Embark on a culinary journey fit for royalty with our King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. This delightful fusion of the iconic King’s Hawaiian sweetness and the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake is a testament to the art of pastry-making. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind this regal treat, offering layers of flaky perfection and velvety richness. It’s not just a Danish; it’s a decadent experience that will have you savoring every bite like true royalty.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, for richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for depth of flavor
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough, for flakiness
- 1 cup King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, finely crushed, for sweetness and texture
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (16 oz total) cream cheese, softened, for creaminess
- 1 cup granulated sugar, for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for depth of flavor
- 2 large eggs, for richness and binding
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for sweetness
- 2 tablespoons milk, for consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, for flavor
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for garnish
- Chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical twist
Instructions:
Creating the Cheesecake Danish:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Pastry Base:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the Sweetness:
- Sprinkle the finely crushed King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls evenly over the crescent roll dough, creating a sweet and textured base.
- Create the Cheesecake Filling:
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until creamy and well combined.
- Layer the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the sweet roll layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire dish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
Making the Glaze and Final Touches:
- Mix the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle the Glaze:
- Once the cheesecake Danish has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Garnish to Impress:
- Optional: Garnish with crushed King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical and visually appealing finish.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Fruit Fusion:
- Add a layer of fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, or passion fruit between the sweet roll crust and cheesecake filling for a burst of freshness.
Coconut Craze:
- Mix shredded coconut into the cheesecake filling for a delightful tropical twist.
Chocolate Drizzle Delight:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed Danish for a chocolatey finish that complements the sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian rolls.
Almond Essence:
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cheesecake filling for a subtle nutty undertone.
Citrus Zest Zing:
- Add a zingy twist by incorporating the zest of an orange or lemon into the cheesecake filling for a refreshing note.
Keto Versions:
Almond Flour Alchemy:
- Substitute almond flour for the crescent roll dough and erythritol for sugar in both the pastry and cheesecake filling for a keto-friendly option.
Swerve Sweetness:
- Sweeten the cheesecake filling and glaze with keto-friendly sweeteners like Swerve or monk fruit.
Low-Carb Crunch:
- Opt for crushed nuts like almonds or pecans instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for a lower-carb alternative.
As you cut into the layers of flaky pastry, sweet King’s Hawaiian goodness, and creamy cheesecake, savor the regal experience that is the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. This treat isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy that comes from creating something truly special. Share it with loved ones during gatherings, impress guests at brunch, or indulge in a moment of decadence just for yourself. May your kitchen continue to be a realm of culinary enchantment. Bon appétit!
