King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Quick Benefits

King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fluffy—bringing together the richness of cheesecake with the buttery goodness of sweet rolls. It’s quick to prepare, bakes in under 15 minutes, and makes an impressive dish for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It also uses simple pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment!

Essential Ingredients

  • 12-pack KING’S HAWAIIAN original sweet rolls
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
  2. Place the sweet rolls in the dish and cut an “X” into each roll, about 2/3 of the way through (do not cut all the way).
  3. In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture evenly over the rolls.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar and beaten egg, and stir until fully combined.
  5. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into the center of each roll (where the “X” is).
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is set.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it contains calcium from cream cheese, protein from the egg, and antioxidants from the cinnamon. Using King’s Hawaiian rolls adds a fluffy texture without needing to make dough from scratch—cutting down on preparation time and effort.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm, straight from the oven.
  • Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast.
  • Add a side of fresh berries or citrus fruit for a refreshing balance.
  • For brunch spreads, plate them alongside savory items like scrambled eggs or bacon.

Creative Variations

  • Add a spoonful of fruit preserves (strawberry, blueberry, or cherry) on top of the cream cheese before baking.
  • Swap in pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
  • Mix lemon zest into the cream cheese for a tangy zing.
  • Use chocolate chips or Nutella for a dessert-style Danish.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
  • These can be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pro Tips

  • For clean, bakery-style filling, use a piping bag or zip-top bag to control the amount and placement.
  • Soften cream cheese ahead of time for smoother blending.
  • Keep an eye on the rolls—don’t overbake! They should be golden, not crunchy.
  • Let them sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to firm slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-brand sweet rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?
A: Yes, but the texture and sweetness may vary. King’s Hawaiian adds a signature soft, sweet flavor.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate it overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Absolutely. Reduce the brown sugar and granulated sugar by 25% for a lighter version.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but it may result in a slightly softer filling.

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