Name: King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 count); 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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I’m so excited to share this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe with you because it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Combining the irresistibly soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling creates a heavenly treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether I’m serving it for brunch, dessert, or a special snack, I never fail to impress my friends and family with this delightful, easy-to-make recipe.

Why You’ll Love This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe

What really captures my heart about this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is its perfect balance of flavors. The sweet, fluffy rolls paired with the smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese filling create a flavor profile that’s simply unbeatable. I love how every bite melts in your mouth, with a subtle vanilla sweetness tying everything together. It’s that unique combination that feels so wholesome yet luxuriously special.

Beyond taste, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, which makes it a reliable go-to for when I want something impressive but stress-free. The assembly is straightforward, and the baking time is just right to develop golden, bubbly glaze magic without any fuss. Plus, it’s ideal for a variety of occasions — from casual get-togethers and holiday brunches to quiet weekend mornings. Every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration on my plate, and I know yours will too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass baking dish with six square pastries arranged in two rows of three. Each pastry has multiple golden brown, shiny, flaky layers on top, with a smooth white creamy filling visible between the layers. The pastries have a slightly puffed and crisp texture, and some powdered sugar is lightly sprinkled on the top. There is a small white bowl of white sauce blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony in the danish. From the soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls to the creamy cheesecake filling and the sweet glaze, these components come together to make a show-stopping dish.

King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls form the base and top, providing that iconic fluffy texture and slight honey flavor.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds the creamy, rich filling that’s essential for that cheesecake taste without overwhelming sweetness.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without making it too sugary.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for glaze): Brings warmth and fragrant sweetness to both the filling and the glaze.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Used in the glaze, it adds a smooth, sweet finishing touch that bakes into a lovely shiny coat.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency for pouring over the danishes.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help the danish bake evenly.

Step 2: Carefully split each King’s Hawaiian Roll in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves snugly in the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base layer.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This ensures a silky cheesecake filling without lumps.

Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish so every bite will have that luscious filling.

Step 5: Place the top halves of the rolls over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing down to create a sandwich-like structure but still leaving some room for the glaze to drip.

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable for the glaze.

Step 7: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top halves of the rolls, covering them with a sweet, glossy coat that will bake into a delightful finish.

Step 8: Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for the roll tops to turn a golden brown and for the glaze to bubble slightly, signaling perfect doneness.

Step 9: Remove the danish from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving. This allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Servings and Timing

This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe yields about 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or guests. The prep time is impressively short—just around 10 minutes to get everything ready. Baking takes approximately 25 minutes, so you’re looking at a total active time of about 35 minutes. Allow yourself an additional 5 to 10 minutes of cooling or resting time after baking to let the danish set just right before digging in.

How to Serve This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe

A close-up of a square, three-layered pastry on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath, featuring shiny, golden-brown layers of flaky bread filled generously with two thick creamy white filling layers. The top layer is glossy with a smooth dollop of cream resting centrally. In the background, a baking tray with more similar pastries can be seen out of focus. A silver fork is lifting one portion, showing the soft, creamy texture inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, I love to keep it simple yet elegant. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a freshly brewed tea, especially in the morning or for brunch. The warmth of the drink complements the soft sweetness of the danish perfectly. For a festive touch, I sometimes add fresh berries or a sprinkling of toasted almonds on the side to add both color and a bit of crunch.

Presentation-wise, slicing the danish into individual portions ensures everyone can enjoy it easily. I serve it on pretty dessert plates, occasionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional glaze for extra visual appeal. This dish truly shines when served warm or at room temperature, so I like to remind guests not to rush the cooling process—it really makes a difference in the texture.

This danish is my go-to for special occasions such as holiday breakfasts, weekend get-togethers, or even casual dinner parties where a sweet treat is appreciated. For beverage pairings beyond coffee and tea, I’ve found a lightly sparkling white wine or a fruity rosé can add a nice contrast for a brunch spread. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice are refreshing choices, too.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few variations to keep this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe fresh and suited to different tastes. One fun twist is to swap out the vanilla extract in the filling for almond extract for a slightly nutty, fragrant profile that changes the flavor dynamic beautifully. Adding a handful of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture before baking is another way I’ve jazzed it up, adding bursts of fruity brightness.

If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, the recipe can be adapted by using gluten-free rolls (if available) or making your own gluten-free bread base. Vegan friends can try plant-based cream cheese options and nondairy milk in the glaze for a deliciously creamy dairy-free alternative, though the texture will be a bit different — still absolutely tasty!

For a different approach, I’ve also made these rolls individually on a baking sheet instead of in a single pan to create cheesecakes danishes that feel more like hand-held pastries. This works great for parties or when guests want to grab and go. Adjust baking time slightly if you choose this method, keeping an eye on browning.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find plastic containers with secure lids or glass storage dishes work best to keep the roll’s moisture intact while protecting the glaze. The danish stays fresh for up to 3 days this way, making it easy to enjoy later without losing that creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this danish successfully for longer storage. To freeze, I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents freezer burn and helps the danish keep its texture. You can store it frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer using a low oven temperature around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which warms the danish evenly and refreshes that glazed top without drying it out. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving for 20-30 seconds works but can sometimes make the texture a little softer or less appealing, so I recommend the oven when possible. Avoid reheating too many times, as the cream cheese filling could start to change consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian Rolls?

Yes, but King’s Hawaiian Rolls have a unique sweetness and soft texture that really elevate this dish. If you use other rolls, try to pick ones that are slightly sweet and fluffy to maintain that signature mouthfeel and balance of flavors.

Is the cream cheese filling very sweet?

The filling is mildly sweetened so it complements the rolls without being overpowering. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, so overall, the dessert feels perfectly balanced and not too sugary.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the danish a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add the glaze right before baking to get that lovely shiny finish.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

Powdered sugar gives the smooth texture needed for the glaze, but if you don’t have it, you might try finely grinding granulated sugar in a blender to make your own. Otherwise, a simple drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add sweetness though the texture will differ.

Can I add fruit toppings to this danish?

Definitely! Fresh or frozen fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries can be mixed into the cream cheese filling or sprinkled on top before baking. They add a fresh contrast and a pop of color that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe a try because it’s one of those special recipes that somehow feels both effortless and spectacular. Its creamy, sweet, and soft layers truly make every bite a delight. I know once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite too, perfect for sharing moments of joy with people you love. Happy baking and even happier tasting!