King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

There’s something universally satisfying about combining different textures and flavors into one delightful treat. In this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe, the unique sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls meets the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake, all topped with a warm blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. The result? A sweet treat that feels like it belongs on the breakfast table, yet it could easily be served as a dessert for any occasion.

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A Brief History of King’s Hawaiian Rolls

Before we break down the recipe, let’s first talk about the beloved King’s Hawaiian rolls. These slightly sweet, soft, and fluffy rolls are a staple in many American households, often used for sandwiches, sliders, or served alongside main courses. They were created by Robert Taira, a baker from Hilo, Hawaii, who first introduced them in the 1950s. Inspired by Portuguese sweet bread, Taira’s rolls gained popularity, eventually becoming the iconic King’s Hawaiian brand known today.

The distinctive sweetness and tender texture of these rolls make them the perfect base for this cheesecake Danish recipe. They are subtly sweet but not overly so, which complements the rich, tangy cream cheese filling and the warm spices.

The Origins of the Danish Pastry

The cheesecake Danish itself draws inspiration from the traditional Danish pastry, which originated in Denmark but has roots in Vienna, Austria. These pastries are typically made with laminated dough (similar to croissants), filled with fruits, custards, or cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Over time, the Danish pastry has become a popular treat across the globe, with various adaptations and fillings.

In this recipe, the King’s Hawaiian rolls act as a shortcut for the more labor-intensive laminated dough, offering a quicker yet equally satisfying result. By cutting an “X” into the top of each roll and filling it with a simple cream cheese mixture, we create a unique twist on the classic Danish.

Ingredients Breakdown

The beauty of this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert or breakfast treat in under 30 minutes. Here’s a closer look at each component:

1. King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls)

These sweet rolls serve as the base for the Danish. Their soft texture and slight sweetness perfectly complement the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. You’ll need 12 rolls for this recipe, which can be easily found at most grocery stores.

2. Melted Butter (1 tbsp + ⅓ cup)

Butter is used in two stages of this recipe: first to grease the baking dish and later to coat the rolls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon and sugar adhere to the rolls as they bake, creating a sweet, slightly crisp topping.

3. Brown Sugar (2 tbsp)

Brown sugar, with its molasses undertones, enhances the warm, caramel-like flavor of the Danish topping. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a fragrant, sweet crust on top of the rolls.

4. Cinnamon (½ tbsp)

Cinnamon is a key spice in many baked goods, adding warmth and depth of flavor. In this recipe, it’s mixed with brown sugar and butter to create a classic flavor combination that complements the sweetness of the rolls and cream cheese filling.

5. Nutmeg (⅛ tsp)

Nutmeg, while used sparingly, adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile of the Danish. Its slightly nutty, warm notes work well alongside the cinnamon and brown sugar.

6. Cream Cheese (8 oz)

Cream cheese is the star of the filling, providing a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the rolls and topping. When mixed with sugar and egg, it creates a smooth, creamy filling that bakes to perfection inside the rolls.

7. Egg (1 large)

The egg helps to bind the cream cheese mixture together, giving it structure as it bakes. It also adds a slight richness to the filling, ensuring a smooth, cheesecake-like texture.

8. Sugar (3 tbsp)

Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing the tanginess of the cheese and enhancing the overall flavor of the Danish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Now that we’ve explored the ingredients, it’s time to get into the heart of the recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a batch of delicious King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, allowing the rolls to cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent the rolls from sticking. You can use any size baking dish that will comfortably fit the 12 rolls, but a standard 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Step 3: Arrange the King’s Hawaiian Rolls

Place the 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls in the greased baking dish, spacing them evenly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut an “X” into the top of each roll. This creates a small opening where the cream cheese filling will be added later. Be careful not to cut too deep—you want to create a pocket for the filling without slicing through the bottom of the roll.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir until well combined, forming a fragrant, buttery mixture. This topping will add sweetness and warmth to the rolls as they bake.

Step 5: Coat the Rolls

Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, making sure each roll gets coated. As the rolls bake, the butter and sugar will caramelize, creating a slightly crispy, sweet crust that pairs perfectly with the soft rolls and creamy filling.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat together the 8 oz of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy. This mixture will form the rich, cheesecake-like filling for the rolls. Be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.

Step 7: Fill the Rolls

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the “X” in each roll with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overfill—the rolls will puff up slightly as they bake, and you want to avoid the filling spilling out. A tablespoon of filling per roll should be just the right amount.

Step 8: Bake the Danishes

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set. Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm, either on their own or with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines several elements that make it a winning dish: the soft sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls, the richness of the cheesecake filling, and the warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures—the tender rolls give way to the creamy, tangy filling, while the caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping adds a subtle crunch.

The simplicity of the recipe also makes it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. By using pre-made rolls and a straightforward filling, you can have a bakery-worthy treat on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s an ideal dish for brunch, dessert, or a special breakfast.

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Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this recipe is already delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize and elevate it. Here are a few variations and serving suggestions to consider:

1. Fruit-Filled Cheesecake Danish

For a fruity twist, try adding a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh fruit to the cream cheese filling. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries would complement the cream cheese perfectly, adding a burst of fresh flavor to each bite.

2. Chocolate Cheesecake Danish

If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the baked Danishes. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese is a match made in dessert heaven.

3. Glazed Danish

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the baked Danishes. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls once they’ve cooled slightly.

4. Pairing with Coffee or Tea

These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee or tea. The richness of the cream cheese filling and the sweetness of the rolls pair beautifully with a warm, comforting beverage.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Satisfying Treat

The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With its soft, sweet rolls, rich cream cheese filling, and warm cinnamon-sugar topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends. The contrast of textures and flavors makes each bite a delightful experience, and the recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences.

Enjoy the comforting, indulgent flavors of this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to recipe for all occasions!