King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
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.
Yield: 4
Materials
- - **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.