Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping breakfast treat or an easy-yet-elegant dessert, look no further than these Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes! Imagine the pillowy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls cradling a luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling, with bursts of fruity preserves and a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top. Each bite strikes that perfect balance of soft, tangy, and sweet, making this recipe the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food—yet deceptively simple to whip up. Whether for brunch, a special gathering, or just a delightfully cozy morning at home, these danishes deserve a spot in everyone’s kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll transform humble rolls and pantry staples into something genuinely spectacular. Each element not only builds flavor, but also adds to the luscious texture and tempting appearance of your Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: These irresistibly fluffy rolls form the sweet, slightly chewy base—and their subtle honeyed notes elevate every bite.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake filling, providing a smooth and tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering—the secret to that classic cheesecake taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling, making all the flavors pop.
- Egg yolk: Adds silkiness to the filling and helps it set perfectly when baked.
- Fruit preserves or pie filling (cherry, strawberry, or blueberry): Bring vibrant color and a juicy, fruity pop—pick your favorite or mix and match for variety.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of a simple glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious when drizzled on top.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Optional lemon zest or sliced almonds for garnish: Take these danishes from delightful to dazzling with a touch of citrus or crunch (or both!).
How to Make Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Roll Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Without separating the rolls, carefully slice the entire block of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—you’ll end up with two neat slabs, ready for layering. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet, creating a snug little bed to hold all that lush filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, beat this mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and irresistible. Make sure there are no lumps—the silkier, the better! This luscious layer forms the soul of your Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes.
Step 3: Assemble with Preserves
Spread your dreamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, reaching every corner. Next, gently spoon small dollops of your favorite fruit preserves or pie fillings over the cream cheese layer. A little goes a long way—a few pockets of vibrant fruit will add both tang and a burst of gorgeous color.
Step 4: Top, Bake, and Set
Carefully place the top half of the rolls back over your fillings, aligning them with the bottom for the prettiest result. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown tops and a filling that’s set just right and ever-so-creamy.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Once baked, let the danishes cool for a few moments before making your glaze: whisk together powdered sugar and just enough milk to create a drizzle-worthy consistency. Zigzag this sweet glaze generously across the warm danishes, then garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a handful of sliced almonds if you’d like. Slice and serve while warm or at room temperature—there’s really no wrong way!
How to Serve Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes
Garnishes
A finishing touch of lemon zest brightens the whole danish and pairs beautifully with any fruit preserve you choose, while a scattering of sliced almonds brings a delicate crunch and a hint of nutty flavor. Either brings a touch of elegance and a burst of texture, making your Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes look as tantalizing as they taste!
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a big bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy berry salad to balance the richness. For breakfast or brunch, crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage make excellent counterpoints, while for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cut danishes on a rustic wooden board with extra fruits and edible flowers, or serve them individually on dainty plates with an extra swirl of glaze. If you’re bringing them to a potluck, cut them into bite-sized squares and layer in cupcake liners for a pretty—and practical—presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sweet rolls stay surprisingly soft, and the cheesecake filling maintains its creamy texture—just keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these! Let the danishes cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month. For best results, wait to glaze until after thawing so it looks and tastes fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm in a low oven (300°F) for five minutes. This revives the texture and brings out the flavors—just what you want from Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes. Add your glaze and garnish right before serving!
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of fruit preserves?
Absolutely! One of the joys of this recipe is mixing and matching your favorite flavors. Strawberry, blueberry, cherry, or even apricot preserves all combine deliciously with the cream cheese center—get creative or use whatever you have on hand.
Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian rolls?
The irresistible, fluffy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls really makes these danishes special, but in a pinch, you can use another soft, slightly sweet dinner roll. Just note: the result may not have quite the same signature flavor or texture.
Can I make Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes ahead of time?
Yes! They’re excellent made the night before—just assemble and bake, then let cool and refrigerate. Glaze shortly before serving for that “freshly made” look and taste.
How can I make these danishes nut-free?
Simply skip the sliced almond garnish. The main recipe is already nut-free, so you don’t have to worry about the filling or sweet roll base for those with allergies.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or almond extract?
Absolutely—fold chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer or add a dash of almond extract for a more classic Danish flavor. These small tweaks can add wonderful new dimensions to your Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes, you’ll find yourself craving their creamy, fruity, sweet perfection for every occasion! They’re as simple to make as they are to love—so invite some friends over, brew a fresh pot of coffee, and treat yourself to the ultimate bakery-style experience, right in your own kitchen.
Print
Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of Hawaiian sweet rolls with creamy cheesecake filling and fruity preserves. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls:
1 package (12 rolls)
Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg yolk
Fruit Filling:
1/2 cup fruit preserves or pie filling (such as cherry, strawberry, or blueberry)
Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk
Garnish (optional):
Lemon zest or sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the rolls: Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on the baking sheet.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Add fruit filling: Spoon small dollops of fruit preserves evenly over the cream cheese layer. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the warm danishes and garnish with lemon zest or almonds if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can mix and match different preserves for variety.
- For a more classic Danish flavor, add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
