If you’re searching for a treat that feels part bakery magic, part homey comfort, look no further than the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Soft, pillowy sweet rolls cradle a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling and a swirl of vibrant fruit jam, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a showstopper for brunches, potlucks, or whenever you want to brighten someone’s day with something special, and it comes together in less than half an hour. One bite and you’ll understand why this dessert is destined to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe pulls its weight—each one is chosen for the flavor, texture, or joy it brings to the table. You’ll be amazed at how these basics, with a few little tips, transform into something unforgettable.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: These iconic rolls add a soft, sweet base that stays tender and pillowy even after baking.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; it delivers that classic cheesecake tang and creamy richness.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the tang of the cream cheese and add sweetness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavors and brings warmth to the cheesecake layer.
- Egg yolk: The secret to a silky, custard-like texture in the cream cheese mixture.
- Fruit jam or pie filling: Go classic with strawberry, cherry, or blueberry, or swap in any seasonal favorite for a personal touch.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting adds a beautiful finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Keeping the King’s Hawaiian rolls attached, carefully slice the entire block horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer. This step is key for that classic Danish look and makes assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. You want the mixture to be silky-smooth and creamy—this is the heart of your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, so give it a good mix!
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Place the bottom layer of rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolls, making sure to reach the edges for every bite to be filled with flavor. Spoon dollops of your chosen fruit jam or pie filling over the cream cheese, then gently swirl it in with a spoon or knife—it doesn’t have to be perfect, the swirls make it beautiful!
Step 4: Top and Bake
Carefully place the top layer of rolls over the filling. Pop the whole thing into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and the cream cheese layer is just set. The scent at this point is irresistible, so be patient and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish has cooled a bit, dust it with powdered sugar for a professional touch. Now, the only thing left is to slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is timeless, but you can also drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or melted white chocolate for added flair. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint look gorgeous and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This danish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a cup of coffee, or a light citrus salad. If you’re serving brunch, balance out the sweetness with a savory egg dish or crispy bacon on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish into individual squares and arranging them on a tiered cake stand. Or, serve family-style right on the baking sheet for a rustic, communal feel. For parties, cut into smaller bites and skewer with cocktail picks for a fun finger-food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the danish for longer storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. This revives the pillowy texture and warms the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of jam or pie filling?
Absolutely! The beauty of King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is its versatility—try raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a fun twist. Just use your favorite or whatever is in season.
What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls?
While the signature sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls makes this danish special, you can substitute with another soft, sweet dinner roll in a pinch. The texture may vary a bit, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble the danish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving so it’s fresh and warm for your guests.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, if you can find gluten-free sweet rolls, you can use them in place of the King’s Hawaiian rolls. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just use two packages of rolls and double the filling ingredients. Bake on a larger sheet or use two pans—this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish disappears fast at parties!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish enough—every time I make it, it brings a little bit of bakery magic into my home. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to treat for every special gathering!
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King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the soft, sweet rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling and fruity jam topping. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, it features a luscious cream cheese layer swirled with your choice of strawberry, cherry, or blueberry jam, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or pie filling (strawberry, cherry, or blueberry)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice Rolls: Keeping the rolls attached as a whole block, carefully slice them horizontally in half to create a top and bottom layer, then place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble Layers: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer of the rolls. Spoon dollops of your chosen fruit jam or pie filling on top of the cream cheese and gently swirl it in with a spoon or knife to create a marbled effect.
- Top and Bake: Place the top half of the rolls over the filling layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the danish to cool slightly before slicing into portions. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- You can swap out the fruit jam or pie filling based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- For an extra indulgent dessert, drizzle the cooled danish with vanilla glaze or melted white chocolate.
- Keep the rolls attached when slicing to ensure the danish stays together and bakes evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
