King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: The Sweetest Shortcut to Brunch Bliss

When you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and pastry-like but don’t want to fuss with making dough from scratch, King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is your answer. This clever, shortcut recipe transforms soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a buttery, cinnamon-kissed base filled with luscious cream cheese and topped with a golden, glossy finish. It’s a cross between a Danish pastry and a cheesecake bar, made incredibly simple and undeniably delicious.

The magic of this recipe lies in the use of King’s Hawaiian rolls—naturally sweet, pillowy soft, and pre-portioned for easy prep. Instead of kneading dough, you’re slicing open rolls and filling them with a rich cheesecake mixture, then brushing with spiced butter for bakery-style flavor. The result? A pull-apart tray of individual cheesecake-filled pastries that are golden, gooey, and utterly addictive.

Ideal for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, potlucks, or dessert platters, these mini Danish-style bites will disappear fast. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can whip up a bakery-worthy treat that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging, this recipe proves you don’t need to be a pastry chef to serve something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredibly Easy – No dough-making, no rolling, just simple assembly and baking.
2. Sweet & Savory Fusion – Balances the sweetness of the rolls with rich cheesecake filling and warm spices.
3. Perfect for Sharing – Bakes as a pull-apart tray—ideal for brunches, parties, and family gatherings.
4. Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and one store-bought item to create something truly special.
5. Versatile for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for holidays, easy enough for a weekend breakfast.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• Butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg (beaten)

Variations

• Fruit-Filled: Add a spoonful of jam or fruit preserves to the cream cheese filling.
• Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Chocolate Cheesecake: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling.
• Savory Version: Omit sugar and spices, and add herbs and garlic to make a savory cream cheese danish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Without separating the rolls, carefully slice the entire 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom “slab.”

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and beaten egg until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Fill the Rolls

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Place the top half back on to create a sandwich.

Step 5: Make the Spiced Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Stir until well mixed.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the spiced butter mixture over the top of the rolls. Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into individual servings. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling with no lumps.
• Slice the rolls evenly to ensure uniform layers.
• Don’t skip the nutmeg—it adds a warm, bakery-style flavor.
• Let the Danish cool slightly before slicing to avoid a messy filling spill.
• Use a serrated knife for clean cuts through the soft bread.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast treat.
• Add fresh berries or fruit compote on the side.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Cut into mini squares for a brunch buffet or appetizer tray.
• Pair with savory breakfast items for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature or reheat before serving.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of roll?

Yes, but King’s Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and texture. Brioche or dinner rolls are good substitutes.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

3. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Absolutely—try chopped strawberries, blueberries, or canned pie filling.

4. Is the egg necessary in the filling?

Yes, it helps bind the filling and gives it a cheesecake-like consistency.

5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the filling may be less rich and slightly softer.

6. What can I use instead of nutmeg?

You can omit it or use a pinch of allspice or pumpkin spice as a substitute.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two packs of rolls and double all other ingredients. Bake in a larger dish.

8. Do I need to separate the rolls before baking?

No, baking them as a connected slab makes them easier to fill and creates pull-apart portions.

9. Can I use pre-made cheesecake filling?

Yes, but homemade filling offers better flavor and texture.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Only if you find gluten-free sweet rolls; adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly delightful. With soft, sweet rolls, a luscious cheesecake center, and a buttery cinnamon topping, this recipe turns basic ingredients into a bakery-worthy masterpiece. Perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to for those moments when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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