Giant Strawberries & Cream Sweet Roll
This Giant Strawberries & Cream Sweet Roll is the ultimate indulgence. With the softest and fluffiest sweet roll dough, studded with freeze-dried strawberries, and wrapped in strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, this giant roll is baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a showstopper for breakfast or dessert.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Milk of choice
Instant or active dry yeast
Egg
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
Salt
Freeze-dried strawberries
Strawberry jam of choice
Fresh strawberries
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Why You’ll Love a Giant Strawberries & Cream Sweet Roll:
Soft and Fluffy Dough: This sweet roll features the softest, fluffiest dough, making every bite light, airy, and tender. It’s the perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
Studded with Freeze-Dried Strawberries: The dough is infused with freeze-dried strawberries, adding a burst of flavor and an irresistible strawberry aroma in every bite.
Wrapped with Strawberry Jam and Fresh Strawberries: The roll is filled with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, giving it a natural sweetness and a fruity, juicy filling that’s both rich and refreshing.
Giant Size for Sharing: This giant roll is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it a great centerpiece for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion.
Golden Perfection: Baked to a golden brown on the outside, the roll has the perfect balance of crispness and softness, making it irresistible from the first bite.
Creamy and Tangy Cream Cheese Icing: The roll is topped with a generous layer of cream cheese icing, adding a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries, making every bite more indulgent.
Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Whether you serve it for a breakfast treat or as a decadent dessert, this sweet roll will be a hit at any meal.
Ideal for Special Occasions: This giant sweet roll is a perfect option for holidays, brunch gatherings, or celebrations like Mother’s Day or Easter, impressing everyone with its flavor and visual appeal.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor Balance: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese icing creates a harmonious flavor that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Easy to Make and Customize: While it may seem like an elaborate treat, this sweet roll is easy to make. Plus, you can customize it by adding extra fillings or using different berries for variety.
Tips for Making a Giant Strawberries & Cream Sweet Roll:
Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Flavor: Use fresh strawberries for the filling, as they add natural sweetness and juiciness. Make sure the freeze-dried strawberries are crushed into small pieces, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Let the Dough Rest: After mixing the dough, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the gluten relax, resulting in a fluffier texture and making it easier to roll out.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature before making the dough. This helps the dough come together smoothly and rise properly, contributing to a soft and fluffy texture.
Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: When making the dough, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough texture, so stop once everything is incorporated.
Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Environment: After making the dough, allow it to rise in a warm environment for 30 minutes or until it’s doubled in size. This step ensures that the dough becomes light and airy, creating a fluffy texture when baked.
Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure that the strawberry jam and fresh chopped strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the roll. Use a rolling pin to gently stretch the dough into a rectangular shape for the perfect consistency.
Layer the Strawberry Jam and Fresh Strawberries: Spread the strawberry jam evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with fresh chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly over the surface for a juicy, flavorful filling.
Cut the Dough into 2" Strips: After the filling is added, cut the dough into 6, 2" wide strips. This size is perfect for creating a fluffy, spiral effect as you roll up the dough.
Assemble the Giant Sweet Roll: Roll up each strip individually, starting from one end, and place the first rolled strip in the center of a 9" springform or cake pan. Coil the remaining 5 strips around the center roll, starting each strip at the end of the previous one. This creates the signature spiral shape of the giant sweet roll.
Proof the Roll in a Warm Environment: Cover the assembled sweet roll and proof in a warm environment for 45 minutes or until the dough is puffy and risen. This final rise is essential for achieving the perfect texture before baking.
Pour Warm Heavy Cream for Extra Moisture: Before baking, pour warm heavy cream over the top of the dough. This step adds extra moisture and richness to the roll, ensuring it stays soft and decadent throughout.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 Minutes: Bake the sweet roll at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown. The heavy cream will help the roll maintain its soft, moist texture while creating a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
Let the Sweet Roll Cool Slightly Before Serving: After baking, let the sweet roll cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set, ensuring the perfect texture when slicing.
Top with Cream Cheese Icing: Once the roll has cooled slightly, drizzle with cream cheese icing. This adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and jam, elevating the overall flavor of the roll.
Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough through the rolling stage and refrigerate it overnight, covered tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before proofing and baking.
How to Store a Giant Strawberries & Cream Sweet Roll:
Refrigerate for Up to 3 Days: After baking and cooling the sweet roll, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the roll fresh while maintaining its softness and flavor.
Store in a Cake Box or on a Cake Stand: If you don't have an airtight container, you can store the sweet roll in a cake box or on a cake stand with a cover. Just be sure the roll is completely cooled before covering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
Reheat Before Serving: To bring back the warmth and soft texture of the sweet roll, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the entire roll in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is soft again.
Freeze the Sweet Roll for Long-Term Storage: If you need to store the sweet roll for a longer period, freeze it. Slice the sweet roll into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Freeze the Unfrosted Roll: If you prefer to freeze the sweet roll before frosting, assemble the roll and bake it as directed, but skip the cream cheese icing. Once cooled, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and add the frosting before serving.
Store the Cream Cheese Icing Separately: Since the cream cheese icing can lose its texture over time, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-whip the icing slightly before spreading it on the sweet roll when ready to serve.
Prevent Sogginess: If you're storing the sweet roll for several days, place a paper towel in the container beneath the sweet roll to help absorb any moisture and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve the sweet roll at room temperature after reheating. This allows the flavors to come through fully, and the cream cheese icing will soften beautifully.
FAQs:
Q: How long should I let the dough rise before assembling the sweet roll?
A: Let the dough rise in a warm environment for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This rise time is essential for achieving the soft, fluffy texture of the sweet roll.
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries in the filling?
A: Yes! The sweet roll is filled with both fresh chopped strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries, which give it a burst of fresh fruit flavor along with added texture. The combination of both creates a balanced filling that is juicy and flavorful.
Q: How do I assemble the giant sweet roll?
A: After spreading the strawberry jam and topping with chopped fresh strawberries, cut the dough into 6, 2-inch wide strips. Roll up one strip and place it in the center of a 9" springform pan or cake pan, then coil the remaining strips around the center roll. This creates the signature spiral shape of the giant sweet roll.
Q: How long should the assembled dough proof before baking?
A: Cover the assembled dough and let it proof for 45 minutes in a warm environment. The dough should become puffy and risen, ready for baking.
Q: Why do I pour heavy cream over the sweet roll before baking?
A: Pouring warm heavy cream over the top of the assembled dough before baking adds moisture, helping the roll stay soft and rich. It also contributes to a deliciously tender, slightly gooey texture inside, while the outside crisps to golden perfection.
Q: At what temperature and for how long should I bake the giant sweet roll?
A: Bake the giant strawberries & cream sweet roll at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. The cream helps keep the roll soft, while baking at this temperature ensures a beautifully golden exterior.
Q: Can I make this sweet roll ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and let it rise in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. When you’re ready to assemble, let the dough come to room temperature before proceeding with the assembly and final proofing.
Q: How can I ensure the sweet roll is golden and crispy on top?
A: To get the perfect golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture, make sure to bake the sweet roll in the middle rack of the oven at 350°F. The warm heavy cream will keep it moist while helping the top crisp up beautifully.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover giant strawberries & cream sweet roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend freshness. To reheat, warm the roll in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the giant sweet roll?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the proofing and baking steps as usual.
Check out my other Valentine’s-themed recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this giant strawberries & cream sweet roll. Happy baking!
