Looking for a dessert that combines the comforting sweetness of a danish with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake? The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a delightful fusion that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with its rich flavors and soft, buttery texture. This recipe uses the iconic King’s Hawaiian rolls as a base, creating a soft, fluffy pastry that’s perfect for holding the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling. The result is a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert to share with friends and family.

The buttery, slightly sweet rolls provide the perfect foundation for the cheesecake filling, which is velvety, rich, and just the right amount of tangy. Topping this Danish with a glaze or fresh fruit adds an extra layer of sweetness and color, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but for the eyes as well. The King’s Hawaiian rolls lend their distinct tropical sweetness to the dish, elevating the entire experience. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a simple weekend indulgence, this cheesecake Danish will be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Easy to Prepare – This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a decadent dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. Using King’s Hawaiian rolls as the base cuts down on prep time and ensures a soft, pillowy texture.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – The slight sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian rolls complements the creamy tanginess of the cheesecake filling, offering a perfectly balanced flavor.
Versatile and Customizable – You can easily customize the topping by adding fruit, a sugary glaze, or even nuts for a bit of crunch.
Great for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a brunch gathering, a holiday celebration, or a special family breakfast, this Danish fits the bill. It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – Everyone loves the combination of sweet, buttery rolls and rich, creamy cheesecake filling. It’s a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Texture – The airy, soft King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up the cheesecake filling without becoming soggy, maintaining their pillowy texture, while the cheesecake itself is smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the rolls and filling in advance and assemble the danish when you’re ready to bake, making it a great option for busy mornings or planned gatherings.

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g

Ingredients for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

1 package of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12-count)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glazing)
1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze, optional)
Fresh fruit (such as berries, or fruit preserves for topping – optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the Danish.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Take the King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls and cut them in half horizontally. You can use a serrated knife for this step. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a greased baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works well). This will serve as your base for the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using), and continue to beat until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and velvety.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the King’s Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the filling and ensure it covers the rolls completely.

Step 5: Add the Top Rolls

Place the top halves of the King’s Hawaiian rolls on top of the cheesecake filling. Press them down lightly to help the filling settle. At this point, you can also add a few fresh berries or fruit preserves on top of the rolls for extra flavor and decoration if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Danish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set and slightly puffed up. The top should have a light, golden color, and the filling should not jiggle when you gently shake the dish.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the Danish is baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a pourable consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the Danish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the Danish and add any additional fruit or toppings you prefer. Slice into individual portions and serve warm.

Ingredient Background

King’s Hawaiian Rolls

King’s Hawaiian rolls are an iconic product known for their soft, sweet, and buttery flavor. Made from a unique blend of ingredients, these rolls have a slightly sweet taste, which makes them a perfect base for desserts. The company behind King’s Hawaiian started with a bakery in Hilo, Hawaii, in the 1950s, and its signature sweet rolls have since become a beloved pantry staple in households around the world. Their mild sweetness and soft texture are perfect for a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet, and they work especially well in dessert dishes like this cheesecake Danish.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake filling, offering a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian rolls. Originating in the United States, cream cheese is made by curdling milk and cream to form a soft, spreadable cheese. It’s widely used in baking, especially in cheesecake recipes, because of its smooth texture and ability to create a luscious filling. Besides its creamy texture, cream cheese also adds a slight tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of desserts.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a velvety texture to the cheesecake filling and provides an extra layer of tangy flavor. Made by fermenting cream with bacteria, sour cream is a dairy product that’s used to add richness and a slightly tangy kick to a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. In this recipe, it complements the cream cheese and helps balance the sweetness of the rolls, ensuring that the cheesecake filling doesn’t become overly rich.

Technique Tips for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

1. Ensure the Cream Cheese is Softened

To achieve a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling, it’s important that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If you use cold cream cheese directly from the fridge, it will create lumps that are difficult to smooth out, which can affect the texture of the filling. Let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before you begin preparing the filling.

