Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish with King Rolls Twist

Make Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish easily

Creating Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish begins with the wonderfully soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. These sweet rolls are the perfect canvas for a rich, creamy filling, making this an easy recipe even for novice bakers. The inherent sweetness and fluffy texture of the rolls mean less work for you, as they naturally complement the cheesecake filling. This simple adaptation transforms a dinner roll into an extraordinary breakfast pastry or dessert item with minimal effort. The entire process is designed for convenience, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preheat oven and arrange rolls

Before you begin assembling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking from the moment your Danish go in. While the oven heats, carefully separate your King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Giving them a little space allows for proper air circulation, ensuring they bake evenly and get that lovely golden-brown finish. Preparing the rolls this way sets the stage for uniform cooking and a visually appealing final product, a small but important step for your homemade Danish.

Cut cross into each sweet roll

With the rolls arranged, it’s time to create the perfect pocket for your creamy filling. Using a sharp knife, gently cut a cross into the top of each King’s Hawaiian roll. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a small cavity, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. This incision allows the center of the roll to open up during baking, cradling the delicious cream cheese filling beautifully. The soft nature of the rolls makes this step easy, providing an ideal vessel for the tropical cheesecake mixture you’re about to prepare.

Gather all King’s Hawaiian Danish ingredients

The beauty of this Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. You’ll need a package of King’s Hawaiian rolls, of course, which serve as the foundation of these delightful treats. For the luscious filling, gather cream cheese, granulated sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, and canned pineapple chunks. The glaze requires only powdered sugar and milk. Having all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing is a crucial step that streamlines the baking process, preventing last-minute rushes and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable cooking experience. This organized approach is key to an easy recipe and perfect results.

Softened cream cheese is best

One of the most important tips for achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy cheesecake filling is to start with softened cream cheese. Take your block of cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to bake. Room temperature cream cheese blends much more easily with other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a velvety, uniform texture for your filling. If you’re short on time, you can soften it more quickly by unwrapping it and microwaving it on low power for 15-20 second intervals, checking frequently until it’s pliable but not melted. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final consistency of your delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish filling.

Craft the creamy Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake

The heart of these King’s Hawaiian Danish is the rich and creamy cheesecake filling. It’s a delightful blend that brings together the tangy sweetness of cream cheese with the tropical burst of pineapple chunks. This filling is versatile enough to be used in various dessert applications, but it truly shines when baked inside the fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls. Preparing the filling is a straightforward process, focusing on achieving a smooth base before carefully incorporating the fruit. For another delightful dessert that uses a unique blend of flavors, you might enjoy our Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. If you enjoy sweet breakfast items, explore our Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe as well for another spin on these versatile rolls.

Blend cream cheese until smooth and light

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and light. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. The goal here is to eliminate any lumps from the cream cheese, creating a silky base that will be incredibly satisfying when baked. A well-blended cream cheese mixture contributes significantly to the delightful texture of your homemade Danish.

Gently fold in delicious pineapple chunks

Once your cream cheese mixture is smooth, it’s time to add the star tropical ingredient: the delicious pineapple chunks. Make sure your canned pineapple chunks are well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make your filling watery. Gently fold the pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. The key word here is “gently”; you want to distribute the pineapple evenly without breaking it down too much. This ensures you get lovely bites of fruit in every Danish, adding texture and a burst of tropical flavor that truly elevates this dessert recipe. Overmixing can release too much moisture and break up the fruit, so a light hand is best.

Generously fill each King’s Hawaiian roll

Now that your creamy delicious Hawaiian cheesecake filling is ready, it’s time to bring your King’s Hawaiian Danish to life. The process of filling the rolls is simple but requires a mindful approach to ensure each Danish is perfectly proportioned and bakes beautifully. The soft, sweet rolls are designed to accommodate a generous amount of filling, creating a satisfying contrast between the fluffy bread and the rich center. This step is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple sweet rolls into an extraordinary breakfast pastry or dessert. Ensure your baking sheet is ready and the oven is preheated, as timing is key for the initial bake.

Spoon mixture into sweet roll pockets

Carefully spoon a generous amount of the creamy pineapple cheesecake mixture into the cross-cut pocket of each King’s Hawaiian roll. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons per roll, depending on how deep your cuts are. You want to fill the cavity without overflowing, as the filling will expand slightly during baking. Distribute the filling evenly among all the rolls, ensuring each Danish gets its fair share of the deliciousness. The goal is to create a substantial, flavorful center that perfectly complements the soft bread, making every bite of your homemade Danish a delightful experience.

Cover and bake first for rise

Once all the rolls are filled, cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil. This initial covering is a crucial step in the baking process. Baking the Danish covered helps to steam the rolls, allowing them to rise beautifully and remain incredibly moist while the filling starts to set. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes with the foil on. This stage is primarily about getting the rolls to puff up and the filling to begin firming without browning the tops prematurely. The steam trapped by the foil is essential for developing that perfect soft Danish texture.

