A delightful fusion of sweet Hawaiian rolls and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze. This quick and easy treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.
- The rich and creamy cheesecake filling adds the perfect level of sweetness.
- A buttery cinnamon-sugar topping enhances the texture and taste.
- Quick and easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared pan.
- Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top of each roll, going about two-thirds of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom. This will create a pocket for the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beaten egg; mix until well combined.
Fill the Rolls:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into the cuts made in each roll, ensuring the mixture fills the pocket created by the “X”.
Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Assemble and Bake:
- Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the filled rolls, ensuring each roll is generously coated.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 149 kcal per serving
Variations
- Fruit Filling: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves inside the rolls before adding the cheesecake filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished danishes for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar topping for added texture.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute the cinnamon-sugar topping with a simple maple glaze for a different sweetness profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked filled rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking as instructed.
FAQs
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness that enhances the flavor.
Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon-sugar topping?
Absolutely! Store-bought cinnamon-sugar blends work well if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture and taste.
Can I add vanilla extract to the filling?
Yes, a teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the cheesecake flavor.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
Avoid overfilling the rolls and bake until the filling is fully set.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy texture.
What should I do if my filling leaks out?
Ensure the “X” cut isn’t too deep and that the filling is piped securely inside.
Can I serve these cold?
Yes, they taste great chilled, but warming them enhances the flavors.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Yes! Adding raisins or chopped dried fruit can add extra sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a simple yet decadent treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping makes for a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lovely King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Flaky layers filled with creamy cheesecake, topped with a sweet drizzle. Indulgence in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared pan.
- Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top of each roll, going about two-thirds of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom. This will create a pocket for the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beaten egg; mix until well combined.
Fill the Rolls:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).
- Pipe the cream cheese filling into the cuts made in each roll, ensuring the mixture fills the pocket created by the “X”.
Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Assemble and Bake:
- Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the filled rolls, ensuring each roll is generously coated.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Serve Warm – Enjoy these pastries slightly warmed for the best texture and flavor, allowing the cheesecake filling to become extra creamy and the pastry ultra-flaky.
- Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness without drying out the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish