These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a delightful and unexpected treat, blending the fun look of sushi with the classic flavors of a strawberry dessert. This no-bake dessert sushi is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, perfect for surprising your family or delighting guests.
My sister Jennifer had a magical way of making food fun. This playful Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll reminds me of her creative spirit, taking a classic flavor we adored and turning it into something unexpected and joyful. This beautiful sushi dessert feels like a recipe she would have dreamed up herself.
The Little Things That Make This Roll Special
- A Creative Twist: This recipe reimagines a classic dessert in a fun, new format.
- No-Bake Recipe: Perfect for a quick and impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
- Visually Stunning: The beautiful pinwheel slices make this strawberry sushi roll a showstopper for parties and gatherings.
- Cheesecake-Like Filling: The sweetened cream cheese offers a rich and creamy texture that perfectly complements the fresh strawberries.
What You’ll Need for These Sweet Rolls
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 sheet nori (optional for structure)
- Strawberry sauce, for drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
A Couple of Helpful Kitchen Tools
The Trusty Bamboo Mat
A bamboo mat is my go-to for gently shaping these dessert sushi rolls into a perfect log.
A Sheet of Plastic Wrap
Lining the mat with plastic wrap is a little trick that prevents the sweet rice from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Our Step-by-Step Journey to a Sweet Treat
Step One: Perfecting the Sweet Rice
Rinse your sushi rice well and cook it according to the package directions. While the rice is still warm, gently stir in the sugar, rice vinegar, and vanilla extract. My tip is to fold the seasonings in carefully to avoid mashing the grains. Let it cool completely before you start rolling.
Step Two: The Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar. I like to whip it for an extra minute until it’s light and fluffy, almost like a cheesecake filling.
Step Three: Assembling Your Canvas
Place a bamboo sushi mat on your work surface and cover it with a layer of plastic wrap. Spread the cooled sweet rice evenly across the plastic into a rectangle that’s about 1/4-inch thick. Be gentle and don’t press too hard, as this will keep the rice tender.
Step Four: Adding the Creamy Center
If you’re using nori for a bit more structure, now is the time to lay it over the rice. Spread a thin line of the sweetened cream cheese mixture down the center of your rice rectangle.
Step Five: Adding Berries and Shortcake Crunch
Arrange the whole strawberries in a neat row over the cream cheese. Then, sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top for that classic shortcake crunch.
Step Six: The Gentle Roll and Patient Chill
Carefully begin rolling the sushi using the bamboo mat to guide you, creating a tight log. Once it’s rolled, wrap it securely in the plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to help it firm up. This step is key for clean slices!
Step Seven: The Beautiful Finishing Touches
Once chilled, unwrap the roll and use a sharp, clean knife to slice it into pieces. Arrange your dessert sushi rolls on a platter, drizzle with strawberry sauce, garnish with fresh mint, and add an extra sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
A Little Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. This recipe is intended as a delightful treat to be enjoyed in moderation.
For a Lighter Touch
- Greek Yogurt Filling: For a lighter, protein-rich filling, you can substitute the cream cheese with thick Greek yogurt, sweetened with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Natural Sweeteners: You can replace the granulated and powdered sugars with natural alternatives like maple syrup or agave, adjusting the amounts to your taste.
- Whole-Grain Crumbs: Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed whole-grain digestive biscuits or a homemade oat crumble for the crunchy element.
Ways We Love to Serve This Treat
- With a Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the sushi dessert adds a decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
- Alongside Fresh Berries: Serve the rolls with a side of mixed fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries to create a beautiful and fresh fruit platter.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a few pieces of the strawberry sushi roll next to a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
A Few Little Secrets I’ve Learned
- Using Warm Rice: Assembling the rolls with warm rice can cause the cream cheese to melt and the roll to become soggy. Always allow the rice to cool completely.
- Overfilling the Roll: Adding too much cream cheese or too many strawberries can make the roll difficult to close and cause it to fall apart when sliced. A thin, even layer is best.
- Not Chilling Before Slicing: Skipping the chilling time will make the roll too soft to cut cleanly. A firm, chilled roll is essential for getting those perfect pinwheel slices.
How to Keep Them Fresh
Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within a day or two, as the rice can harden and the graham crackers may soften over time. For best results, slice the rolls just before serving.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll recipe brings a bit of fun and sweetness to your table. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fresh strawberries and create new memories in the kitchen. I invite you to try this dessert sushi, share it with people you love, and enjoy every delightful bite.
A Few Questions You Might Have
Can I make these dessert sushi rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll and keep it tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best to slice and garnish just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Do I have to use the nori?
No, the nori is optional. It adds a bit of structure and a very subtle flavor contrast, but the dessert sushi holds together well without it.
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderful with other soft fruits like mango, kiwi, or raspberries. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite seasonal fruits.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a delightful and unexpected treat, blending the fun look of sushi with the classic flavors of a strawberry dessert. This no-bake dessert sushi is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, perfect for surprising your family or delighting guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 sheet nori (optional for structure)
- Strawberry sauce, for drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice well and cook according to the package directions. Stir in sugar, rice vinegar, and vanilla extract while warm. Let it cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and whip until light and fluffy.
- Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and cover with plastic wrap. Spread cooled rice into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
- Place the optional nori sheet on the rice. Spread a line of sweetened cream cheese down the center.
- Place strawberries in a row over the cream cheese, then sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- Carefully roll the sushi using the mat to form a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes.
- Unwrap and slice with a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with strawberry sauce, garnish with mint, and sprinkle extra graham crumbs.
Notes
For best results, chill before slicing. Don’t overfill the roll to keep clean slices. The nori is optional but can help with structure.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: strawberry, dessert sushi, shortcake, no-bake, creative dessert