Bake your amazing cheesecake Danish creation

The final stages of baking are where your Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish truly come into their own, developing that irresistible golden-brown crust and perfectly set filling. This phase requires attention to detail to ensure the rolls are cooked through, beautifully colored, and the filling achieves its ideal creamy consistency. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible, signaling that a truly amazing breakfast pastry or dessert is nearing completion. Remember, patience during the cooling stage is important for the glaze to adhere properly, so resist the urge to drizzle too soon.

Remove foil, bake until golden

After the initial covered bake, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking sheet. Return the Danish to the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the King’s Hawaiian rolls are beautifully golden brown and the cheesecake filling appears set and slightly puffed. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens vary and you want to achieve a lovely golden hue without overbrowning. This uncovered baking period allows the rolls to crisp up slightly on the outside while maintaining their tender interior, creating a wonderful textural contrast in your homemade Danish.

Let Danish cool before glazing

Once baked to perfection, remove the King’s Hawaiian Danish from the oven and transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack. It is absolutely crucial to let the Danish cool significantly, ideally to just warm or even room temperature, before applying the glaze. If you glaze them while they are too hot, the glaze will simply melt and run off, resulting in a sticky mess rather than a beautiful finish. Allowing them to cool not only sets the glaze properly but also gives the filling time to fully firm up, ensuring a pleasant eating experience. For more on the history of this wonderful pastry, consider reading about Danish pastry on Wikipedia.

Mix up a simple sweet glaze

No Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish would be complete without a luscious, sweet glaze drizzled generously over the top. This simple addition elevates the flavors, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish to your homemade Danish. The glaze is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only two common pantry ingredients, making it a quick final touch that completes this wonderful breakfast pastry or dessert. It’s an adjustable component, allowing you to tailor the sweetness and consistency to your personal preference, ensuring every bite is just perfect.

Whisk powdered sugar and milk

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) and milk. Start with about 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Using a whisk, stir the ingredients together until a smooth and pourable glaze forms. The powdered sugar dissolves quickly, creating a silky texture. You can use any type of milk – dairy or non-dairy – depending on your dietary preferences. This basic combination creates a classic sweet topping that perfectly complements the tropical flavors of the cheesecake filling, making your King’s Hawaiian Danish truly irresistible.

Adjust glaze to perfect thickness

The beauty of this simple glaze is how easily you can adjust its consistency. If your glaze appears too thick, add more milk, half a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach your desired pourable consistency. If, conversely, your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens. The perfect glaze should be thick enough to cling to the Danish but thin enough to drizzle smoothly. Experiment with the thickness to achieve your ideal aesthetic and taste for these amazing sweet rolls.

Enjoy your King Rolls Twist Danish warm

The moment of truth arrives when your Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish are perfectly baked, cooled, and glazed. These King’s Hawaiian creations are best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the creamy filling to retain a soft, yielding texture. Serving them shortly after glazing ensures the glaze is still slightly soft, offering a delightful contrast to the tender rolls. Whether it’s a special breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a satisfying dessert, these homemade Danish are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet bread, tangy cheesecake, and tropical fruit creates an unforgettable treat.

Drizzle glaze over warm baked Danish

Once your King’s Hawaiian Danish have cooled to a warm temperature, it’s time for the final touch: the glaze. Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously drizzle the prepared sweet glaze over the tops of each Danish. You can create a simple back-and-forth pattern or cover them completely, depending on your preference. The glaze will set as it cools further, creating a beautiful, slightly glossy finish that adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of sweetness. This step truly transforms the baked rolls into a professional-looking dessert recipe.

Garnish and serve this treat

To elevate your Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish even further, consider adding a garnish. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes can enhance the tropical theme and add a lovely crunch. A few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also provide an elegant finish. For more delightful dessert recipes, such as our Snickerdoodle Cobbler, explore our site. Serve these irresistible sweet rolls immediately while still warm for the best experience. The combination of the fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls, the creamy pineapple filling (learn more about pineapple on Wikipedia), and the sweet glaze makes this a truly special treat. For more inspiring sweet treat ideas, check out our recipes on Pinterest.

Tips for perfect Delicious Hawaiian Danish

Achieving consistently perfect Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish involves paying attention to a few key details. These tips are designed to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your homemade Danish turn out beautifully every time. From ingredient preparation to the final touches, these small adjustments can make a big difference in the texture, flavor, and overall appeal of your breakfast pastry or dessert. Following these guidelines will ensure your King’s Hawaiian rolls are transformed into an exceptional treat that will impress everyone.

Room temperature cream cheese prevents lumps

As mentioned earlier, starting with softened cream cheese is paramount. Cold cream cheese will inevitably lead to a lumpy filling, no matter how much you beat it. Allow your cream cheese to sit out on the counter for at least an hour before mixing. This ensures it’s pliable and mixes smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, creating a perfectly creamy and uniform base for your cheesecake filling. This simple step is probably the most crucial for achieving that silky, luscious texture in your easy recipe.

Don’t overmix pineapple filling gently

When incorporating the delicious pineapple chunks into your cream cheese mixture, resist the urge to overmix. Overmixing can cause the pineapple to break down, releasing too much moisture and potentially making your filling watery or compromising its texture. Instead, use a spatula to gently fold the drained pineapple chunks into the cream cheese until they are just evenly distributed. This ensures you retain distinct pieces of fruit, adding a pleasant chewiness and burst of tropical flavor to each bite of your sweet rolls.

