Oh my goodness, you have to try this Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish! It’s my go-to dessert when I need something impressive but secretly easy. Picture this: fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls transformed into a warm, gooey danish with a rich cream cheese filling that’ll make your taste buds dance. I first made this for a brunch potluck last year, and now my friends beg me to bring it every time. The magic happens when the sweet rolls meet that creamy cheesecake filling – it’s like a cinnamon roll and cheesecake had the most delicious baby. Ready in just 30 minutes? Yes please!
Why You’ll Love This Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon. Here’s why:
- Crazy easy – uses store-bought rolls but tastes totally homemade
- Ready in 30 minutes flat (perfect for last-minute guests!)
- The cream cheese filling is so creamy it’ll make you swoon
- That butter-cinnamon-sugar topping? Absolute perfection
- Brings all the comfort of cinnamon rolls but with cheesecake vibes
Seriously, it’s the dessert that looks fancy but takes zero effort. Your friends will think you slaved over it!
Ingredients for Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magical dessert happen – I promise you probably have most of it in your kitchen already!
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls) – don’t separate them!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes first)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (I sometimes use ⅓ cup if I want it less sweet)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- 1 large egg (room temperature blends smoother)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (I microwave it for 30 seconds)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly opened if possible)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s make some magic.
How to Make Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Okay, let’s get baking! This comes together so fast you’ll be shocked. First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s make some magic happen.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab your softened cream cheese – seriously, don’t skip letting it soften or you’ll be fighting lumps! Toss it in a bowl with the granulated sugar, vanilla, and egg. Now beat it like it owes you money until it’s silky smooth. I use a hand mixer, but a sturdy fork and some elbow grease works too. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s not a single lump left and it looks like fluffy clouds of deliciousness.
Assembling the Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Here’s the fun part! Take your whole package of King’s Hawaiian rolls (keep them connected!) and slice them horizontally like you’re making one giant sandwich. Gently lift the top half off – try not to tear them apart. Now spread that gorgeous cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom half. Don’t be shy – get it right to the edges! Pop the top back on, then brush melted butter all over the top. Last step? Sprinkle that cinnamon-brown sugar mixture generously over everything. It’ll melt into the most amazing crust!
Baking and Serving
Slide your masterpiece into the oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set (no jiggling in the middle!). Let it cool for about 5 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, that filling is lava-hot! Then slice and serve while it’s still warm. Watch everyone’s eyes light up when they take that first bite!
Tips for the Best Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Want to take your danish from good to “oh my gosh I need this recipe” amazing? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Leave cream cheese out for at least 30 minutes – cold cream cheese will fight you the whole way
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls – it glides through without squishing them
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar
- Serve warm – the cream cheese gets all melty and dreamy
- If your rolls start to brown too fast, tent with foil for the last 5 minutes
See? Easy little tweaks for next-level results!
Variations for Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Oh, the possibilities! This recipe is like a blank canvas for your sweet tooth. Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Berry bliss: Toss some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese filling
- Lemon lovers: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a bright twist
- Glaze game: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking
- Nutty goodness: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar
- Pumpkin spice: Swap half the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in autumn
Don’t be afraid to get creative – that’s how the best kitchen accidents happen!
Storing and Reheating Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Now, I know this danish disappears fast at my house, but if by some miracle you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh. Pop them in an airtight container – they’ll stay good at room temp for about a day, or in the fridge for 2-3 days. Want that just-baked warmth? Simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or pop it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The butter-cinnamon top gets all melty again – yum! Just don’t freeze it; that cream cheese filling gets weird when frozen and thawed. Trust me, I learned that one the hard way!
Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Nutritional Information
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “How bad is this deliciousness for me?” Let’s be real, this is a treat, not a health food. But here’s the scoop – exact numbers can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. That said, we’re looking at a sweet, rich danish with all the goodness (and let’s be honest, calories) that comes with cream cheese, butter, and those heavenly King’s Hawaiian rolls.
If you’re watching certain macros or have dietary needs, just know this baby has all the good stuff – carbs from the rolls and sugars, protein from the cream cheese and egg, and yes, some fat to make it taste amazing. Portion control is your friend here! I like to enjoy one generous slice (okay, sometimes two) with a big cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. Remember, treats like this are about joy, not numbers – so savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish all the time, so let’s tackle those burning questions! First up – yes, you can use different rolls if you’re in a pinch. Brioche or potato rolls work well, but they won’t have that signature King’s Hawaiian sweetness. Want to prep ahead? Mix the cream cheese filling the night before (store it covered in the fridge), but assemble just before baking for best results.
“How long does this stay fresh?” you ask. At room temp, enjoy it the same day – the rolls dry out fast. In the fridge? 2-3 days max. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven magic. And for my gluten-free friends? I’ve had success with gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls, but check they’re still connected in the package before buying!
One last thing – don’t stress if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Mine definitely wasn’t! The beauty is in the delicious mess. Now go make some memories (and maybe a second batch because this stuff disappears fast).
Share Your Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Experience
Did you make this heavenly dessert? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your favorite variation or any tweaks you tried. And if you snapped a photo, share that too – nothing makes me happier than seeing your delicious creations!
Print
30-Minute Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and creamy dessert combining the flavors of King’s Hawaiian rolls and cheesecake in a danish pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Brush melted butter over the top of the rolls.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: King's Hawaiian, Cheesecake, Danish, Dessert, Sweet Rolls