King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a sweet, creamy, and buttery treat made with soft King’s Hawaiian rolls, a cheesecake filling, and a touch of glaze. These easy-to-make danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and will wow everyone with their bakery-quality taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!
These Cheesecake Danishes are made by splitting King’s Hawaiian rolls, filling them with a rich, creamy cheesecake mixture, and baking them to golden perfection. Topped with a sweet glaze, each bite is soft, fluffy, and irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day you want to elevate breakfast or dessert!
Why You’ll Love King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought rolls and simple ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of soft bread, creamy filling, and glaze is irresistible.
- Versatile: Serve for breakfast, dessert, or a special brunch treat.
Ingredients Notes for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The sweet, buttery rolls form the base of the danishes.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): For the creamy cheesecake filling.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor.
- 1 large egg yolk: Helps create a rich, smooth filling.
- Powdered sugar glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds sweetness and shine.
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh fruit (berries or sliced peaches)
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce
Kitchen Tools Needed for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
- Baking dish
- Knife for splitting rolls
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each King’s Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create a top and bottom. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Place the top halves back on, gently pressing them down.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is set.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and a few teaspoons of milk until smooth. Once the danishes are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish warm or at room temperature. Add optional toppings like fresh fruit or powdered sugar for an extra touch.
How to Store King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Variations
- Berry Delight: Add fresh berries or a spoonful of jam to the cheesecake filling before baking.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for a crunchy topping.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent finish.
- Savory-Sweet: Add a dollop of fruit preserves (like apricot or raspberry) on top of the filling before baking.
What to Serve with King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Coffee or Tea: Perfectly complements the sweet, creamy flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Balances the richness of the danishes.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on the side for extra indulgence.
Top Tips for Perfect King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the rolls to prevent filling from spilling out during baking.
- Glaze After Cooling Slightly: Wait a few minutes before adding the glaze to avoid melting it completely.
- Use Fresh Rolls: Ensure the King’s Hawaiian rolls are fresh for the best soft and fluffy texture.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling.
- Add a little lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
- For a crispier texture, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “A touch of almond extract can elevate your cheesecake filling for a nutty depth.
- Martha Stewart: “Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in cheesecake desserts.”
- Ree Drummond: “If you love a little crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other types of rolls?
Yes! Substitute King’s Hawaiian rolls with brioche or soft dinner rolls for a similar result.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the danishes (minus the glaze) and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze these?
It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Assemble the danishes, freeze in an airtight container, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
4. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the amount of milk in the powdered sugar glaze. Add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
5. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Fold in small pieces of fruit like diced strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and texture.
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delightful and versatile treat that combines sweet rolls with creamy cheesecake filling and a luscious glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Easy King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Ingredients
- – 1 package 12 rolls King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- – 8 ounces 1 block cream cheese, softened
- – 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1 egg yolk
- – 1/2 cup fruit preserves e.g., strawberry, raspberry, or apricot
- – Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Prepare the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice each King's Hawaiian roll in half horizontally (like a sandwich). Arrange the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each roll bottom. Add a teaspoon of fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese mixture. Place the top halves of the rolls back on top to sandwich the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and the filling is warm.
- Cool: Let the danishes cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Substitute the fruit preserves with your favorite jam flavor, or use Nutella for a chocolate twist.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.