Tired of the same old breakfast pastries that leave you wanting more? Say hello to the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish a heavenly creation that combines the pillowy softness of King Hawaiian bread with the rich creaminess of cheesecake filling. As the creator behind GusRecipes, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe after watching countless family gatherings light up when this sweet treat hits the table. My journey with this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish began during a Sunday brunch experiment, and it’s since become my most requested recipe!
This indulgent danish promises buttery, sweet layers that melt in your mouth, with a tropical twist that transports you to island paradise with every bite. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, my foolproof preparation method, and creative variations to make this danish your own signature dish. Ready to discover why food enthusiasts everywhere can’t stop raving about this creation? Let’s dive in!
Why This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe Works
- Uses readily available King Hawaiian rolls as the perfect sweet base
- Quick 15-minute prep time makes this an accessible weekend treat
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Balances creamy cheesecake filling with the signature sweetness of King Hawaiian bread
- Achieves bakery-quality results with simple home kitchen techniques
Choosing the Right Ingredients for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Best King Hawaiian Products for This Recipe
The foundation of this danish starts with selecting the right King Hawaiian bread product. Original Sweet Rolls provide the perfect size and texture, though the sliced bread can work in a pinch with some modifications. Look for packages with the latest expiration date to ensure maximum freshness.
Cream Cheese Selection
For the cheesecake filling, full-fat cream cheese delivers the richest, most authentic flavor. Allow it to reach room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in your King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Philadelphia brand works exceptionally well, but any quality cream cheese will do.
Flavor Enhancers
Quality vanilla extract, fresh citrus zest, and the right balance of sweeteners make all the difference. Consider adding a hint of almond extract (¼ teaspoon) for an elevated flavor profile that complements the King Hawaiian bread’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients & Prep for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Danish Base Essentials
- King Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 package)
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
- Sugar (2 tablespoons, for sprinkling)
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup)
- Egg yolk (1 large)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Lemon zest (½ teaspoon)
Sweet Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Step-by-Step King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the King Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (keeping them connected as one sheet).
- Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Method for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
Doneness Check for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Look for a golden brown top and ensure the center feels set but still slightly soft when gently pressed. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F to ensure the cheesecake filling is properly cooked.
Cooling Your King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Allow the danish to cool for at least 15 minutes before applying the glaze. This resting period allows the cheesecake filling to set properly and prevents the glaze from melting too quickly.
Pro Tips for Perfect King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Avoiding Common King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Mistakes
- Don’t rush the cream cheese softening process cold cream cheese creates lumps
- Avoid overfilling, which can cause the filling to leak out during baking
- Create a small border around the edges when spreading the filling to prevent overflow
- Check halfway through baking and cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly
Tool Recommendations for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Offset spatula for evenly spreading the cheesecake filling
- Serrated knife for clean slices through the finished danish
- Silicone pastry brush for applying butter evenly
- Stand mixer or hand mixer for perfectly smooth cream cheese filling
Storage & Serving King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, bring to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Looking for more delicious recipe inspiration? Check out my Pinterest where I share all my latest culinary creations and food photography!
Flavor Variations for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Fruit-Infused King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Add a layer of fruit preserves between the cheesecake filling and the top layer of bread. Strawberry, raspberry, or pineapple preserves complement the sweet bread perfectly and add a beautiful flavor dimension.
Chocolate King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Mix mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling or drizzle chocolate ganache over the top instead of the traditional glaze for a decadent chocolate version that’s irresistible.
Tropical King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Embrace the Hawaiian theme by adding crushed pineapple (well-drained) and toasted coconut to the cheesecake filling. Top with a pineapple-infused glaze for the ultimate tropical experience.
| Variation | Additional Ingredients | Baking Adjustments | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Original recipe | None | Fresh berries |
| Tropical | 1/4 cup drained crushed pineapple, 2 tbsp coconut | None | Coconut whipped cream |
| Chocolate | 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips | None | Coffee or hot cocoa |
| Berry | 1/4 cup berry preserves | None | Vanilla ice cream |
Serving Suggestions for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Pair with fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi for a Hawaiian-inspired breakfast spread
- Serve alongside a rich coffee or chai tea for the perfect balance of sweet and bitter
- For a special brunch, accompany with a yogurt parfait station and fresh fruit juices
- Transform into dessert by topping warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
FAQs About King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Can I make King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire danish the night before, cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.
Can I freeze King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
While you can freeze the baked danish for up to 1 month, the texture of the bread may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How do I know when my King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is perfectly baked?
The top should be golden brown, and the cheesecake filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the bread portion should come out clean.
Conclusion
The King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish brings together the best of two worlds the pillowy softness of sweet Hawaiian bread and the rich decadence of cheesecake creating a truly unforgettable treat that foodies simply can’t resist. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch, looking for a unique dessert, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
I hope this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine. The joy of watching someone’s face light up when they take that first heavenly bite makes all the difference. So heat up that oven, grab your King Hawaiian rolls, and prepare to create something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy King Hawaiian bread? Share your creations or questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you try it!
Print
King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: Why Foodies Cant Resist!
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, creamy, and buttery — this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish combines the soft, fluffy rolls you love with a rich cheesecake filling and golden glaze. An easy crowd-pleasing breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Without separating the rolls, slice horizontally through the entire sheet to create a top and bottom half.
3. Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
4. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
6. Place the top half of the rolls back on and gently press down.
7. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
10. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
11. Slice and enjoy warm or chilled.
Notes
For a fruity twist, spread raspberry or strawberry preserves over the cheesecake layer before baking.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or holiday mornings — easy, delicious, and beautifully indulgent!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, sweet rolls dessert, cream cheese filling, brunch recipe, easy pastry