Oh my gosh, you have to try this Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish! It’s my go-to when I need something sweet, easy, and downright magical. Picture this: those soft, buttery Kings Hawaiian rolls hugging a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a sweet glaze that makes it impossible to eat just one. I stumbled on this combo one lazy Sunday when I had leftover rolls and a block of cream cheese begging to be used – and wow, was that a happy accident! Now my family begs me to make it for brunches, potlucks, even just because it’s Tuesday. The best part? It comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and probably your diet)! First off, it’s ridiculously easy – we’re talking 4 simple steps and 25 minutes from bowl to table. No fancy pastry skills needed here. Plus, that sweet Hawaiian roll base makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Kids go nuts for it, but trust me, adults sneak seconds when they think no one’s looking. And the flavor? Pure magic. The combo of pillowy rolls and rich cheesecake filling is like nothing you’ve tasted before. Oh, and did I mention it’s the perfect “oops, I forgot to make dessert” lifesaver?
Ingredients for Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most already! You’ll need:
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian rolls (those sweet, golden ones in the orange bag)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes – trust me, this makes mixing so much easier)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (pack it lightly when measuring)
- 1 egg yolk (save the white for an omelet!)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for that dreamy glaze)
- 1 tbsp milk (any kind works, I use whole milk for extra richness)
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary. Now let’s make some magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these trusty kitchen tools – nothing fancy required! You’ll just need a medium mixing bowl, a sturdy whisk (or fork in a pinch), a baking sheet, and a small bowl for the glaze. That’s it – let’s get baking!
How to Make Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Alright, let’s turn those simple ingredients into pure magic! Don’t worry – I’ll walk you through every step like we’re baking together in my kitchen. First things first: preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you’ll want it nice and hot by the time we’re ready to bake!
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Grab your package of Kings Hawaiian rolls – keep them connected! Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the whole slab horizontally to create a top and bottom “sheet” of rolls. Imagine you’re making one giant sandwich – that’s exactly what we’re doing here!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In your mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! Then add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla – keep mixing until it’s silky and well combined. I like to use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides occasionally. The filling should look like a dreamy cloud when it’s ready!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place the bottom half of the rolls on your baking sheet. Spread that luscious cheesecake filling evenly over the surface – aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on like a lid. Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes until the tops turn golden and the filling is set (it should barely jiggle when you nudge the pan).
Step 4: Add the Glaze
While your danish cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The glaze should drizzle easily but not be too runny. Now the fun part – zigzag that sweet goodness over the warm rolls! Let it set for a minute before pulling apart to serve.
Tips for Perfect Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
After making this dozens of times (yes, I might have a slight addiction), I’ve picked up some tricks! First, check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Second, let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before glazing so it doesn’t all melt away. And my secret? Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking for extra richness. You’re welcome!
Variations for Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists. A teaspoon of lemon zest in the filling adds bright freshness, while a berry drizzle (just smash some raspberries with powdered sugar) makes it extra fancy. For a decadent touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze – it’ll remind you of your favorite cinnamon rolls. The best part? Each version tastes like a whole new treat!
Serving and Storage
Here’s the best way to enjoy your Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – serve it warm while that glaze is still slightly gooey! If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The rolls stay surprisingly soft, though I doubt they’ll last that long – mine never do!
Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Nutrition
Just so you know what you’re biting into – each delicious danish comes in at about 220 calories. These numbers are estimates since ingredients can vary, but hey, totally worth every bite if you ask me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Kings Hawaiian?
You can, but trust me – you’ll miss that signature sweetness! The buttery, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls make this recipe special. If you must substitute, try brioche rolls and add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
Q2: My filling seems runny – what did I do wrong?
Don’t panic! This usually means the cream cheese wasn’t fully softened or the egg yolk wasn’t fully incorporated. Next time, let the cream cheese sit out longer and mix the filling until completely smooth before baking.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold pan. The glaze should always be added fresh though!
Q4: Help! My rolls stuck to the pan.
Been there! Next time, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with baking spray. Those sweet rolls can be sneaky like that!
I’d love to hear how your Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Share your baking adventures below!
Print
Irresistible 25-Minute Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining the flavors of Kings Hawaiian rolls and cheesecake in a danish pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Slice Kings Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread mixture on bottom half of rolls.
- Place top half of rolls over filling.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm danish.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Check doneness by ensuring filling is set.
- Cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Kings Hawaiian, cheesecake, danish, dessert, pastry