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This delightful King's Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish transforms ordinary sweet rolls into an extraordinary breakfast or brunch treat. The premade rolls get stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, then baked with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture until golden perfection. Each bite offers the perfect balance of soft, sweet bread and rich, tangy filling.
I discovered this recipe during a weekend when unexpected guests arrived, and it's become my go-to impressive brunch option. The way the cream cheese filling melts into the warm cinnamon-coated rolls creates something truly magical that always earns rave reviews.
- Kings Hawaiian sweet rolls: the star of the show providing the perfect soft sweet base
- Cream cheese: creates that classic Danish filling while adding richness and tanginess
- Butter: helps create a golden crispy exterior and carries the warm spices
- Brown sugar: adds depth of flavor and caramelizes beautifully during baking
- Ground cinnamon: provides that classic warm spice flavor essential for Danish pastries
- Nutmeg: adds a subtle aromatic complexity, fresh grated makes a noticeable difference
- Granulated sugar: balances the tanginess of the cream cheese filling
- Egg: binds the filling together and adds richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and spread it evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom of each roll. Make sure every inch of the pan bottom gets a thin coating.
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the Hawaiian rolls over the melted butter in the pan. Using a sharp knife, cut an X into the top of each roll, going about two-thirds of the way down but not cutting through the bottom. The precision of this cut is important it needs to be deep enough to hold filling but not so deep the roll falls apart.
- Create the Butter Mixture:
- In a measuring cup, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely blended. The mixture should be uniform in color with no sugar lumps. Pour this mixture evenly over all the rolls, allowing it to seep into the cuts.
- Make the Filling:
- Beat room temperature cream cheese until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well incorporated. Finally, mix in the beaten egg until the filling has a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Fill the Rolls:
- Using a piping bag with a large tip, carefully pipe the cream cheese mixture into the X cuts of each roll. Ensure the filling goes into the cut rather than just sitting on top. Work slowly to get the filling deep into each roll cavity.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully. The rolls should turn golden brown on top, and the filling should be set but still slightly soft. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.
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This recipe reminds me of Sunday mornings with my grandmother, who always made something special for us to enjoy after church. The cinnamon-sugar aroma filling the kitchen brings back those wonderful memories every time I make these danishes.
Storage Tips
These danishes stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds. The rolls tend to firm up when refrigerated, so reheating restores that fresh-baked texture everyone loves.
Ingredient Swaps
If you prefer a different flavor profile, try substituting the cinnamon and nutmeg with cardamom or orange zest. For a fruit-filled version, add a small spoonful of preserves on top of the cream cheese before baking. Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work beautifully. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese with minimal impact on the final taste.
Serving Suggestions
These danishes pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, especially berries or sliced peaches. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle warm danishes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Coffee or hot tea completes the experience, making this a perfect centerpiece for a relaxed weekend breakfast spread.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can use any soft, slightly sweet rolls. Brioche buns or similar soft rolls will work well as substitutes.
- → Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls and refrigeration them until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I freeze the Cheesecake Danish?
While these are best served fresh, you can freeze baked rolls. Reheat in an oven to retain their texture before serving.
- → What can I use instead of a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off, or spoon the mixture directly into the rolls.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar in the topping or filling to suit your taste preferences.