King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Introduction
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a bakery‑style treat made easy with soft Hawaiian sweet rolls as the base. Buttery, cinnamon‑sugar topping meets a rich cheesecake filling, baked until golden and irresistible. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet snack, it’s a recipe that transforms everyday rolls into something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Base & Topping
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing pan)
1 package (12 count) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
½ tbsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling
8 oz full‑fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush a baking dish or pan with 1 tbsp melted butter.
Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet. Place the bottom half in the dish.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and egg, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread cheesecake filling evenly over the bottom half of rolls.
Place the top half of rolls back on.
Step 4: Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Brush mixture generously over the tops of rolls.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until rolls are golden and filling is set.
Cool slightly before serving.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Yield: 12 cheesecake danish rolls
Tips & Tricks
Use full‑fat cream cheese for the richest filling.
Add a drizzle of glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for extra sweetness.
Serve warm for gooey texture, or chilled for a firmer cheesecake bite.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Variations
Berry Danish: Add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries before baking.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
Holiday Twist: Add orange zest to the filling for festive flavor.
Mini Version: Separate rolls and fill individually for bite‑sized treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coffee or tea for breakfast.
Pair with fresh fruit for brunch.
Make it a dessert centerpiece with whipped cream on the side.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but baked rolls can be frozen and reheated.
Q: Can I use other rolls?
A: Yes, but King’s Hawaiian adds a unique sweetness that makes this recipe shine.
Conclusion
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a quick, crowd‑pleasing recipe that combines the soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with creamy cheesecake filling and a buttery cinnamon topping. A guaranteed hit for any occasion.