Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls are a fun and fresh twist on the classic dessert! Imagine sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and whipped cream all wrapped up together like sushi. It’s bright, colorful, and a perfect combination of soft, creamy, and fruity textures.
I love making these rolls when I want something light but still special. They’re super easy to put together, and you can get creative with different fruits or flavors. Plus, it’s always a hit when I serve them—kids and adults both think it’s so cool to eat dessert sushi!
My favorite way to enjoy these rolls is chilled, maybe with a little drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They’re great for summer parties or anytime you want a sweet treat that feels a little playful and a lot delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: Using sushi rice is important because it’s sticky and holds the roll together well. If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice is a good substitute. Cook it carefully to get that right sticky texture.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries make all the difference here. If strawberries aren’t in season, try blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Whipped Cream: Heavy cream whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla gives a light, creamy filling. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream whipped until fluffy.
Fruit Leather or Pound Cake: The fruit leather adds a chewy texture and strawberry flavor inside the roll, but thinly sliced pound cake works great if you want something softer and sweeter.
Crushed Graham Crackers or Cake Crumbs: These add a nice crunch on the outside and mimic that classic shortcake texture. You can swap with crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
How Do You Roll and Shape Dessert Sushi Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling dessert sushi can be tricky since the ingredients are soft and sticky. Here’s how to get a clean, tight roll:
- Use a bamboo sushi mat covered with plastic wrap to prevent sticking and help shape the roll.
- Spread the rice evenly and thinly, leaving space at the edges to seal the roll properly.
- Add fillings close to one edge to help start the rolling process smoothly.
- Roll slowly and firmly, using the mat to keep edges tight as you go.
- Chill the roll before slicing to help it firm up and hold together.
- Use a very sharp knife, wiping it clean after each cut, for neat slices without squishing the roll.
With practice, you’ll find the right pressure and speed to make perfect dessert sushi rolls every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bamboo sushi rolling mat – it helps you roll the dessert tightly and keep the shape neat.
- Plastic wrap – prevents rice and cream from sticking to the sushi mat and makes rolling easier.
- Sharp knife – a clean, sharp knife is key for cutting the rolls without squishing them.
- Mixing bowl and electric mixer or whisk – to whip the cream quickly and smoothly.
- Rice cooker or pot with lid – for perfectly cooked sushi rice without much fuss.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for kiwi or mango slices for a tropical twist that’s just as juicy and bright.
- Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with a little honey for a richer, tangy flavor throughout the roll.
- Use chocolate cake crumbs instead of graham crackers for a chocolaty crunch on the outside.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds on top for extra texture and a nutty note.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For The Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Roll:
- 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 4 sheets strawberry-flavored fruit leather or thinly sliced pound cake
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers or cake crumbs (for coating)
- Additional whipped cream and halved strawberries for topping
Time Estimate
Getting this dessert ready takes about 40 minutes of active work, plus 30 minutes chilling time so the roll firms up nicely before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook and Season the Rice:
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until clear, then drain it well. Cook the rice with 2 1/2 cups water in a rice cooker or pot for about 15-20 minutes until tender. While the rice cooks, warm sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water in a small pan until sugar dissolves. When the rice is cool, fold in this sugar mixture gently, and let the rice fully cool.
2. Make the Whipped Cream Filling:
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. This will be the creamy filling inside your roll.
3. Assemble the Sushi Roll:
Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a flat surface and cover with plastic wrap. Spread a thin, even layer of cooled sushi rice (about 1/2 inch thick) over the plastic wrap, leaving about an inch border. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or cake crumbs lightly over the rice.
Carefully flip the rice onto another sheet of plastic wrap so the rice is down and plastic wrap is on top. Remove the original plastic wrap. On the exposed rice, layer the strawberry fruit leather or pound cake thinly. Spread strawberry jam gently over this layer, then spread whipped cream on top. Line up sliced strawberries along one edge.
4. Roll and Chill:
Use the sushi mat and plastic wrap to carefully roll the dessert away from you, tucking the edge under and rolling tightly for a neat roll. Chill the roll in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help it set.
5. Slice and Serve:
Remove the plastic wrap, and slice the roll into 6-8 even pieces with a sharp knife. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and half a strawberry. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Rolls?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can make the roll soggy.
Can I Prepare These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before serving. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy them chilled for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Fruit Leather?
If you can’t find fruit leather, thinly sliced pound cake or even crepes work beautifully as a soft layer inside the roll.
