Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Rolls
Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Rolls are what happen when a soft breakfast roll meets a creamy dessert filling. They combine pillowy dough, tangy cheesecake, and sweet blueberry swirls baked together into something that feels special but still comforting. These rolls work beautifully for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want to bake something that looks impressive without being overly complicated. The contrast between the lightly sweet dough, rich cream cheese, and juicy blueberries makes every bite balanced and satisfying rather than overly sweet.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the cheesecake filling:
225 g cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the blueberry swirl:
1½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Prepare the blueberry swirl by cooking blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, then spoon blueberry mixture on top and gently swirl.
Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish and let rise 30 minutes.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden. Drizzle with glaze if desired.
Tips
Make sure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Softened cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps.
Let blueberry filling cool fully so it does not melt the dough.
Use dental floss to cut clean, even rolls.
Do not overfill or the rolls may leak while baking.
Line the baking dish with parchment for easier cleanup.
Check rolls at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Slightly underbaked centers stay soft after cooling.
Add glaze while rolls are warm so it melts slightly.
Store leftovers tightly covered to keep them soft.
Variations
Replace blueberries with raspberries or strawberries.
Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for brightness.
Use whole wheat flour for half the dough for a heartier roll.
Add a cinnamon-sugar layer under the cheesecake filling.
Make mini rolls for individual servings.
Add chopped almonds or pecans for texture.
Use orange juice instead of lemon in the blueberry swirl.
Swap glaze for a cream cheese icing.
Make it dairy-free using plant-based cream cheese and milk.
Turn leftovers into bread pudding the next day.
Q&A
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, cook them directly from frozen and thicken well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate overnight after shaping and bake in the morning.
Why did my rolls spread too much?
The dough may have been too soft or over-proofed.
Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes, freeze without glaze and thaw before reheating.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, this dough is easy to knead by hand.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly reduce sugar in both filling and dough.
How do I keep rolls soft?
Cover while cooling and store airtight.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish.
What if I do not have cornstarch?
Flour can work but results will be less glossy.
Are these more dessert or breakfast?
They fit perfectly into either category.
Nutrition
(Approximate per roll)
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 13 g
Sugar: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion
Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Rolls bring together the best parts of baking comfort food and dessert indulgence. They are soft, creamy, fruity, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for another. Whether served warm for brunch or enjoyed later with coffee, these rolls feel homemade in the best way. Once you bake them, they are likely to become a repeat favorite for both special occasions and relaxed weekends.