If you have a soft spot for sweet, creamy, and wonderfully fluffy pastries, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of the iconic King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling, all topped with a golden butter glaze and cinnamon sugar. This recipe turns simple rolls into a bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Trust me, once you make these danishes, they’ll quickly become a beloved go-to in your kitchen for special mornings or anytime you want to wow your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in creating those soft, sweet, and tangy delights. These simple ingredients combine to give you that signature creamy filling, golden crust, and that warm cinnamon-sugar sparkle on top.
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count): The star of the show, these rolls provide a soft, fluffy base with a signature sweet flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This gives the danishes their rich, creamy filling that balances sweetness with tang.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds the right level of sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the filling and adds a silky texture.
- Butter, melted (1/4 cup): Creates a buttery, golden finish on the danish tops.
- Cinnamon sugar (2 tablespoons): A perfect blend of sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle over the buttered tops for that cozy, spicy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds an elegant, sweet finish just before serving.
How to Make Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for gently baking the danishes to a golden perfection without overcooking the delicate cream cheese filling. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ensure your danishes don’t stick and come out flawlessly every time.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Take each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll and carefully slice it in half lengthwise, stopping before you cut all the way through. Creating a pocket this way allows room for that luscious cheesecake filling to nestle inside without leaking out during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until everything is smooth and creamy. This smooth blend is what makes the filling irresistibly luscious and full of flavor.
Step 4: Fill Each Roll
Now comes the fun part. Carefully spoon or pipe the creamy filling into the pocket you created inside each roll. Don’t hold back here; a generous amount of filling means every bite delivers that perfect cheesecake hit.
Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place each filled roll onto your prepared baking sheet with a little breathing room so they bake evenly without sticking together. Leaving some space ensures each danish bakes to a soft, yet perfectly golden consistency.
Step 6: Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the tops of the filled rolls with melted butter, then shower them with the cinnamon sugar blend. This step not only adds a beautiful golden hue but also infuses each danish with a warm, sweet-spicy note that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set but still creamy. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s impossible to ignore.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Allow your danishes to cool slightly right on the baking sheet before moving them to a serving platter. Just before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness and pretty presentation.
How to Serve Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
While a dusting of powdered sugar is classic, why not elevate your danishes with fresh garnishes? A few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side add a pop of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. For a fuller meal, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance out the indulgence with some light, refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a little flair to your table by arranging the danishes on a tiered dessert stand or a rustic wooden board to showcase their golden tops. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or warm caramel sauce over them just before serving for an extra touch of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is best, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these danishes! Wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth and softness, reheat the danishes in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the dough rubbery. Warmed up this way, they’re almost as good as fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?
While King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are ideal for their unique sweetness and texture, other soft, sweet rolls can also work. Just make sure they are not too dense, or the filling-to-bread ratio might feel off.
Is it necessary to use softened cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to blend smoothly with the sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps and a less creamy filling.
Can I make these danishes vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Adjust the sweetness to taste, and use a flax egg or other egg substitute to keep the filling firm.
What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese filling?
A piping bag fitted with a plain round tip works perfectly for filling the pockets cleanly and evenly. If you don’t have one, a small spoon also does the trick.
Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes to account for the chilled filling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe because it truly is a delightful treat that brightens any day. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of sweet self-care, these danishes offer a comforting blend of soft bread and creamy sweetness that’s hard to beat. Give it a try, and I promise these will become an irresistible favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Indulgent King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are a delightful treat combining the soft, sweet texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust and a dusting of powdered sugar, they make the perfect sweet breakfast or dessert pastry, ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Sweet Rolls
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice rolls: Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half, but not all the way through, creating a pocket that can hold the filling.
- Make filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined, ready to fill the rolls.
- Fill rolls: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each sweet roll pocket, ensuring an even distribution of the creamy mixture inside.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with space between each to allow for even baking.
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the tops of each filled roll with the melted butter to create a golden crust. Then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture for added sweetness and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheesecake filling has set properly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Finally, dust with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to easily blend with other ingredients.
- Do not slice the rolls completely through to keep the filling securely inside the pocket.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- The cinnamon sugar topping can be adjusted to taste for more or less sweetness and spice.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
