King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a treat that perfectly marries the pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls with the creamy luxury of cheesecake filling. With every bite, you get a contrast of buttery crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, lightly kissed with vanilla and a glossy fruit topping that adds a burst of color and flavor. This dessert is both comfort and indulgence wrapped in one beautiful pastry.

Behind the Recipe

It all began with a craving for something that felt nostalgic yet special. King’s Hawaiian rolls have always been a family favorite—soft, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive. One day, I wondered what would happen if I turned them into a mini dessert pastry. The answer was this cheesecake Danish, born from the simple joy of repurposing a classic dinner roll into something that belongs on a bakery display.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

King’s Hawaiian rolls trace their roots to the 1950s in Hilo, Hawaii, where Robert Taira created the original recipe inspired by Portuguese sweet bread. Over time, these rolls became a staple at family gatherings. By transforming them into a cheesecake Danish, we honor both Hawaiian and European traditions—blending tropical sweetness with the creaminess of old-world cheesecakes.

Why You’ll Love King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Before we dive into the baking, let me tell you why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Versatile: Serve them as a brunch treat, a dessert, or even a special breakfast-in-bed surprise.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy mornings.
Customizable: Add your favorite fruit toppings—strawberries, blueberries, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfectly portioned, each Danish is bite-sized bliss everyone can enjoy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling and rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Great for Leftovers: Store and reheat easily for a sweet treat anytime.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving that perfect bakery-style Danish is easier than you think if you keep these tips in mind.

• Always use softened cream cheese so your filling turns out smooth and creamy.
• Lightly brush the rolls with butter before baking for a beautiful golden sheen.
• For extra richness, mix a tablespoon of sour cream into the cheesecake filling.
• Chill the Danishes for 10 minutes after baking to help the filling set before adding fruit topping.
• If you want a glossy finish, brush a bit of warmed apricot jam over the fruit once cooled.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few simple tools make all the difference for these luscious pastries.

• Mixing Bowls: For preparing both the cheesecake filling and glaze.
• Electric Mixer: Ensures your cream cheese mixture is perfectly smooth.
• Baking Sheet: To hold the assembled Danishes while they bake.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush: For spreading melted butter evenly.

Ingredients in King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

These ingredients come together like a small orchestra—each one bringing harmony and flavor to every bite.

1. King’s Hawaiian Rolls: 12 rolls, soft and sweet, forming the perfect base for the Danish.
2. Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened to make the filling creamy and luscious.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, to sweeten the cheesecake filling just right.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for a lovely aroma and rich undertone.
5. Egg Yolk: 1, to add silkiness and help bind the filling.
6. Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon, giving a hint of brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
7. Fruit Preserves or Pie Filling: 1/2 cup, choose your favorite—strawberry, blueberry, or cherry for a vibrant topping.
8. Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted to brush on top for that golden glow.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup, for the glaze drizzle.
10. Milk: 1–2 tablespoons, to thin out the glaze until perfectly pourable.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to make do with what’s in your kitchen, and that’s perfectly fine.
Cream Cheese: Substitute with Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Use brioche slider buns or soft dinner rolls.
Fruit Preserves: Try lemon curd, caramel, or Nutella for a decadent twist.
Milk: Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer glaze.

Ingredient Spotlight

King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Their slight sweetness and fluffy texture make them an ideal shortcut for creating pastry-like layers without the hassle of dough-making.
Cream Cheese: The creamy heart of this recipe, balancing sweetness with tang and creating that luscious cheesecake texture.

Instructions for Making King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

This is where the magic happens, turning simple rolls into bakery-worthy bites of joy.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg yolk, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place the rolls on the baking sheet, keeping them close together but slightly separated. Press down the centers gently to create wells for the filling.
4. Assemble the Dish: Spoon a generous tablespoon of cheesecake filling into each well, then top with a small dollop of fruit preserves.
5. Cook to Perfection: Brush the tops lightly with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and the centers are just set.
6. Finishing Touches: Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze, then drizzle over the slightly cooled Danishes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature. Each bite will melt your heart with its soft roll, creamy center, and glossy fruit topping.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in contrast—the tender sweetness of the roll paired with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the fruity burst on top. As the rolls bake, their edges turn slightly crisp while the centers remain soft, making every bite an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few insider tricks can elevate this simple pastry to professional level.

• Use room temperature ingredients to prevent lumps in the filling.
• Add a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture to balance sweetness.
• Let the Danishes cool slightly before glazing to keep it from melting off.

What to Avoid

Even the best recipes can go wrong with a few missteps, so keep these in mind.

• Don’t overfill the rolls or the cheesecake mixture will spill over.
• Avoid overbaking—they should be lightly golden, not brown.
• Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the filling set properly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 210
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Danishes can easily be prepared in advance. Assemble them the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

These pastries are wonderful with morning coffee or afternoon tea. For brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad. You can even add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves before serving for a café-style finish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn yesterday’s Danishes into today’s delight!

• Chop and layer with whipped cream for a quick trifle.
• Reheat and serve with ice cream for a warm dessert.
• Slice and toast lightly for a breakfast treat.

Additional Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, add a drop of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture. You can also mix two types of fruit toppings for a colorful presentation.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes all the difference. Arrange the Danishes on a white platter, drizzle with extra glaze, and garnish with fresh berries. The glossy fruit and golden rolls will instantly steal the spotlight on any dessert table.

Variations to Try

• Berry Medley Danish: Use a mix of blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry fillings.
• Tropical Twist: Top with pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of coconut.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add a touch of melted chocolate to the cheesecake mixture.
• Maple Pecan: Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle toasted pecans.
• Cinnamon Apple: Use apple pie filling with a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this with homemade rolls?
Yes, any soft, slightly sweet bread dough will work beautifully.

2. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat gives a richer texture.

3. How long will they stay fresh?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat before serving.

5. Do I have to use fruit toppings?
No, plain cheesecake Danishes taste just as lovely.

6. Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely, just reduce baking time by a few minutes.

7. How can I prevent soggy bottoms?
Use parchment paper and avoid overfilling with fruit.

8. What glaze flavors work best?
Vanilla, lemon, or almond glazes complement the filling perfectly.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate halfway through baking.

10. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore texture.

Conclusion

The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish brings together the best of two worlds—tropical sweetness and classic creamy indulgence. Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon escape, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s a total game-changer that’s worth every bite.

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