If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast or dessert that combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the bright, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries, you’ve just found your new favorite treat. This Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe is a luscious twist on a beloved classic, featuring a tender, fluffy dough swirled with sweet strawberry jam and fresh berry bits, all topped with a smooth cream cheese icing. It’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo—warm, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but impactful, with ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures in every bite. Each element plays a role, whether it’s the yeast that gives the dough its perfect rise or the cinnamon that adds warmth to the strawberry filling.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy, airy texture of the dough.
- ¾ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough base.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough with a buttery smoothness.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the roll’s dough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves: The star of the filling, packing fruity sweetness.
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries: Adds fresh bursts of bright flavor and texture inside.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sprinkled with cinnamon to sweeten the filling further.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: For the luscious, tangy icing topping.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the icing.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the icing’s flavor depth.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast—combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it get nice and foamy, which means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then add in the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Stir it all together until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, or use your stand mixer with a dough hook for a quicker 4 to 5 minute knead. Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This patient step is key for the soft, fluffy texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle – roughly 12 by 18 inches will do the trick. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the surface. Then sprinkle the finely chopped fresh strawberries, sugar, and cinnamon all over the jam. This sweet and warmly spiced fruit filling ensures every bite is packed with flavor and contrast.
Step 3: Shape the Giant Roll
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into three long strips lengthwise. Roll up one strip tightly into a spiral and place it right in the center of a greased 9-inch cake pan. Then wrap the remaining strips around the center spiral, one at a time, to create one large, dramatic cinnamon roll that will wow anyone who sees it.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Cover your masterpiece loosely and let it rise again for 30 minutes—it’s the last stretch before baking that makes the dough incredibly soft and airy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the roll for 30 to 35 minutes, until it’s an inviting golden brown and cooked through the center. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be pure happiness.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing
While the roll is baking, mix the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. You want that perfect balance of sweetness and tang that cream cheese icing is known for. Once your roll has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread that luscious icing generously over the top—it melts in beautifully and takes the Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe to another level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a fresh contrast and a pop of color that brightens the presentation wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This giant roll is a star on its own, but if you’re serving it for brunch, pairing it with a simple green salad, fresh fruit salad, or a cup of strong coffee or tea can round out the meal nicely. For a decadent treat, try it alongside some creamy vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of slicing and serving the roll in traditional wedge shapes, try pulling apart generous chunks by hand to enjoy the gooey layers and icing in a casual, fun way. It’s also perfect for spreading on a picnic blanket or sharing at a family gathering where everyone can grab a piece. If you want to impress at brunch, plate each slice with a drizzle of extra strawberry sauce or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe, store them tightly covered in the fridge. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Keeping the icing covered separately or under foil will help preserve its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices or the whole roll before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave to bring back that freshly baked softness and warmth.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. The icing may melt slightly, which adds to that oozing, fresh-baked experience the Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. For the icing, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.
How do I know when the cinnamon roll is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown top and make sure it’s cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the dough, then cover it well and leave it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking in the morning for fresh, warm rolls.
What’s the best way to slice the giant cinnamon roll?
Use a sharp serrated knife to gently slice into wedges. Let the roll cool slightly for better slicing but enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe, it will surely become a treasured favorite, bringing joy and warmth to your kitchen. It’s perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, and the combination of sweet strawberries with cinnamon and cream cheese icing is simply unbeatable. Go ahead and dive in—the smiles and happy sighs at your table will tell you everything you need to know.
Print
Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Giant Strawberry Cinnamon Roll is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with sweet strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese icing, this impressive breakfast or dessert treat is perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate yeast and make dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead for 4–5 minutes. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until its size has doubled.
- Prepare filling and roll dough: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and cinnamon evenly on top of the jam layer.
- Shape the giant cinnamon roll: Using a pizza cutter or knife, slice the dough lengthwise into 3 long strips. Roll one strip tightly into a spiral and place it in the center of a greased 9-inch cake pan. Then, wrap each of the remaining strips around the center spiral, one at a time, constructing one large cinnamon roll.
- Second rise: Cover the assembled roll loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon roll for 30–35 minutes or until it is golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
- Make icing: While the roll bakes, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed until smooth and creamy.
- Cool and serve: Let the giant cinnamon roll cool slightly after baking, then spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the filling or icing.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