2. Don’t Overfill the Rolls

When assembling the cheesecake Danish, make sure not to overfill the rolls with the cheesecake mixture. Although the filling is delicious, it should not overflow or spill out as it bakes. A generous yet controlled amount of filling will ensure that the Danish retains its shape while baking and will prevent it from becoming too heavy or soggy.

3. Let It Cool Before Glazing

After baking, let the Danish cool for a few minutes before glazing. This helps the glaze set without running off too quickly. If you glaze the Danish while it’s too hot, the glaze might melt into the filling, losing its glossy appearance. Allowing it to cool slightly will give you that beautiful finish when you drizzle the glaze over the top.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Individual Danish Servings

For a more elegant presentation, you can turn this cheesecake Danish into individual servings. Instead of using a large baking dish, separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls into individual portions and bake them in a muffin tin. This will give each guest their own personal Danish, and they can be easily customized with different fruit toppings or extra glaze.

2. Add a Topping of Fresh Fruit

To brighten up the dish and add an extra burst of flavor, consider topping the finished Danish with fresh fruit. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries pair wonderfully with the creamy cheesecake filling and sweet rolls. For a tropical twist, you can also use slices of mango or kiwi to give the dish a fresh, vibrant touch.

3. Create a Streusel Topping

For those who love a bit of crunch, consider adding a streusel topping. Simply combine flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top of the Danish before baking. The streusel will add a nice texture contrast to the soft rolls and creamy filling, making each bite more interesting.

Freezing and Storing King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

1. Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers after making the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, they can be easily stored for later enjoyment. Place the cooled Danish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm.

2. Freezing the Danish

To freeze the Danish, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

3. Freezing the Filling and Rolls Separately

If you want to prepare the Danish ahead of time, you can freeze the filling and rolls separately. Freeze the cheesecake filling in an airtight container and the rolls in their original packaging. When ready to bake, simply thaw everything and assemble the Danish as instructed. It’s a great way to save time when preparing for a busy day or special event.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Light Cream Cheese

To make the cheesecake filling a little lighter, you can use light or reduced-fat cream cheese. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still provide the creamy texture needed for the filling. This option is great for those looking to cut a few calories without sacrificing too much taste.

2. Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter

If you’re looking to make the rolls a little healthier, you can substitute coconut oil for the butter in the King’s Hawaiian rolls. Coconut oil will add a subtle tropical flavor that complements the rest of the dish while providing healthy fats. Just be sure to use refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.

3. Top with Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream

For an even healthier alternative, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt provides the same tangy flavor but with more protein and less fat. It will still give the cheesecake filling its signature richness while making it slightly lighter.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Brunches and Breakfasts

This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is perfect for any brunch or breakfast gathering. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be served as a centerpiece to your spread. Pair it with fresh juices, coffee, or tea for a delightful morning meal.

2. Special Occasions and Holidays

Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast, a family celebration, or an afternoon tea, this Danish is an elegant option that’s sure to wow your guests. You can dress it up with fruit, glaze, or whipped cream, creating a beautiful dessert to serve during special events.

3. Dessert Table at Gatherings

If you’re hosting a dinner party or gathering, consider serving this Danish as part of a dessert table. Its eye-catching appeal and delicious flavors make it an instant crowd favorite, and it pairs well with other desserts like fruit tarts, cupcakes, or cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and the rolls ahead of time and assemble them just before baking. You can also freeze the assembled Danish before baking it, then bake it when ready. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or gatherings.

2. What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls?

If you can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls, any soft, sweet bread or rolls can be used as a substitute. Look for something similar in flavor and texture for the best results.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm, delicious treat.

4. Can I freeze this cheesecake Danish?

Yes, this cheesecake Danish can be frozen. After it cools, wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.

5. Can I add different fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any fresh fruit you like. Berries, mangoes, or even stone fruits like peaches work wonderfully with this Danish.