There’s a certain joy that comes with indulgent, homemade desserts, especially when they require minimal effort yet yield stunning results. Picture this: fresh-baked golden rolls, gently cradling a luscious cream cheese filling, enveloped in a sweet glaze. This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish has quickly become a beloved treat in my household, and it’s easy to see why.
With just ten minutes of prep time, this delightful dessert transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a cozy evening, or simply craving a sweet surprise to elevate your day, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor and fun.
As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, it’ll bring everyone running, eager to snag a warm piece straight from the oven. So, let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing creation that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your home with love and laughter.
Why is King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish a Must-Try?
Decadent and Delicious: Every bite of this danish is a delightful combination of sweet cream cheese and the iconic flavor of King’s Hawaiian rolls.
Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut it into squares, and you’ve got the ideal treat for gatherings or a cozy night in with family.
Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for a more refined experience.
Unforgettable Aroma: The sweet, buttery scent wafting from the oven will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first slice.
This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite, making any occasion feel extra special!
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Ingredients
For the Danish
• King’s Hawaiian Rolls – The sweet, soft rolls are the star of the show, providing a perfect base.
• Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, rich filling that makes this dessert irresistible.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing the richness beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the dessert’s overall taste.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Ensures a smooth glaze that adds a delightful sweetness on top.
• Milk – Helps achieve the right consistency for drizzling over the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract – Ties the flavors together, making your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish even more luscious!
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your danish comes out easily and browns beautifully.
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Cut the Rolls: Carefully split each King’s Hawaiian roll in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves side by side in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
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Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious filling!
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Spread the Filling: Generously spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the roll bottoms in the baking dish. Get every corner covered for maximum flavor!
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Top with Rolls: Now, gently place the top halves of the rolls back over the cream cheese mixture. This gives your danish its delightful layers.
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For the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. A good glaze is key to a moist danish!
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Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover as much surface as possible. This adds that sweet touch we all love.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the glaze is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell divine!
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Serve and Enjoy: Allow the danish to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for sharing and savoring!
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
Elevate your sweet experience with delightful pairings that entice the senses and enhance every bite.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a bright, tangy contrast that balances the rich sweetness of the danish.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a creamy texture that complements the denser cheesecake filling, bringing a luscious feel to each mouthful.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea perfectly rounds out the flavors while offering a comforting beverage to sip alongside your treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm danish, creating a delightful contrast that is both tasty and comforting.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some indulgent caramel sauce over your slice for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese glaze.
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Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture that adds a nutty flavor, creating a deliciously satisfying bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of dark chocolate sauce brings a rich, decadent touch that elevates the dessert to new heights.
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Prosecco or Sparkling Cider: Bubbly drinks bring a festive flair, making any occasion feel like a celebration when paired with your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.
Expert Tips for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
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Even Glaze Distribution: When drizzling the glaze, use a spoon to help control the flow, ensuring every roll gets an even sugary coat.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the danish as it bakes. Everyone’s oven varies. You want golden brown tops and a bubbly glaze without overcooking.
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Layering Technique: For a more luxurious experience, spread the cream cheese filling slightly beyond the edges of the rolls, allowing the richness to mingle.
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Sweetness Balance: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze by a tablespoon or two—perfect for a sophisticated palate.
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is bound to impress, and these tips will elevate your baking game!
How to Store and Freeze King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Room Temperature: Allow the danish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, keep the danish in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just cover it well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
If you’re looking to save time on hectic days, prepping your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish in advance is a fantastic idea! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and even assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead. Simply mix the filling, spread it on the bottom halves of the split rolls, and refrigerate them, keeping the top halves separate. This way, they’ll maintain their freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to bake, just place the top halves on, drizzle with the glaze, and pop them in the oven. Your delicious danish will be just as delightful and ready to impress your family with minimal effort!
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and add your own twist for an even more delightful experience!
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Berry Blast: Add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese mixture for a fruity surprise. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the baked danish for an extra decadent treat. This fudgy addition will elevate each bite to new heights.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the glaze before baking. The crunch adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.
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Coconut Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the cream cheese filling for a tropical twist. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying dessert on a sunny beach!
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Pumpkin Spice: Substitute a portion of the cream cheese with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal delight. Perfect for autumn gatherings!
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor that adds freshness to the danish. It’s a refreshing contrast you’ll love.
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Spicy Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm, aromatic flavor. It brings a comforting warmth that makes each bite feel even cozier.
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Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute in place of granulated and powdered sugar to create a sugar-free version. This way, everyone can indulge without guilt!
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best King’s Hawaiian Rolls?
Absolutely! When choosing King’s Hawaiian Rolls, look for packages that are free from any damage. The rolls should be soft and have a lightly golden exterior. Avoid any with dark spots or mold—freshness is key for that perfect danish.
What is the best way to store King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
To store your delicious danish, allow it to cool completely and place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it can last for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it’s well-covered to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?
Yes, you can freeze this delightful treat! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my danish doesn’t rise properly?
If your danish isn’t rising as it should, it could be due to underbaking or the rolls not being fresh enough. Make sure to check the baking time and visuals; you’re looking for golden-brown tops and a bubbly glaze. If the rolls are past their expiration date, they may not rise well, so always use the freshest ingredients.
Is King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish safe for everyone?
This danish contains dairy and sugar, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a sugar substitute for a gentler option. Always check labels for specifics.
How do I make the glaze smooth and perfect?
For a smooth glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until there are no lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. A smooth, even glaze will enhance your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish beautifully!
Mouthwatering King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully split each King’s Hawaiian roll in half horizontally and lay the bottom halves side by side in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the roll bottoms in the baking dish.
- Gently place the top halves of the rolls back over the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the glaze is bubbly.
- Allow the danish to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.