King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – fluffy sweet rolls filled with rich cheesecake, baked to golden perfection, and glazed for a heavenly bite!
Why I keep making this
- Made with soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.
- The rich and creamy cheesecake filling adds the perfect level of sweetness.
- A buttery cinnamon-sugar topping enhances the texture and taste.
- Quick and easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Pantry check
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared pan.
- Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top of each roll, going about two-thirds of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom. This will create a pocket for the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beaten egg; mix until well combined.
Fill the Rolls:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into the cuts made in each roll, ensuring the mixture fills the pocket created by the “X”.
Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Assemble and Bake:
- Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the filled rolls, ensuring each roll is generously coated.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long it takes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 149 kcal per serving
Swap ideas
- Fruit Filling: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves inside the rolls before adding the cheesecake filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished danishes for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar topping for added texture.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute the cinnamon-sugar topping with a simple maple glaze for a different sweetness profile.
Keeping it fresh
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked filled rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking as instructed.
FAQs
How long does King's Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. These danishes freeze well for 2-3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that for greasing the pan, a non-stick cooking spray can be used instead of melted butter. For the cinnamon-sugar topping, a plant-based butter alternative could work, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Ensure cream cheese remains full-fat for best results.
How long does this need to chill before serving?
The recipe advises allowing the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving. For optimal firmness and flavor, I recommend refrigerating them until firm, at least 2 hours or even overnight for the best results, especially if serving chilled.
What goes well with King's Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
In my experience, these sweet danishes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a lovely tart contrast. A side of crispy bacon or sausage can balance the sweetness perfectly for a full meal.
Is King's Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish gluten-free?
This recipe contains gluten from the 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls, which are wheat-based. To make this recipe gluten-free, you would need to substitute them with a suitable gluten-free sweet roll or brioche bun alternative available in specialty grocery stores.
One last tip
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a simple yet decadent treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping makes for a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Recipes that pair well
- Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies: Gooey Milky Way cheesecake brownies combine rich fudgy layers with creamy cheesecake and sweet caramel.
- KitKat Cheesecake With Layers Of Milk & White Chocolate: This no-bake KitKat cheesecake is my go-to for an easy, impressive dessert!
- Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is pure indulgence!
- Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons: Get ready for these crispy, gooey strawberry cheesecake wontons!
- No-Bake Caramilk Cheesecake: This creamy no-bake Caramilk cheesecake is so simple to make!
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Total Time: PT25M
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – fluffy sweet rolls filled with rich cheesecake, baked to golden perfection, and glazed for a heavenly bite!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared pan.
- Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top of each roll, going about two-thirds of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom. This will create a pocket for the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beaten egg; mix until well combined.
Fill the Rolls:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into the cuts made in each roll, ensuring the mixture fills the pocket created by the “X”.
Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Assemble and Bake:
- Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the filled rolls, ensuring each roll is generously coated.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Serve Warm – Enjoy these pastries slightly warmed for the best texture and flavor, allowing the cheesecake filling to become extra creamy and the pastry ultra-flaky.
- Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness without drying out the filling.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American