Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where sweet treats and comforting flavors come together in easy recipes. If you’re tired of boxed pastries or dry desserts, this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe combines the soft, sweet, and fragrant King’s Hawaiian rolls with luscious cheesecake filling and flaky pastry elements, creating a decadent yet simple treat.
Drawing on my experience with baking and flavor balancing, I’ve developed this recipe to be approachable with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love. Below you’ll find key ingredients, preparation tips, step-by-step instructions, flavor variations, and serving suggestions.
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls for tender, flavorful base layers
- Creamy cheesecake filling adds richness and tang
- Flaky pastry or puff pastry elements elevate texture and make the danish special
- Combines convenient premade bread with fresh homemade filling
- Quick assembly with satisfying presentation
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Ingredients & Prep
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls, sliced horizontally (or use Hawaiian bread)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (optional for layered version)
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, apricot glaze, powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- If using puff pastry, roll it out and cut into shapes to layer with Hawaiian rolls for added flakiness.
- Spread a generous amount of cheesecake filling onto each Hawaiian roll slice or puff pastry layer.
- Sandwich with matching slices or fold pastry over to make danish shapes.
- Brush tops with beaten egg to achieve golden glaze.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool slightly, then add fresh berries or glaze as desired before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Add orange zest or almond extract to cheesecake filling for unique aroma.
- Swirl in strawberry or blueberry jam before baking.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts for crunch.
| Variation | Key Ingredient | Dietary Tag | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Zest | Orange zest, almond extract | Aromatic | Bright, nutty |
| Berry Swirl | Strawberry or blueberry jam | Fruity | Sweet, tangy |
| Crunchy Topping | Toasted coconut, nuts | Texture | Crunchy, rich |
Storage Tips
Store danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in oven for fresh texture.
FAQs
- Can I make ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake fresh before serving.
- Can I freeze? Freeze unbaked danishes wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; bake from frozen adding extra baking time.
- Is it gluten-free? Traditional recipe contains gluten; use gluten-free rolls and puff pastry substitutes to adapt.
Conclusion
Treat yourself to soft, creamy, and lightly sweet King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish that’s perfect for any time indulgence or special occasion. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. For more decadent treats, visit dishfoody.com and try our Cheese Danish.
PrintKing’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Sweet and buttery King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish made with soft Hawaiian rolls stuffed with a creamy cream cheese filling, topped with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or brunch treats.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush melted butter evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Arrange Hawaiian rolls in dish. Cut an X into the top of each roll, about 2/3 through but not completely.
- 3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth.
- 4. Fill each roll’s X pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
- 5. Mix remaining melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, pour over rolls.
- 6. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- 7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling.
- Do not cut rolls all the way through to keep them intact.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Great make-ahead breakfast or brunch option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: kings hawaiian danish, cheesecake danish, sweet rolls, breakfast treats

