Easy King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery goodness, this Easy King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish might just become your new favorite brunch treat. The star of the show? Those irresistibly soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. They provide the ideal base for a luscious cheesecake filling and a hint of fruity jam. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to whip up. Trust me, your brunch guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

I first made this recipe out of necessity—brunch was just an hour away, and I needed something impressive but quick. The result? An instant crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or even an average Sunday morning. Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or just want a little indulgence with your coffee, this Danish hits all the right notes.

Oh, and did I mention how beautiful it looks on a serving platter? The golden-brown rolls with glossy fruit topping are Instagram-worthy and practically scream, “Pin me!” Let’s get started—you’re going to love this one!

Recipe Story/Background

The concept of a Danish pastry has roots in European baking traditions, specifically Denmark (hence the name). But this version is far from traditional—it’s a simplified, Americanized twist that combines convenience with incredible flavor. The idea came to me when I realized how versatile King’s Hawaiian rolls could be. Their subtle sweetness makes them perfect for both savory and sweet applications, but they truly shine in this dessert-meets-breakfast recipe.

Growing up, cheesecake was a family favorite dessert, and I remember my mom making it for every holiday. This recipe combines that nostalgic cheesecake flavor with the ease of a pull-apart bread, making it approachable for even the busiest home cooks. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that looks like you spent hours but really only takes about 30 minutes?

While this recipe is perfect year-round, I find it especially fitting for spring and summer brunches. The fruit topping can be customized to reflect the season—think strawberry jam in spring or peach preserves in the summer. It’s also a fantastic way to bring people together, as everyone loves pulling apart the soft rolls and discovering that creamy cheesecake center. It’s food that’s interactive and fun!

Ingredient Discussion

Let’s talk ingredients, because each one plays an important role in making this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish absolutely delicious.

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These slightly sweet, pillowy rolls are the perfect base. Look for the classic 12-pack for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you could use brioche or challah rolls, but nothing beats the original!
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is your best bet for that rich, indulgent cheesecake flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you need a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough without making it too cloying. You could substitute with a sugar alternative like monk fruit if needed.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the filling. Don’t skimp here—quality vanilla makes a difference!
• Fruit Jam or Preserves: This is where you can get creative. I love using raspberry or apricot jam, but strawberry, blueberry, or even fig preserves work beautifully. Choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of beaten egg and a splash of water gives the rolls that gorgeous golden-brown shine.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): A dusting of powdered sugar at the end makes these Danishes look bakery-perfect.

You can find King’s Hawaiian rolls in most grocery stores in the bread aisle. For the jams, check the specialty or organic section for unique flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even make your own fruit preserves!

Equipment Needed

The great thing about this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this pull-apart style Danish.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for preparing the cheesecake filling.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: A hand mixer makes the filling super creamy, but a whisk and some elbow grease work too.
• Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash. If you don’t have one, you can use the back of a spoon.
• Spatula: For spreading the cheesecake filling evenly.

If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, don’t worry! These tools are basic and budget-friendly. I’ve even made this recipe in a disposable aluminum pan when I was in a rush—it’s very forgiving.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the rolls: Without separating the King’s Hawaiian rolls, use a serrated knife to slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz (225 g) of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar, and 1 tsp (5 ml) of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Danish: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Add dollops of your favorite fruit jam (about 1/3 cup or 80 ml) on top of the cream cheese layer. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
5. Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp (15 ml) of water. Brush this mixture lightly over the tops of the rolls.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the Danish to cool for 5-10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar (if desired) and serving.

Pro tip: Use parchment paper under the rolls for easy cleanup. The melted jam can get a little sticky!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish a success:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened, as it will mix much more smoothly. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling.
• Don’t overfill with jam: While tempting, too much jam can make the rolls soggy. A few spoonfuls go a long way!
• Use a sharp knife: When slicing the rolls in half, a serrated knife helps keep them intact without crushing.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

And if you’re like me and love a warm Danish, pop leftovers in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring them back to life!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is super adaptable—here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Seasonal flavors: Swap out the jam based on the season. Use pumpkin butter in the fall or cranberry sauce during the holidays.
• Dietary adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rolls. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free option.
• Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer for a sweet twist.
• Nuts for crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.

One variation I tried recently was adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the jam—so indulgent and so good!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a mimosa for brunch. If you’re hosting, place the rolls on a pretty platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for about 15 seconds. You can also freeze the rolls for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this recipe is definitely a treat, it’s good to know what’s in it. Each serving has approximately:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 10g

The cream cheese provides a dose of calcium, and the fruit jam adds a touch of natural sweetness. For those watching their sugar intake, you could use a no-sugar-added jam or replace the sugar in the filling with a substitute like stevia.

Conclusion

This Easy King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is the ultimate brunch treat—simple to make, stunning on the table, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting family or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers every time. I love how versatile it is; you can switch up the flavors, make it ahead, or even serve it as a dessert.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out, or share a photo on social media and tag me. Let’s keep brunch delicious and stress-free—happy baking!

FAQs: Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the Danish the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche or challah rolls are great substitutes if you can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls.

What if I don’t have a pastry brush?

You can use the back of a spoon or even your fingers to apply the egg wash.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze the baked Danish for up to a month, then thaw and reheat before serving.

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