If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that’s simple to make yet impressively delicious, this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine soft, sweet King Hawaiian rolls layered with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with tangy pineapple and fresh strawberries—it’s great for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you want to treat yourself without stress.
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Why You’ll Love This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
This recipe combines bold flavors with an effortless prep that anyone can nail. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special occasion, you’ll appreciate how the layers come together so beautifully—each bite balanced perfectly between sweet, creamy, and fruity.
- Texture you want: Soft, fluffy rolls with a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling that isn't too dense.
- Flavor that pops: Sweet King Hawaiian rolls paired with tangy pineapple and fresh strawberries add brightness.
- Everyday ingredients: Uses basics like cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and fresh fruit—no specialty pantry runs.
- Works for any night: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack—it’s a versatile favorite.
Ingredient Spotlight
Each key ingredient plays a starring role in this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe. Using quality King Hawaiian rolls is a must for that signature sweet softness. Cream cheese should be fully softened to avoid lumps, and fresh fruit makes all the difference—feel free to swap in seasonal favorites.
- King Hawaiian sweet rolls: Choose the classic soft and slightly sweet rolls for that rich base.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat, softened cream cheese for a smooth, tangy filling.
- Fresh strawberries: These add a fresh, bright garnish—plus a pop of color and flavor.
Seasonality & Sourcing
King Hawaiian rolls are available year-round in most supermarkets, so no worries there. For the fruit topping, strawberries shine in spring and early summer, but you can switch it up with blueberries, peaches, or even mangoes depending on what’s fresh and affordable. Canned crushed pineapple is perfect for consistent sweetness and texture, but if you find fresh pineapple in season, go for it—just chop it finely and drain well to avoid sogginess.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, slice the King Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a bottom and top layer. This part’s key—be gentle so the rolls don’t crumble. Placing the bottom halves in a greased baking dish sets a soft, sweet foundation. Don’t rush this step; uneven slices can cause spills or soggy spots later.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth, then mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Next, gently sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese—draining is crucial to keep the danish from getting soggy. Place the tops of the rolls back on, then bake it all for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a toasty golden top and filling that’s just set, with no wobbly center.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Once out of the oven, give your danish a few minutes to cool so the cream cheese filling firms up just right—it makes slicing a breeze. While still warm, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to a drizzly glaze consistency, then pour it over for a shiny finish. Add your sliced strawberries on top for visual appeal and fresh flavor bursts. This resting time lets the flavors marry beautifully, and you’ll enjoy the perfect texture when serving.
Troubleshooting King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
If your danish ends up a bit soggy, make sure the pineapple is thoroughly drained next time and avoid piling too much juice on the cream cheese. Too dry? Consider adding a little more sugar or a splash of milk to the filling for extra moisture. If your top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil mid-bake to keep it from getting overly dark. And if the cheesecake layer isn’t setting, double-check your oven temperature—it might need a touch more time or a precise thermometer.
Pro Tips
I’ve learned a few handy moves while making this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe that really make a difference. Softening cream cheese ahead and draining pineapple well are game changers. I also love glazing while still warm to get that perfect sheen, and don’t rush slicing—letting it rest pays off.
- Heat control: Keep your oven steady at 350°F to ensure even baking without burning the top.
- Timing window: Bake between 25-30 minutes; check at 25 to avoid overbaking but don’t underbake.
- Make-ahead move: Assemble the danish up to glazing the night before and refrigerate; add glaze and strawberries fresh before serving.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t skip draining the pineapple—excess juice will make the danish soggy and heavy.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to switch up the toppings to suit your mood or season. Blueberries or peaches make great seasonal swaps for pineapple and strawberries. For a dairy-free take, try vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk in the glaze. If you want more texture, sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top just before serving—this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe is super flexible!
Great Debates
One common question is whether to use butter or oil in the filling or dough—since this recipe uses pre-made rolls, it’s a bit easier! But if you’re making your own base, butter lends a richer flavor and flakier texture, while oil keeps it tender and moist. For the cheesecake mix, some debate whether to add lemon juice for tanginess; I prefer vanilla alone here to keep the flavors balanced and allow the fruit toppings to shine.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
Once baked and cooled, you can store the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For freezing, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently in a low oven to refresh that freshly-baked texture without drying it out.
Yield & Conversions
This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe comfortably serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. If you want to double it, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. For half the recipe, use a smaller pan and adjust baking time slightly—watch for the golden top and set filling. Metric conversions: 1 package cream cheese = 227 grams, sugar ~100 grams, 8 oz crushed pineapple = 227 grams.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This danish is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or fruity iced tea. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad to balance sweetness with savory. A dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream adds extra creaminess if you want to get indulgent.
FAQs
Yes! Just make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain it well to remove excess liquid, preventing a soggy danish.
You can substitute with other soft, sweet rolls or brioche buns, but King Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and texture that’s hard to beat.
Absolutely! Use a vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed gently before serving.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
You’ll want a greased baking dish roughly 9x9 inches for this recipe to hold the layers comfortably. A hand mixer helps beat the cream cheese filling silky smooth, but you can whisk by hand if patient. Having a fine mesh strainer or colander to drain pineapple is handy. A simple rubber spatula works great to spread the filling evenly, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
This Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish combines the sweet, fluffy texture of King Hawaiian rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with juicy crushed pineapple and fresh strawberries, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze for a perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 package of King Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup strawberries, sliced
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the King Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer. Place the top layer of the rolls over the pineapple and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake the Danish: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish. Top with sliced strawberries and any additional pineapple if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to mix smoothly without lumps for a creamy filling.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the Danish from becoming soggy.
- Apply the glaze while the Danish is still warm to get a beautiful, glossy finish.
- You can substitute fresh pineapple chunks if canned crushed pineapple is unavailable.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
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