Cool Danish slightly before adding glaze

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to glazing. It’s vital to allow your King’s Hawaiian Danish to cool down considerably after baking, preferably until they are just warm or at room temperature. If the Danish are too hot, the sweet glaze will simply melt and run off the sides, preventing it from setting properly and creating a thin, sticky mess. A properly cooled Danish allows the glaze to set into a beautiful, opaque layer that clings perfectly to the pastry, enhancing both its appearance and taste.

Fun variations for your King Rolls Twist

While the Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is truly wonderful on its own, the versatility of King’s Hawaiian rolls and the creamy cheesecake filling lends itself beautifully to experimentation. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize this easy recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. These variations can transform your homemade Danish into a completely different experience, making it a treat you can enjoy in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal twist or just a different flavor profile, the possibilities are vast for this amazing breakfast pastry.

Try different fruits or extracts

Instead of pineapple chunks, consider using other well-drained canned or fresh finely diced fruits like mango, peaches, or berries. Each fruit will lend its unique flavor profile to the cheesecake filling. You can also experiment with extracts; a touch of coconut extract alongside the pineapple can intensify the tropical notes, or almond extract could add a sophisticated twist. Lemon or orange zest could also be folded into the cream cheese for a bright, citrusy lift. The choice of fruit or extract can dramatically alter the character of your sweet rolls.

Add chocolate chips or toasted coconut

To add another layer of flavor and texture, consider incorporating mix-ins into your filling or as a topping. Mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts like macadamia nuts or pecans can be gently folded into the cream cheese mixture along with (or in place of) the pineapple chunks. For a delightful crunch and intensified tropical aroma, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top of the Danish before or after glazing. These additions turn a simple King’s Hawaiian Danish into an even more decadent dessert recipe, appealing to a wider range of preferences.

Common questions about this sweet Danish

When trying a new recipe, especially one as delightful as Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, it’s natural to have a few questions about preparation, storage, and possible substitutions. Addressing these common queries helps ensure you feel confident and prepared to create these amazing homemade Danish successfully. Understanding these aspects allows for greater flexibility and ensures you can enjoy this easy recipe whenever the craving strikes, making it a reliable addition to your collection of breakfast pastry or dessert options.

Can I make Danish ahead of time?

Absolutely! These King’s Hawaiian Danish are excellent for making ahead. You can prepare the filled, unbaked rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, simply uncover and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake the Danish completely, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before glazing for a fresh-baked taste. This flexibility makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

Greek yogurt substitutes for sour cream

While this particular recipe doesn’t call for sour cream, if you ever encounter a cheesecake filling recipe that does, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. For our Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish filling, if you wish to add a slight tangy note and reduce some of the richness, a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt can be folded in with the cream cheese, or even replace a small portion of the cream cheese for a lighter version. Ensure it’s plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results, as sweetened or flavored varieties will alter the overall taste of your sweet rolls.

Freezing unbaked filled rolls works well

If you want to prepare a batch of these King’s Hawaiian Danish for future enjoyment, freezing them unbaked is a fantastic option. Arrange the filled, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the individual Danish to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place the frozen Danish on a lined baking sheet, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes (or thaw overnight in the refrigerator), then bake as per the recipe instructions. This is a great tip for having homemade breakfast pastry ready at a moment’s notice.

Chef’s pro tips for best Danish

To truly elevate your Delicious Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish from simply good to absolutely unforgettable, consider these professional chef’s tips. These small enhancements focus on deepening flavors and expanding textural experiences, taking your easy recipe to gourmet levels. While the basic recipe is fantastic, these pro tips offer avenues for those who wish to explore more complex profiles and present a truly exceptional breakfast pastry or dessert. Experiment with these ideas to personalize your King’s Hawaiian rolls and make them uniquely yours.

Add a splash of vanilla liqueur

For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor, consider adding a small splash of vanilla liqueur to your cream cheese filling. Instead of or in addition to vanilla extract, a teaspoon of vanilla liqueur (like Tuaca or even a good quality bourbon vanilla) can introduce a subtle warmth and complexity that complements the tropical pineapple beautifully. The alcohol bakes off, leaving behind a richer, more nuanced vanilla flavor. This is a fantastic way to add depth to your homemade Danish without overpowering the other ingredients, creating a truly special dessert recipe.

Experiment with lemon or orange glazes

While a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is delicious, you can easily create more vibrant flavor profiles by incorporating citrus. Instead of just milk, use a mix of milk and fresh lemon or orange juice for your glaze. A teaspoon or two of fresh citrus zest can also be whisked into the glaze. This provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the Danish and the richness of the cream cheese filling. A lemon or orange glaze can enhance the tropical notes of the pineapple, adding a refreshing zing that makes these King’s Hawaiian Danish even more irresistible. For more delightful dessert recipes, browse our extensive collection. Stay updated with our latest culinary creations and inspirations by following us on Instagram.