Some recipes are so clever and delicious that they feel like a secret shortcut to a perfect dessert. This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is one of them. It takes a classic, beloved sweet bread and turns it into a warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible dessert. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a buttery cinnamon sugar topping, and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an easy-to-make treat that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of hacks that make baking easier, and this recipe is the ultimate hack. It uses King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as the base, which means you get a soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet dough without any of the work. The cheesecake filling is simple to mix up, and it bakes beautifully into a creamy, tangy center. The cinnamon sugar and melted butter topping gives it a delicious, crunchy crust, and the powdered sugar at the end is the perfect finishing touch. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that is perfect for a weekend breakfast, a simple dessert, or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
(Makes 12 danishes)
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Swaps and Notes
- Rolls: The King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are key for the flavor and texture of this recipe. I highly recommend sticking with them.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature. This will prevent any lumps and give you a smooth, creamy filling.
- Topping: If you don’t have pre-made cinnamon sugar, you can easily make your own by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra spice.
- Optional Add-ins: You can add a few fresh raspberries or blueberries to the center of the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the Rolls: Separate the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Fill the Rolls: Use your fingers or the back of a small spoon to create a small, shallow well in the center of each roll.
- Spoon and Brush: Fill each well with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture. Brush the edges of the rolls with the melted butter.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Dust: Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool for a few minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Success
- Soften the Cream Cheese: This is the most important step for a smooth, creamy filling. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling to each roll, as it can spill out while baking.
- Serve Warm: These danishes are best served warm, straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cheesecake danishes are a perfect standalone treat. They would be a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a simple fruit salad.
Nutritional Information (per danish)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 5g
- Fat: Approx. 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
Storage and Leftover Tips
These danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a toaster oven.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love a good dessert, especially one that’s easy to make, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- For a truly decadent treat, my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are a must-try.
- For a fantastic fall treat, my Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a great choice.
- My Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delicious way to use up overripe bananas.
- For a classic, no-bake dessert, my Big Family Banana Pudding is a fantastic choice.
- And for a fun holiday cookie, my Easter Cookies are always a hit.
Final Thoughts
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a perfect example of how a simple hack can create a truly spectacular dessert. It’s easy, delicious, and a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries it.
I hope you give this recipe a try! Let me know in the comments what your favorite toppings were. Happy baking!
Quick & Delicious King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: A Simple Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 package King's Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Melt the unsalted butter and mix in the cinnamon to create a cinnamon butter mixture.
- Take the King's Hawaiian sweet rolls and cut them in half horizontally.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom half of each roll.
- Place the tops back on the rolls and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Drizzle the cinnamon butter mixture over the assembled rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
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