KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that effortlessly marries pillowy, golden rolls with a creamy, sweet filling, you absolutely have to try KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH. This magical breakfast bake brings all the comfort of classic cheesecake, the nostalgia of breakfast pastries, and the irresistible sweetness of Hawaiian rolls into one swoon-worthy, crowd-pleasing delight. It’s a dish that feels just as right on a holiday brunch table as it does as a simple Saturday morning pick-me-up—trust me, everyone will ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is fuss-free but every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for its impact on flavor, texture, or color. Each component truly brings something special to these danishes, and together, they transform basic rolls into pure decadence.
- Butter (melted): Gives the danish richness and ensures gorgeous browning on the rolls for that bakery-fresh look.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: The soft, slightly sweet base that makes this dish positively addictive—no other bread gives quite the same results!
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with both cinnamon and the rolls’ sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that classic pastry aroma you expect from any great danish.
- Freshly grated nutmeg: A subtle, cozy spice note that really elevates the overall flavor. Adjust to your liking.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): The star filling—smooth, tangy, and luxurious, just like in a great cheesecake.
- Large egg (beaten): Adds richness and helps the filling set perfectly, making sure it’s never runny or too firm.
- Granulated sugar: Lightens up the cream cheese with just the right touch of sweet brightness.
How to Make KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take your melted butter and generously brush it over the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan. This step not only prevents sticking but starts building incredible flavor from the very first layer.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Arrange all the Hawaiian sweet rolls on top of the buttered dish. To create the perfect spot for the cheesecake filling, carefully cut an X down into each roll—about two-thirds of the way through, making sure not to slice through the bottom. This technique creates a cozy nest for the luscious filling.
Step 3: Make the Buttery Sugar Topping
In a small measuring cup or bowl, combine the additional melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is fully blended and fragrant. Pour this sweet spiced mixture evenly over the cut rolls, letting it soak in and flavor every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and mix again to dissolve any lumps, then blend in the beaten egg until everything is creamy and luxurious. You want this mixture totally silky for the classic cheesecake experience.
Step 5: Fill the Rolls
Fill a piping bag (or a hearty zip-top bag with the tip snipped off) with your cheesecake mixture. Carefully pipe the filling deep into the X you made in each roll, making sure to get plenty inside—not just on top! A spoon works if you’re meticulous, but the piping bag honestly makes this part fun and fast.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the filling just needs to set (aim for 145°F if you’re checking), and the tops should get as golden as you like. I love them still super soft and pillowy at the 12-minute mark, but a little more time yields a crisper crust!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy Warm
Let the danishes cool for just a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the cheesecake filling thicken just enough, so you get that dreamy, creamy bite without burning your tongue. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH
Garnishes
For a final flourish, you can dust the tops with a little powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint also make these danishes look like something straight out of a bakery window—instant wow factor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
A big fruit salad, fresh sliced oranges, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream pairs beautifully with KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH. If you’re making these for brunch, serve alongside bacon or savory breakfast casseroles for the perfect sweet-and-salty combo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange the danishes on a tiered stand for a pastry shop vibe, or nestle them in cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go portions. For extra fun, set out a few bowls of fruit preserves so everyone can add their own topping. This dish adapts beautifully to whatever style fits your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, still tasting rich and fresh when you’re ready for another round.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, you can absolutely freeze these danishes. Let them cool completely, wrap them well, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop the danishes in a 325°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is quick but can make the rolls a little chewy—use the oven method when possible for that perfectly soft texture and gooey filling.
FAQs
Do I have to use KING’S HAWAIIAN rolls or can I substitute another bread?
While you can technically swap for another soft, sweet roll, nothing else delivers the signature flavor and texture of KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH. The unique sweetness and pillowy crumb are pretty much unbeatable for this recipe.
Can I make these danishes the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for maximum wow factor and minimal morning effort—you’ll thank yourself later.
What’s the best way to fill the rolls if I don’t have a piping bag?
If a piping bag isn’t handy, cut the corner off a sturdy zip-top bag for a homemade hack. You can also gently spoon the filling in—it may get a little messy but will taste just as fantastic, I promise!
Is it possible to add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Try folding in a handful of chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even a swirl of lemon curd to the cream cheese mixture for a fruity twist on KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
This recipe is easily doubled—just grab a second baking dish and roll pack. KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH is a guaranteed hit that scales up perfectly for parties, showers, or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy but impressive baking projects, KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH is going to become a top request in your house—just wait and see! Every bite is a celebration of sweet, creamy, and soft flavors that feel special but are secretly simple to make. Let me know if you try it and prepare for major smiles all around!
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KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish with its sweet, creamy filling nestled within soft, buttery rolls. A perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 12 pack King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
For the Filling:
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut an X into the sweet rolls.
- Prepare Filling: Combine ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over the rolls.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and egg, mix well.
- Fill the Rolls: Pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture into the rolls.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Experiment with different spices in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: King’s Hawaiian, Cheesecake Danish, Sweet Rolls, Cream Cheese, Breakfast, Dessert
