Soft and Sweet King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and utterly indulgent pastry that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is about to become your new favorite recipe. It’s the perfect combination of fluffy, buttery sweet rolls filled with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with fruit, glaze, or both. Made with soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this danish is a crowd-pleaser every time. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make and uses only a handful of ingredients, making it ideal for busy mornings, last-minute gatherings, or spontaneous weekend baking sessions.

These cheesecake danishes are not only beautiful on the plate, but they’re also rich in flavor and totally customizable. You can stick to the classic cream cheese filling or dress them up with fruity jam, fresh berries, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. They’re as versatile as they are delicious. Because they use store-bought rolls, the prep time is significantly reduced, allowing you to enjoy all the luxurious decadence of a homemade pastry without spending hours in the kitchen. With each bite, you’ll get the signature sweetness of King’s Hawaiian bread balanced by tangy cream cheese and your choice of topping. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make once and then dream about again and again.

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

There are so many reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation. First of all, the use of King’s Hawaiian rolls is a brilliant shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Their naturally sweet, pillowy texture provides the ideal base for cheesecake filling, and when baked, they turn golden and slightly crisp on the edges while staying soft in the center. Secondly, this danish recipe doesn’t require complicated pastry skills. There’s no dough to knead or roll out, and no fancy techniques are needed to create a delicious result.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for entertaining. It can be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd and served warm or at room temperature. You can prepare the filling in advance to cut down on prep time, and because the rolls are already portioned, serving them is effortless. It’s also great for holidays—think Easter brunch, Christmas morning, Mother’s Day breakfast, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and special. Even if you’re just making them for yourself, they’re worth every bite.

Save

Ingredients for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

This recipe is incredibly accessible, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Everything works together seamlessly to produce a dessert that feels special yet simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12-count)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or pie filling (optional, for topping)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)

The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet, soft rolls is what makes this danish unforgettable. If you want to switch it up, you can experiment with different types of preserves—strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd all work beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make This Easy Danish

Having the right tools on hand makes preparation even more effortless. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few kitchen staples:

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for egg wash)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife or serrated bread knife
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Cooling rack
• Serving spatula

With just these basic tools, you’ll be able to prepare, bake, and serve this King’s Hawaiian cheesecake danish without stress.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing your baking dish. Then, remove the King’s Hawaiian rolls from their packaging, but do not separate them. Instead, using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, just like you would for sliders. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish and set the top half aside.

Next, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. The filling should be thick yet spreadable, with a smooth texture. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly across the bottom layer of the rolls, covering every corner to ensure every bite is flavorful.

If using fruit preserves or pie filling, spoon a thin layer on top of the cream cheese. This adds color and flavor, plus it pairs beautifully with the tangy filling. Once the filling is spread, gently place the top half of the rolls back over the filling, pressing down slightly to secure. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. If you’d like to add a decorative touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing. Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, they’re divine.

Save

Helpful Tips for the Best Cheesecake Danish Every Time

To make sure your King’s Hawaiian cheesecake danish turns out perfect, there are a few simple tips to follow. First, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth and lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese can result in a grainy texture that’s hard to fix once baked. If you’re short on time, you can soften the cream cheese quickly by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Another helpful tip is to avoid overbaking. You want the filling to be just set, not overly firm or browned. Overbaking can dry out the cream cheese layer and make the rolls too crisp. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking, and if the tops brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil.

Additionally, if you want cleaner slices, let the danish cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. This gives the filling a bit of time to firm up and prevents the layers from sliding around. You can also refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them chilled or gently warmed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With King’s Hawaiian Danish

Despite how simple this recipe is, a few small mistakes can affect the final outcome. One of the most common issues is using cream cheese that’s too cold, which can lead to lumps and an uneven filling. Always use room-temperature cream cheese and beat it until smooth before adding other ingredients.

Another mistake is overloading with fruit filling. While it’s tempting to add a thick layer of jam or preserves, too much can cause the danish to become soggy or overly sweet. A thin, even layer is best. Also, be cautious with baking time. These rolls bake quickly, and since all ovens vary, you’ll want to check them early to avoid overbaking.

Lastly, don’t separate the rolls before filling. Keeping them together makes it easier to slice, fill, and bake evenly. Once baked, you can cut them into individual portions.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

This danish is beautiful enough to serve for special occasions but simple enough for everyday enjoyment. For a lovely brunch table, slice and arrange the danish pieces on a large platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add a small bowl of fruit preserves on the side for guests to add an extra touch of sweetness.

If you’re serving them as a dessert, a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting takes things up a notch. These danishes also pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, iced tea, or a fresh fruit smoothie. Try offering a few variations by topping some with blueberry jam, others with strawberry preserves, and leaving a few plain for variety.

How to Store and Reheat King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

If you have leftovers—which is rare—you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is necessary. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through.

For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving for best results.

Tasty Variations and Flavor Additions You Can Try

This King’s Hawaiian cheesecake danish is easy to customize to suit your taste. If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling. For a fall-inspired version, swirl in a bit of pumpkin puree and cinnamon before baking. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crispy finish.

Fruit toppings are endlessly versatile. Blueberry, raspberry, cherry, and apricot preserves all work wonderfully. Or, for a tropical twist, use pineapple jam and top with toasted coconut after baking. You can even experiment with savory options, using a slightly sweetened cream cheese base and adding bacon bits or chives.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cheesecake Danish

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the danish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it fresh the next morning.

What type of cream cheese should I use?
Use full-fat block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions as they don’t bake the same.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I use different types of rolls?
You can, but King’s Hawaiian rolls offer the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. Other dinner rolls may work but might not give the same texture.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the cream cheese filling should be set but not overly firm. A slight jiggle in the center is okay—it will firm up as it cools.

Final Thoughts on This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe

This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is everything a good pastry should be—sweet, soft, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s equally at home on a weekend breakfast table or a holiday dessert spread. With minimal ingredients and maximum payoff, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Whether you serve it as a treat for your family or as a show-stopping addition to brunch with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress. The ease of preparation combined with the irresistible flavor makes it one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes.

📌 If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family—and be sure to subscribe for more delicious, simple, and sweet recipes you’ll love to make and serve.

Print