Before we even talk about ingredients, imagine this: soft vanilla cake wrapped around fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, sliced into beautiful sushi-style rounds and dusted lightly with powdered sugar. It looks elegant, tastes nostalgic, and surprises everyone at the table.

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi takes everything you love about classic strawberry shortcake and transforms it into a playful, eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for parties, birthdays, brunch spreads, or even cozy family nights.

This is not traditional sushi — it’s a sweet, cake-based dessert roll inspired by sushi presentation. No raw fish, no seaweed — just soft cake, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries rolled to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Sushi

• No complicated baking techniques
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Kid-friendly and party-approved
• Customizable with different fruits

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, summer picnic, or just want something fun and different, this dessert will absolutely impress.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared vanilla sponge cake sheet (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light filling.
4. Lay the vanilla sponge cake sheet flat on parchment paper.
5. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture across the cake.
6. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the cream layer.
7. Carefully roll the cake tightly using the parchment paper to help guide it.
8. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
9. Slice into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Texture & Flavor Profile

The soft sponge cake acts like sushi rice — tender and slightly sweet. The whipped cream adds airy lightness, while cream cheese provides structure and subtle tanginess. Fresh strawberries deliver juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.

The combination creates a balanced dessert: not overly sweet, but indulgent and refreshing.

Serving Ideas

• Arrange slices on a wooden board like real sushi
• Serve with chocolate drizzle “soy sauce”
• Add mint leaves for garnish
• Pair with sparkling lemonade or iced tea

Storage Tips

• Store refrigerated in an airtight container
• Best enjoyed within 24 hours
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month (slice before freezing)

Strawberry Shortcake Sushi

Soft vanilla sponge cake rolled with cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, sliced into beautiful sushi-style dessert rounds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Roll

• 1 vanilla sponge cake sheet prepared
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries finely diced

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap

Method

 

1. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread filling over sponge cake evenly.
5. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over filling.
6. Roll cake tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
7. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing.
8. Slice into rounds and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Chill well before slicing for clean cuts. Can be frozen for up to one month.