King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Okay, dessert lovers get ready, because King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine buttery, pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls hugging a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all golden, gooey, and drizzled with sweet glaze. It’s like your favorite brunch pastry and cheesecake had a glorious baby. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend treat, a surprise brunch centerpiece, or just a “because I deserve it” moment, this one’s a total showstopper. Trust me once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it.
Why You’ll Love King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day indulgence it fits all the sweet cravings.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple store-bought ingredients but delivers bakery-level results.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and assembly the oven does the hard work for you.
Customizable: Add fruit, jam, or flavor extracts to switch it up every time.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
This dessert feels indulgent and fancy but comes together with just a handful of ingredients that create pure magic.
King’s Hawaiian Rolls
The soft, slightly sweet base that gives this dish its irresistible flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese
The star of the filling smooth, tangy, and rich, it brings that classic cheesecake vibe.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese and balances the tang.
Egg
Helps create a luscious, rich filling that bakes up beautifully.
Vanilla Extract
Adds that warm, cozy flavor you expect in a classic cheesecake.
Powdered Sugar
Used for the glaze it adds a sweet finishing touch.
Milk
Thins out the glaze to just the right drizzly consistency.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even, golden bake.
Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want it velvety with no lumps.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Place the Hawaiian rolls in a baking dish and gently press down the center of each roll to create a well for the filling.
Assemble the Dish
Spoon the cheesecake filling into the center of each roll. Don’t overfill just enough to sit nicely in the well.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the rolls are golden and the cheesecake centers are set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.
Finishing Touches
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm danishes for that sweet, glossy finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with coffee, tea, or just as-is for a dreamy bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of fresh berries or fruit salad
- Drizzle with strawberry or raspberry sauce for extra flair
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cold brew
- Add a dusting of cinnamon or lemon zest for a seasonal twist
- Make it a dessert board centerpiece with other pastries and fruits
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Let the cream cheese soften for easy mixing
- Use an ice cream scoop for evenly filling the rolls
- Add a dollop of jam in the center before baking for a fruity version
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave
- Swap vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a fun twist
- Use mini rolls for bite-sized treats
- Top with crushed nuts for a bit of crunch
- Double the recipe for a crowd trust me, they go fast
- Don’t skip the glaze it makes everything better
- Try chocolate chips or swirl in Nutella for a decadent variation
FAQs
1 Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake fresh when ready.
2 Can I use homemade rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?
Sure, but you’ll miss that signature sweet flavor. Hawaiian rolls really make this dish special.
3 Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
4 Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Try mixing in mashed berries or a spoonful of jam for added flavor.
5 How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly before serving.
6 Can I freeze them?
You can, but the texture is best when fresh. If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
7 What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can skip the glaze or make a simple syrup drizzle instead.
8 Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Strawberry or honey pecan cream cheese can add a fun twist.
9 Is this overly sweet?
Nope it’s the perfect balance of sweet roll, creamy filling, and light glaze.
10 What kind of milk should I use for the glaze?
Any milk works even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Conclusion
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is what happens when convenience meets irresistible flavor. With its creamy center, golden exterior, and sweet glaze, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Perfect for sharing (or not!), this treat is easy to whip up but impossible to forget. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just sneaking a warm bite straight from the pan, this one’s bound to become a new favorite.
Print
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a deliciously sweet and fluffy pastry made with soft King’s Hawaiian rolls, filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a buttery glaze. It’s an easy and irresistible treat perfect for brunches, desserts, or special breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (12-count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing rolls)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Keeping the rolls attached, slice the entire slab of King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the filling to sandwich it in.
- Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm danish before serving. Let cool slightly, then cut and serve.
Notes
- Use flavored cream cheese (like strawberry or cinnamon) for a twist.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Top with fruit preserves or pie filling before adding the top layer for a fruity variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cheesecake danish, King’s Hawaiian rolls, breakfast pastry, easy dessert, cream cheese pastry