Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to brighten up any brunch or special occasion, the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is your answer. Imagine pillowy soft King Hawaiian rolls cradling a creamy cheesecake layer, all topped with juicy pineapple, a gorgeous vanilla glaze, and fresh strawberries. This treat beautifully balances rich, sweet, and tangy notes in every bite, making it totally unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a unique breakfast… or just want to spoil yourself a little, this recipe is guaranteed to bring big smiles all around!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish truly magic are the simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the signature fluffy rolls to that drizzle of homemade glaze and the freshness of the fruit—leave nothing out, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning color, irresistible texture, and the perfect bite every time.

• King Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their iconic sweet, buttery flavor and soft texture make the dreamiest base for this danish.
• Cream cheese (softened): This provides the decadent, velvety-smooth center that ties everything together.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the filling and the rolls.
• Large egg: Helps bind the creamy filling and gives it a richer, more luscious texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing nearly every layer of flavor in this recipe.
• Crushed pineapple (drained): Offers a bright, tropical punch that’s both refreshing and sweet.
• Strawberries (sliced): Adds a pop of color and natural fruity sweetness on top.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for that classic bakery-style finish.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take those irresistible King Hawaiian rolls and slice the entire package horizontally, like you’re preparing a giant sandwich bun—you want a clean top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half snugly in a greased baking dish. This will be the foundation for your cheesecake masterpiece, so make sure it’s even and ready to catch every bit of the luscious filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and beat it until super smooth—no lumps allowed! Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix again until the blend is creamy, fluffy, and fully combined. This is where that signature cheesecake magic happens, creating a silky layer that beautifully contrasts the bread. Spread the mixture generously over the bottom layer of rolls, all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple right over the cheesecake filling. The pineapple not only adds tropical sweetness but also gives the danish a juicy finish that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream cheese. Now, carefully place the top half of the rolls back on, lining them up so your danish will look as good as it tastes. Press down gently to seal the goodness inside.

Step 4: Bake the Danish

Slide the assembled masterpiece into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top (like a classic bakery danish) and a filling that’s set but still tender. Keep an eye on it near the end—every oven is a bit different! Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling firm up for easy slicing, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the danish is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and just a touch of vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the milk until you get a smooth, pourable glaze that ribbons off your spoon. Drizzle the glaze all over the warm danish, letting it sink into the crevices for that extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish with a crown of fresh sliced strawberries—and if you’re feeling extra festive, a bit more pineapple on top. The result? A dazzling, bakery-worthy treat that’s ready to slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Garnishes

There’s no limit to how you can dress up your irresistibly tempting danish! In addition to the fresh strawberry and pineapple topping, try a handful of toasted coconut flakes, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some slivered mint leaves for a little aromatic lift. Every garnish not only adds beauty, but extra flavor, too.

Side Dishes

This danish shines at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair it with crisp bacon, a simple green salad, or a tangy fruit salad to balance the sweetness. For a truly indulgent brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and frothy lattes or coffee for a cozy, café-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

The visual appeal of the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is half the fun! Cut into neat squares or triangles for a dessert platter, or serve whole for dramatic effect. If you’re entertaining, try portioning into cupcake wrappers for a grab-and-go option. You can even assemble mini versions using slider-sized rolls for individual danish bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The danish will stay delicious for up to three days, and the flavors just become richer as they mingle together.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the danish to cool fully (skip the fresh fruit garnish until serving), then wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze and garnish fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave in short bursts, or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes just until heated through. This restores the rolls’ signature softness and brings back that “just baked” flavor. Always add garnishes after reheating to keep fruit bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use another type of roll besides King Hawaiian?

The sweet, fluffy King Hawaiian rolls are what set this danish apart, but you could swap in another buttery, soft sweet roll or brioche in a pinch. You’ll lose some of the signature taste, but the results will still be delightful.

Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cheesecake layer up to two days in advance and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before spreading on the rolls when you’re ready to assemble the danish.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?

Low-fat cream cheese works in a pinch, but for the richest and creamiest results in your Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, full-fat cream cheese really can’t be beat. The texture will be slightly less decadent with low-fat, but still tasty.

Can I add other fruits instead of pineapple and strawberries?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even sweet peaches make fun and delicious twists to your danish. Just make sure whatever you use is well-drained so it doesn’t make the filling soggy.

Can I serve this dish cold?

This danish tastes incredible served warm or at room temperature, but it’s also delicious chilled from the fridge. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it a fabulous make-ahead option for parties or busy mornings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about a recipe that instantly makes everyone’s eyes light up—and the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish does exactly that. With its playful layers of sweet rolls, creamy filling, fruit, and glaze, this is a treat you truly don’t want to miss. Try it for your next gathering or weekend brunch, and get ready to make some happy memories (and maybe a few new fans, too!).

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