When a craving for something comforting and sweet hits, few treats hit the spot like the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Imagine the pillowy soft texture of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls cradling a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all crowned with your favorite jewel-toned fruit jam. This easy, crowd-pleasing pastry is as simple to pull off as it is showstopping, making it perfect for brunch, dessert, or an anytime snack. With just a handful of uncomplicated ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it delightfully simple: every ingredient here matters! Each element brings something special to the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, whether it’s sweetness, creaminess, or a pop of fruity color.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: These famously soft, slightly sweet rolls create the perfect “crust” for our danish, adding irresistible flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy center of the danish; make sure it’s soft, so you get a dreamy, smooth filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake and brings balance to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a luxurious aroma and rounds out the cheesecake flavor.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the filling together for that classic, pillowy cheesecake texture.
- Fruit jam or pie filling (1/2 cup): Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jams bring color, tartness, and a beautiful finish to your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon): A light dusting adds a bakery touch and an extra hint of sweetness.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup and to ensure your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish doesn’t stick or over-brown on the bottom.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Well
Using a sharp knife, gently cut a shallow well into the center of each Hawaiian roll. Don’t slice all the way through—just create a little nest for that luscious filling to sit in. This keeps everything neat and ensures each bite packs a creamy surprise!
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is silky smooth and totally lump-free. Getting that creamy consistency is key to a bakery-quality danish!
Step 4: Fill and Top
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture into each roll’s well. Then, add a petite spoonful of your chosen fruit jam or pie filling right on top. The contrast of creamy and fruity is simply magic.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the filled rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the sweet rolls turn lightly golden. The aroma in your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Finish with a Dusting
Remove your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish creations from the oven and let them cool just slightly. Dust with a snowy layer of powdered sugar for that final bakery finish. Serve warm or at room temperature—trust me, they won’t last long!
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Garnishes
These danishes absolutely shine with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also top them with a few fresh berries, a drizzle of extra fruit jam, or even a little whipped cream for a show-off finish.
Side Dishes
Go all out for brunch with a fruit salad, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs on the side. If you’re serving King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish for dessert, pair with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pastries on a rustic wooden board, clustered on a cake stand, or nestled in cupcake liners for an easy, grab-and-go vibe. You can even make a platter with different jam flavors for a colorful breakfast spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their freshness and deliciousness for up to three days—if you can resist them that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating or enjoying.
Reheating
To warm them back up, pop your danish in a 300°F oven for about 5–8 minutes, or heat gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to get them cozy and soft again without drying out that heavenly filling.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of jam in King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
Absolutely! Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apricot, or even cherry pie filling all work beautifully. Try a mixed tray for maximum variety and color.
Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, or can I substitute another bread?
While you can use other soft dinner rolls, King’s Hawaiian rolls really make the difference thanks to their unique sweetness and pillowy texture. They’re what set this danish apart.
Is it okay to make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before assembling your danishes.
Can I add fresh fruit to the danish as well as jam?
Definitely! Adding thin slices of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries along with the jam makes your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish even more eye-catching and flavorful.
How do I prevent the filling from overflowing while baking?
Be sure to create a deep enough well in each roll and avoid overfilling. A tablespoon of cheesecake mixture per roll is just right, so each danish bakes up picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re out to impress brunch guests or spoil yourself with a weekday treat, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish brings a little bit of bakery magic to your home kitchen. Give this easy, swoon-worthy recipe a try—your taste buds (and everyone lucky enough to snag one) will thank you!
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King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, a sweet and creamy treat nestled in a fluffy roll with a hint of fruitiness. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or pie filling (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry work great)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the rolls: Carefully cut a shallow well in the center of each Hawaiian roll without cutting all the way through.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the rolls: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling into the well of each roll. Top with fruit jam or pie filling.
- Bake: Place the filled rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Try different jams or pie fillings for variety.
- Best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
