Imagine the perfect combination of the fluffy, slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls and a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a delicious butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg glaze. This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is the ultimate fusion of light pastry and rich, decadent cheesecake. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for a holiday brunch, a family get-together, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.
As “bigzazoo,” I’ve tried countless recipes, and let me tell you, this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is an absolute hit every time. It’s quick, simple to prepare, and always leaves people asking for more. So, let’s dive in and learn why this recipe works so well and how you can make it the next star of your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish works wonderfully because it takes a few simple, quality ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- The King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls are already known for their soft, airy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them the perfect base for a dessert. They complement the creamy cheesecake filling beautifully, providing a subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- The Cheesecake Filling: By blending cream cheese, sugar, and egg, you get a luscious, smooth cheesecake filling that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls. The filling melts slightly into the bread as it bakes, resulting in a warm, gooey center.
- Butter, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg Glaze: The addition of a rich butter glaze mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar adds a layer of flavor complexity to this dish. These warm spices give the danish a cozy, comforting feel, making it perfect for any time of year.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With only about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes in the oven, this dessert comes together in a flash, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need for this Recipe
Before you start baking, here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Used to prepare the baking dish and to ensure a golden, slightly crispy texture on the outside of the rolls.
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the recipe, these provide a soft and sweet base for the danish.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: This is mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the sweet, buttery glaze that coats the rolls.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon: A classic spice that gives the dish warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg: Adds an extra layer of spiced complexity to the glaze, making the danish feel more indulgent.
- 8 oz cream cheese: The foundation of the cheesecake filling, providing creamy richness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheesecake filling and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
- 3 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just enough to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making these irresistible King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Trust me, “bigzazoo” approved!
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent the rolls from sticking and to give them a deliciously buttery base.
Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
Place the 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls into the prepared baking dish. Use a sharp knife to cut an “X” on the top of each roll. This allows the cheesecake filling to nestle into the rolls, creating a perfect pocket of creamy goodness.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rolls, making sure each one is evenly coated. This glaze will bake into the rolls, giving them a beautiful golden color and a sweet, spiced flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 large egg. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling into the “X” cuts on each roll. This will create that delicious, gooey cheesecake center when baked.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown. You want them to be golden on the outside while still soft and tender on the inside.
Step 6: Serve
Once the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and watch as the creamy cheesecake filling oozes out when you take that first bite. These danishes are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Here are a few extra tips and tricks from “bigzazoo” to ensure your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish turns out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a creamy, even texture.
- Customize Your Filling: While this recipe uses a classic cheesecake filling, feel free to experiment! You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor. You could also swirl in some jam or fruit preserves for a fruity twist.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg will elevate the flavor of the glaze. The spices are key to giving this dish its cozy, comforting feel, so make sure they’re not too old or stale.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the danishes while they’re in the oven. Overbaking can dry them out, so aim for a golden-brown top while keeping the rolls soft inside.
- Serve Warm: These danishes are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The contrast between the warm rolls and creamy filling is what makes them so irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are a few ideas to serve them:
- With Fresh Fruit: The light sweetness of the danish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit. Serve them with berries, orange slices, or melon for a well-rounded meal.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious finishing touch to these danishes, making them perfect for dessert.
- With Coffee or Tea: These danishes are a great accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The richness of the cream cheese and buttery rolls is balanced by a hot cup of your favorite brew.
Time Required for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
This recipe is super quick to put together, making it a great option for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
Final Thoughts
The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something special. As “bigzazoo,” I’m confident this recipe will become one of your go-to desserts or breakfast options for any occasion. The soft, slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, paired with creamy cheesecake filling and a buttery cinnamon glaze, make this dish irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this easy, indulgent recipe is sure to impress. Try it out for your next gathering or brunch, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite!
Recipe Card
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Ingredients
- – **1 tbsp melted butter:** Used to prepare the baking dish and to ensure a golden slightly crispy texture on the outside of the rolls.
- – **12 King’s Hawaiian Rolls:** The star of the recipe these provide a soft and sweet base for the danish.
- – **1/3 cup melted butter:** This is mixed with sugar cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the sweet, buttery glaze that coats the rolls.
- – **2 tbsp brown sugar:** Adds a rich molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- – **1/2 tbsp cinnamon:** A classic spice that gives the dish warmth and depth of flavor.
- – **1/8 tsp nutmeg:** Adds an extra layer of spiced complexity to the glaze making the danish feel more indulgent.
- – **8 oz cream cheese:** The foundation of the cheesecake filling providing creamy richness.
- – **1 large egg:** Helps bind the cheesecake filling and gives it a smooth velvety texture.
- – **3 tbsp sugar:** Sweetens the cheesecake filling just enough to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent the rolls from sticking and to give them a deliciously buttery base.
Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
- Place the 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls into the prepared baking dish. Use a sharp knife to cut an “X” on the top of each roll. This allows the cheesecake filling to nestle into the rolls, creating a perfect pocket of creamy goodness.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rolls, making sure each one is evenly coated. This glaze will bake into the rolls, giving them a beautiful golden color and a sweet, spiced flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 large egg. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling into the “X” cuts on each roll. This will create that delicious, gooey cheesecake center when baked.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown. You want them to be golden on the outside while still soft and tender on the inside.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the **King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish** is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and watch as the creamy cheesecake filling oozes out when you take that first bite. These danishes are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.