If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that combines soft, fluffy sweetness with creamy indulgence, look no further than this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of pillowy King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls filled with a luscious cream cheese filling, gently kissed by cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving a comforting dessert, or simply want to brighten your day with something utterly delightful, this recipe hits every note with warmth and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in making your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. From the iconic King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls to the smooth sweetness of cream cheese and a touch of cinnamon sugar, every component adds to the incredible taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count): The foundation of this recipe, these rolls are soft, sweet, and perfectly fluffy, creating a heavenly base for the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: Brings rich, velvety texture with a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right for a luscious bite.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds a subtle fragrant warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Egg yolk, 1: Helps bind the filling smoothly and creates a lovely richness.
- Butter, 1/4 cup, melted: Brushed on top for that golden, slightly crisp finish that’s irresistible.
- Cinnamon sugar, 2 tablespoons: A dreamy mix of 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, providing warming spice and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A delicate finishing touch to add just the right sweet sparkle.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This ensures your danishes bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Rolls
Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally, without cutting all the way through. Creating a pocket this way allows you to stuff each roll with the creamy cheesecake filling, holding it all snug and ready for baking.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. This luscious mixture is where the magic begins—smooth, sweet, and creamy, it complements the rolls perfectly.
Step 4: Stuff the Rolls
Fill each prepared King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll pocket generously with your cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; that creamy filling is the heart of the danish and will create that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Step 5: Butter and Sprinkle
Place the filled rolls on your baking sheet. Brush the tops gently with melted butter, which helps give a rich flavor and allows the cinnamon sugar to stick beautifully. Then, sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over all the danishes for that signature sweet and spicy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the danishes turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step transforms the rolls, filling, and toppings into a warm, fragrant treat that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust the tops with powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar crust.
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, garnish these danishes with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, which add a pop of color and a sweet tartness that balances beautifully with the creamy filling. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also add texture and an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich chai latte, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the danishes on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting feel or stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a brunch table centerpiece. You can also cut individual pieces into smaller bites for easy sharing at parties – these miniature treats disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture stays soft and fresh, making it easy to enjoy later without losing flavor or moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these danishes to enjoy at a later date. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to regain that fresh-from-the-oven softness with a golden crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough a bit soggy and lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?
While King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are ideal due to their perfect softness and sweetness, you can experiment with other brioche or sweet rolls. Just make sure they are soft and slightly sweet to maintain the danish’s signature flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute to recreate the rich, creamy filling and buttery topping. Keep an eye on the baking time as different ingredients may brown slightly faster.
Can I prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheesecake filling can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This can actually help the flavors meld beautifully and save time on assembly day.
What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar handy?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing sugar and ground cinnamon in the ratio of about 3:1 to sprinkle on top. This will give you that perfect sweet-spicy topping needed to elevate the danishes.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
For a vegan version, substitute with vegan cream cheese, use a plant-based egg replacer (like flax egg), vegan butter, and ensure your cinnamon sugar has no animal products. The King’s Hawaiian rolls may not be vegan, so check or seek out vegan sweet rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe that makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. Its delicate balance of fluffy, sweet rolls with creamy, cinnamony cheesecake filling is like a warm hug for your taste buds. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes an instant favorite in your home, loved by family and friends alike!
Print
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into delicious, creamy-filled pastries perfect for breakfast or dessert. Filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and finished with a cinnamon sugar topping, these danishes are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through to create a pocket for the filling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Rolls: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the pocket of each sliced roll, filling them generously but neatly.
- Add Topping: Place the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spiced finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- Do not slice the rolls completely through to avoid losing the filling during baking.
- Use fresh cinnamon sugar for the best flavor impact; you can adjust sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
- These danishes can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days and lightly reheated before serving.
