If you have a sweet tooth and love those moments when soft, fluffy bread meets creamy, dreamy filling, then you are going to adore the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe. This delightful treat combines the incredibly soft texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a luscious cheesecake filling that’s lightly kissed with vanilla and cinnamon sugar. Every bite feels like a warm hug, balancing richness with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your craving for something indulgently delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is how straightforward and simple the ingredients are. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the soft, sweet bread to the creamy filling and the cinnamon sugar’s subtle spice.
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count): The signature soft rolls provide the perfect base with their tender crumb and distinctive sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the rich, smooth filling that makes this danish irresistible.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the filling and gives it a lovely silky texture.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brushed on top to create a golden brown, buttery crust with richness.
- Cinnamon sugar (2 tablespoons): A perfect blend of sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle over for a sweet, spicy crunch.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra hint of sweetness before serving.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light greasing. This ensures that those beautiful danishes bake evenly and come off the pan without a hitch.
Step 2: Create the Pocket
Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally, but stop before cutting all the way through — you want to create a pocket perfect for stuffing. This simple trick keeps the rolls intact while holding the creamy filling snugly inside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until you get a smooth and luscious mixture. The combination should be velvety and slightly thick, making it easy to spread inside each roll.
Step 4: Fill Those Rolls
Generously spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pockets of each roll. Don’t be shy here — the creamy filling is the star of the show and adds that indulgent element that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Step 5: Butter and Sprinkle
Arrange the filled rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with melted butter, which will lend a gorgeous golden color and slight crispiness as it bakes. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over the top, giving the danish a sparkling, warmly spiced finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown exterior and a soft, set cheesecake filling. The scent filling your kitchen during this time is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 7: The Final Touch
Once baked, remove your danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. This finishing touch not only adds sweetness but also a touch of elegance and charm to your creation.
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your danish by adding fresh toppings like a handful of raspberries or sliced strawberries for a pop of color and fruitiness. A drizzle of honey or a light glaze of apricot preserves can also complement the sweetness superbly, turning a simple dessert into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe with a cup of richly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect cozy breakfast or brunch combo. It’s also delightful alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of lightly spiced yogurt for added texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve your danishes on a tiered dessert stand garnished with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream, jam, or cinnamon sugar for guests to customize their bites. Presentation can truly elevate this already delicious recipe into a centerpiece of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll want to keep any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. Refrigeration can be used if you need more time, but be aware this might firm up the cream cheese filling.
Freezing
The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe freezes well, too! Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover danish, warm it at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This gentle reheating softens the bread and refreshes the cream cheese filling without drying it out, bringing back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?
While King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are ideal for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, you can experiment with similarly soft and slightly sweet rolls. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly differ from the original deliciousness.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese softened?
Yes! Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth filling without lumps. If cream cheese is cold, it can result in a less creamy texture and be harder to spread inside the rolls.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cheesecake filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before filling the rolls to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
What can I substitute for cinnamon sugar if I don’t have it?
You can easily make your own by mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon for that perfect warming spice to sweet ratio.
How long do these danishes keep fresh after baking?
They’re best enjoyed within two days at room temperature to maintain optimal softness and flavor. After that, the texture may change, but refrigeration or freezing can extend their shelf life as described above.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to cozy up with a sweet, comforting treat that’s just a little bit special, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is your go-to. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim yet elegant enough to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Trust me, once you make these golden, creamy danishes, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So why wait? Grab those sweet rolls and get baking!
Print
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 Danish pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe combines the soft, sweet rolls from King’s Hawaiian with a creamy cheesecake filling and a cinnamon sugar topping, baked to golden perfection for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Sweet Rolls
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
Cheesecake 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 a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Rolls: Spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into each roll’s pocket, distributing evenly among all the rolls.
- Add Toppings: Place the filled rolls onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with melted butter, then sprinkle each with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Finish: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Be careful not to slice through the rolls completely to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
- If powdered sugar is not available, a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be used instead.
- These danishes are best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
