the fun part: starting from the strawberry side, roll the cake up tightly (use your mat to help guide it if needed). Apply gentle but firm pressure as you go – we want those beautiful swirls!
Step 3: Slice and Serve
Pop your rolled masterpiece in the fridge for 15 minutes – this makes slicing way easier. When ready, use a sharp wet knife (wipe between cuts) to slice into 1-inch pieces. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that perfect finishing touch!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
After making these dozens of times (and yes, learning from my mistakes), here are my golden rules for sushi roll success:
- Pat those berries dry! Extra juice means a soggy mess – I use paper towels and gently press each slice
- Roll away from your body – Sounds silly, but it gives you better control and tighter spirals
- Wait to dust – Powdered sugar dissolves fast, so always add it after slicing for that perfect snowy look
- Timing is everything – Serve within 2 hours or the cake gets too soft (though let’s be real, they never last that long!)
Follow these simple tricks and your rolls will look as good as they taste!

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, the fun really begins! My family loves when I switch things up – here are our favorite twists:
- Chocolate lovers’ dream: Drizzle warm ganache over the rolls right before serving – the contrast with fresh berries is incredible
- Matcha magic: Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder into the cream for a earthy-sweet flavor that looks stunning against the red berries
- Tropical vibes: Alternate strawberry and kiwi slices for a gorgeous green-and-red spiral that tastes like summer
The best part? These variations take literally seconds to try – just swap one ingredient and boom, whole new dessert!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, presentation is half the fun with these rolls! I love arranging them on a bamboo sushi platter with small bowls of matcha green tea for dipping (sounds weird, tastes amazing). For parties, pair with scoops of vanilla ice cream – the warm cake and cold cream create magic. Last summer I scattered edible flowers around the plate and my guests thought I’d ordered from a fancy bakery!
Storage & Reheating
These little guys are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store them, pop them in the fridge for up to 24 hours (the cake gets softer over time). Freezing? Big no-no – the texture turns all weird. And reheating? Don’t even think about it – these are strictly a cold, creamy delight!
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls Nutrition Information
Just a quick heads up – these nutrition estimates can vary based on your exact ingredients and brands. These sweet little rolls are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation (but good luck stopping at just one)!
Want even more viral dessert ideas? Follow us on Pinterest where we share daily sweets, trending recipes, and creative twists that are perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to 2 hours before serving – just wait to slice them until right before. Any longer and the cake starts absorbing too much moisture from the cream.
Best cake alternatives?
Angel food cake works beautifully if you can’t find sponge cake. Genoise is another great option – just make sure whatever you use isn’t too soft or crumbly. Pound cake can work in a pinch too!
How to prevent soggy rolls?
Two golden rules: pat those strawberry slices dry with paper towels, and don’t go overboard with the whipped cream filling. A thin, even layer is all you need for that perfect texture.
Vegan version?
Easy peasy! Use chilled coconut cream instead of dairy cream (just make sure it’s the thick kind from a can). Pair it with your favorite dairy-free cake – I’ve had great success with vegan pound cake.
Did you make these? I’d LOVE to see your creations! Tag me @YourHandle or leave a rating below – your feedback helps other dessert adventurers!