The King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is an irresistibly sweet and decadent breakfast or dessert treat. By combining the soft, sweet texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, this dish transforms the classic Danish into something truly extraordinary. Topped with a sugary glaze and fresh strawberries, it’s a perfect way to indulge for special occasions or weekend brunch. The buttery caramel drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 package Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions
1. Prepare the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom half intact as a single layer.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. This will form your cheesecake filling.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls, ensuring it’s well distributed.
3. Add the Top Layer:
- Place the top layer of the rolls over the cheesecake filling, gently pressing down to ensure the layers stick together.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- While the Danish is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the baked Danish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Top with freshly sliced strawberries for added freshness and color.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, gooey, and rich flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Toppings: You can experiment with different fruit toppings such as raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of fresh berries for added color and flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the topping glaze for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer dessert, drizzle some melted chocolate over the glaze or mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese filling for a chocolate cheesecake version.
- Pumpkin Spice: In fall, you can replace the vanilla extract with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked Danish (without glaze or strawberries) for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it up.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
10 FAQs About King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Can I use a different brand of sweet rolls? Yes, you can use any soft, sweet dinner rolls. However, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are known for their slightly sweet and fluffy texture, which works exceptionally well in this recipe.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Danish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is chilled.
- Can I make this with puff pastry instead of sweet rolls? Yes, puff pastry would create a different texture but still work well. Just bake according to puff pastry instructions and fill with the cheesecake mixture.
- Can I make the cheesecake filling without an egg? If you prefer to omit the egg, you can make the filling with just cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, though the texture may be slightly less firm.
- Is it possible to use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be substituted, but the texture and richness might be slightly less creamy.
- How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy? Be sure to bake the Danish long enough to allow the cheesecake filling to set, and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Can I use a store-bought glaze instead of making my own? Absolutely! You can use a store-bought glaze or frosting if you’re looking for a quicker option.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? You can use gluten-free sweet rolls as a substitute, or even try a gluten-free puff pastry. Ensure all other ingredients, such as powdered sugar and cream cheese, are gluten-free.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling? Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling would be a delicious variation. Just sprinkle them evenly before baking.
- Can I skip the caramel drizzle? Yes, you can skip the caramel drizzle if you prefer a simpler version, but it does add an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cheesecake filling.
Conclusion
The King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a perfect blend of soft, fluffy sweet rolls and creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a glaze and fresh strawberries for a little tartness. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every indulgent bite!