Imagine combining the irresistible fluffiness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake—this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe does just that! Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a quick dessert, or craving something sweet, these danishes are a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and lightly spiced flavors. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, you’ll be whipping these up in no time!
Ingredients for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (made with 1½ tablespoons sugar + ½ tablespoon cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional but recommended)
Instructions: How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Prep the Rolls
Take the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls out of the package, keeping them intact (don’t separate them). Using a knife or your fingers, gently press down the centers of each roll to create a small well for the cheesecake filling.
4. Fill the Rolls
Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the wells of each roll. Aim to fill them generously but don’t overfill, as the mixture may expand slightly while baking.
5. Brush with Butter and Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the entire surface of the rolls, giving them a nice spiced sweetness.
6. Bake the Danish
Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
7. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Roll Preparation: Be gentle when creating the wells in the rolls to prevent tearing the bread. If a roll does tear, you can patch it up by pressing it together gently.
- Cinnamon Sugar Variation: For an extra twist, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in your cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences or diet.
Keto-Friendly Version
For a keto-friendly twist on this recipe:
- Bread Substitute: Use low-carb or keto-friendly rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls.
- Sweetener: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Use your keto-approved sugar substitute to make the cinnamon sugar.
Low-Carb Version
For a lower-carb version, you can:
- Use a Light Cream Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the overall carb and fat content.
- Rolls Substitute: Swap out King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for a lower-carb bread option, like whole wheat or gluten-free rolls.
Flavor Variations
- Berry Cheesecake Danish: Add a teaspoon of fruit jam (like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry) to the cheesecake filling before baking for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake filling before baking for a delicious chocolate-cheesecake combo.
- Nut Lovers: Top the rolls with chopped pecans or walnuts after brushing with butter for added crunch and flavor.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and cheesecake filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, bake them as instructed. They’re best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven.
Q2: Can I freeze King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
Yes, these freeze well! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the danishes individually and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q3: Can I use a different type of roll?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls add a unique flavor, you can use any soft, sweet bread roll you prefer.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have cinnamon sugar?
If you don’t have cinnamon sugar on hand, just mix 1 ½ tablespoons sugar with ½ tablespoon cinnamon, or adjust the ratio to your taste!
The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness and fluffiness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with the creamy, decadent flavor of cheesecake. They’re simple to make and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving something sweet. Give this recipe a try at your next brunch or gathering, and prepare for them to be a hit
