Have you ever wondered what happens when the pillowy softness of King’s Hawaiian rolls meets the creamy decadence of cheesecake? The result is nothing short of magical – a breakfast treat that might just make you set your alarm earlier than usual.
These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish creations transform ordinary mornings into celebrations. Combining the subtle sweetness of those famous rolls with velvety cheesecake filling creates a harmony of flavors that’s impossible to resist. Whether for weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these danishes deliver pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients List
Gathering quality ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible treats. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the perfect texture and flavor balance.
- 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves (strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry work beautifully)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Possible Substitutions: Neufchâtel cheese works wonderfully as a lighter alternative to cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, plant-based cream cheese can be substituted, though the texture may vary slightly. Greek yogurt cream cheese offers a protein boost with similar creaminess.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 18-22 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
This recipe comes together in just 60 minutes, which is about 30% faster than traditional danish recipes that require making dough from scratch. The time-saving secret lies in using King’s Hawaiian rolls as your base, eliminating the need for lengthy dough preparation and proofing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier mixing – this typically takes about 30 minutes on the counter. Having all ingredients measured and ready will make the assembly process smoother.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Mix until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The Hawaiian roll cheesecake danish filling should have a silky consistency without any lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Keeping the King’s Hawaiian rolls connected, slice the entire package horizontally through the middle, creating a top and bottom half (similar to cutting a burger bun). Place the bottom half on your prepared baking sheet. Pro tip: Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cut without compressing the rolls.
Step 4: Assemble Your Danishes
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
- Dollop fruit preserves over the cheesecake layer, then use a knife to gently swirl them together, creating a marbled effect.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on, creating a sandwich.
- Lightly press down to ensure the layers adhere without squeezing out the filling.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure food safety while maintaining the creamy texture of the filling.
Step 6: Create the Glaze
While the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency – it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Allow the baked danishes to cool for about 15 minutes before drizzling with glaze. Once glazed, let them set for a few minutes. Cut along the natural divisions of the rolls to create 12 individual danishes. Serve while still slightly warm for the ultimate experience.
Nutritional Information
Each King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish (based on a serving size of 1 danish) contains approximately:
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
These danishes provide about 8% of your daily calcium needs, primarily from the cream cheese. The egg and cream cheese also contribute small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D. When made with fruit preserves, they contain trace amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants, depending on the fruit variety used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transforming this indulgent treat into a more nutritious option is easier than you might think. Consider these modifications that maintain the delicious essence while boosting the nutritional profile:
1. Reduce Sugar Content: Cut the sugar in the filling to 1/4 cup and use reduced-sugar fruit preserves. The natural sweetness from the King’s Hawaiian rolls helps maintain overall sweetness.
2. Boost Protein: Mix 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the cream cheese filling to increase protein content while maintaining creaminess. This adds approximately 2g of protein per serving.
3. Add Nutrients: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts between the filling and top layer for healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed into the filling for omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Lighten the Glaze: Replace traditional glaze with a mixture of 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, and a splash of vanilla for a protein-rich topping with less sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish experience with these creative serving ideas:
For breakfast, pair these danishes with fresh fruit skewers and a protein source like Greek yogurt for a balanced meal. The combination of creamy, sweet, and fresh flavors creates a satisfying start to your day.
Create a brunch board featuring danishes as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries, citrus segments, and small pitchers of warmed maple syrup and fresh coffee. This presentation transforms a simple recipe into an impressive entertaining option.
For dessert, warm the danish slightly and top with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast of warm danish and cold topping creates a delightful sensory experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: This creates lumps in your filling. Always allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing – about 30 minutes on the counter is perfect.
- Overfilling the danishes: Too much filling will overflow during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts and leave that border around the edges.
- Skipping the parchment paper: The filling may leak slightly during baking, making cleanup difficult without parchment. This simple step saves significant cleaning time.
- Cutting danishes while hot: Patience is key! Cutting immediately after baking results in filling that oozes out. The 15-minute cooling period allows everything to set properly.
- Applying glaze too soon: Glazing while danishes are too hot causes the glaze to melt completely and run off. Wait until they’re warm but not hot for the perfect finish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can maintain their quality for several days. After cooling completely, store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration for food safety.
For the freshest taste, reheat refrigerated danishes in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds. This revitalizes the texture, making them taste nearly fresh-baked.
To freeze, place completely cooled danishes (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above, adding fresh glaze after warming.
Conclusion
These irresistible King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. By transforming store-bought rolls into something spectacular, you’ve created a recipe that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
Have you tried making these delightful danishes? We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and any creative variations you’ve tried in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more ways to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary treats, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!
