A Buttery, Sweet Breakfast Treat with a Creamy Cheesecake Center
Looking to add a touch of sweetness to your morning routine? This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe brings together the soft, buttery texture of Hawaiian rolls with a rich cheesecake filling, all topped off with a cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are simple to prepare and utterly irresistible.
Ready to Elevate Your Breakfast Game?
Grab your favorite sweet rolls, a few pantry staples, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent bakery-style delight right from your own kitchen.
Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, buttery pastry with a creamy center. The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish combines everything you love in a breakfast treat: soft rolls, rich cheesecake, and a touch of cinnamon sweetness. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just want to make a weekday feel special, this quick and easy recipe is your go-to.
Forget about complicated dough-making or long prep times. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal tools, you’ll have a batch of warm danishes ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, last-minute guests, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools You’ll Need:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Small saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Pastry brush (optional)
Servings:
This recipe makes 12 individual danish portions, perfect for feeding 6–12 people depending on appetites.
Cooking Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15–18 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (mix 1 1/2 tbsp sugar with 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon)
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk for glaze
- 2 tbsp fruit jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling should be silky and thick enough to spread easily.
Step 3: Slice the Rolls
Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire package horizontally like you would a sandwich bun. Carefully place the bottom half of the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom half of the rolls. Be generous to ensure each bite gets that luscious filling. Once spread, gently place the top half of the rolls back on and press down lightly to set the layers together.
Step 5: Butter and Sugar Topping
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Use a pastry brush (or a spoon) to coat the tops of the rolls. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered tops for a golden, sweet crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Danish
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The danishes are ready when the tops are a rich golden brown and the cream cheese filling is warm and slightly set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool for 5–10 minutes. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
While these danishes are fantastic on their own, you can elevate them even more with a few optional extras:
- Drizzle with glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk until you get a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the rolls right after baking.
- Add a fruit layer: Spread a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry preserves under the cream cheese filling before placing the top rolls.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds: For a nutty crunch and an elegant finish, top with sliced almonds before baking.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
To ensure your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish turns out perfect every time:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest filling.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper — it makes lifting and serving the danishes much easier.
- Use a serrated knife to cut between the rolls after baking to maintain their shape and minimize mess.
- Watch your oven during the final few minutes of baking. The rolls should be golden brown, not burnt.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
These danishes are best served warm, within 10–15 minutes of baking. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
Yes, you can, but the texture will be less creamy and rich. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
2. Can I make this danish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the danish up to Step 5, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake in the morning as directed.
3. What’s the best way to cut these danishes?
After baking and a brief cooling period, use a serrated knife to cut between each roll. This keeps the shape intact and prevents squishing the filling.
4. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! A thin layer of fruit jam or preserves under the cream cheese adds an extra burst of flavor. Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry work wonderfully.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The soft rolls, sweet filling, and simple prep make it perfect for kids to enjoy and even help make.
Conclusion
The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delightful combination of soft, buttery rolls and luscious cheesecake filling topped with a sweet cinnamon crust. It’s a recipe that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and takes almost no time to pull together.
Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or just when you want to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying, this easy recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Once you take a bite of this warm, creamy, cinnamon-sprinkled delight, you’ll understand why it might just become your new favorite breakfast tradition.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and indulge in a treat that brings bakery-quality flavor straight to your kitchen!
