If you are looking for a decadent treat that combines soft, sweet bread with creamy richness and fresh fruity notes, then this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. It starts with the irresistibly fluffy King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, layered with a luscious cheesecake filling, topped with a shiny vanilla glaze, and finished with fresh strawberries and caramel drizzle. This dessert is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, sure to brighten any brunch table or sweeten your afternoon coffee break with its delightful textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the soft, creamy, and sweet experience that defines this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe.
- Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These are the star, providing a soft and slightly sweet base that bakes up golden and fluffy.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Smooth and tangy, it creates the rich cheesecake filling.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake mixture perfectly without overpowering.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm and aromatic notes to both filling and glaze.
- Large Egg (1): Helps combine and set the cheesecake filling.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): The base of the sweet glaze that complements the richness beneath.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thin out the glaze for a smooth drizzle.
- Fresh Strawberries (sliced): Add bright, juicy freshness that contrasts the creamy layers.
- Caramel Sauce: The finishing touch for a sweet, buttery decadence.
How to Make King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, slice the Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, taking care to keep the bottom halves attached as one solid layer. This creates the perfect base for layering the luscious cheesecake filling, ensuring the sweetness is held in place during baking.
Step 2: Arrange the Base
Place this bottom layer of rolls into a greased baking dish. Greasing the dish helps prevent sticking and allows the sweet rolls to infuse their soft texture with buttery goodness as they bake.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe, striking the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.
Step 4: Layer the Cheesecake Filling
Spread this rich cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls. Even coverage is key so every bite offers that creamy cheesecake goodness intertwined with the sweet bread.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer
Next, gently place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheesecake filling, sealing everything in. This sandwiching creates a delightful contrast between the bread and the creamy center once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top layer to turn a golden brown and the cheesecake filling to be set but still luscious. When done, remove the dish and allow it to cool slightly to set beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the danish cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze gives a glossy, sweet finish that enhances both the look and flavor of the danish.
Step 8: Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm danish. Finally, crown your creation with freshly sliced strawberries and a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra burst of flavor and eye-catching presentation.
How to Serve King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can bring this dessert to life. Fresh strawberries add a burst of color and a refreshing tartness, while the caramel drizzle creates a silky sweetness that complements every bite. Feel free to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This danish pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a fragrant tea, making it a perfect morning or afternoon indulgence. For brunch gatherings, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salads or a light yogurt parfait to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, cut the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe into individual squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. You can also add edible flowers or a handful of toasted nuts for some crunch and extra visual appeal. Serving it slightly warm elevates the gooey, comforting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This danish keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresher, refrigerate for up to five days, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to restore its softness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen danish can last up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your danish gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the bread tough and the filling lose its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sweet rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Kings Hawaiian rolls provide a uniquely sweet and fluffy base, you can experiment with other soft sweet rolls. Just make sure they are fresh and not overly dense to keep the right texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m avoiding dairy?
For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative that has a similar consistency. Coconut cream cheese or cashew-based spreads work well, but the flavor will be slightly different from traditional cream cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To adapt this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe to vegan diets, swap the cream cheese and egg with vegan substitutes, and use plant-based milk and sugar. You’ll need to experiment a bit to get a similar creamy texture, but it’s doable.
Can I prepare this danish the night before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the danish in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How ripe should the strawberries be for this recipe?
Choose strawberries that are ripe but still firm. Overripe berries may become mushy and release too much juice, which could make the danish soggy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe enough if you want a crowd-pleasing, comforting dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or any time you crave that perfect bite of sweet bread with creamy cheesecake and fresh fruit. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the soft, sweet texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this danish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the danish.
- Slice the Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, but keep the bottom halves attached as one single layer to form the base.
- Place Bottom Layer: Grease a baking dish lightly and place the bottom layer of the rolls evenly inside it.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the bottom layer of rolls in the baking dish.
- Add the Top Layer: Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the cheesecake filling to cover it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the cheesecake filling has set.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the danish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to make it easier to handle for glazing and serving.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a light vanilla glaze.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the baked danish for a sweet finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange fresh sliced strawberries on top and drizzle caramel sauce over everything for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy the danish warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for strawberries according to preference.
- Allow the danish to cool a bit before slicing to avoid the cheesecake filling from spilling out.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, lightly warm the caramel sauce before drizzling.
- This danish is best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
