Description: Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy King’s Hawaiian sweet roll, its signature soft texture giving way to a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. That’s exactly what you get with these delightful King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes. This recipe transforms the iconic sweet rolls into an irresistible treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. With a simple cream cheese filling, a touch of cinnamon sugar, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these danishes are incredibly easy to make and offer a unique twist on a classic pairing of rich cheesecake flavors nestled inside the familiar comfort of a sweet bread. The combination is a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy, creating a truly memorable indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize with your favorite toppings or flavorings to suit any occasion or personal preference. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast treat or a show-stopping dessert, these danishes are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheating and Preparation Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the danishes bake evenly and develop a golden-brown color. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Greasing prevents the danishes from sticking, while parchment paper offers a non-stick surface and easy cleanup. Lining the sheet with parchment paper is highly recommended.
Step 2: Creating the Pockets Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally. It’s important to note that you do not want to slice all the way through. Leave a small hinge on one side so that you create a pocket or book-like opening. This pocket will hold the delectable cream cheese filling. Take your time with this step to avoid tearing the delicate rolls. A serrated knife or a thin slicing knife works best for this task.
Step 3: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. The softened cream cheese is essential for achieving a smooth texture, so make sure it is properly softened before beginning.
Step 4: Filling the Rolls Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each sweet roll. Fill each pocket generously, but avoid overfilling, as the filling may spread during baking. Aim for an even distribution of the filling within each roll to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 5: Adding Flavor and Texture Place the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows for even baking and prevents the rolls from sticking together. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter, ensuring each roll is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the tops evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture, providing a delightful warm spice flavor and enhancing the golden-brown color during baking.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch. The filling should be slightly puffed and no longer jiggly when lightly touched.
Step 7: Cooling and Finishing Allow the danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates an elegant finishing touch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy individuals or novice bakers.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the sweet Hawaiian rolls and the tangy cream cheese filling creates a flavor sensation that is both comforting and exciting.
- Versatility: These danishes can be customized with various toppings and flavors to suit your personal preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser: They are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from breakfast brunches to afternoon tea parties.
- Unique Texture: The contrast between the soft, fluffy rolls and the creamy filling provides a delightful textural experience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites such as eggs, bacon, and fruit salad.
- Enjoy as a dessert after a light meal.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer, more decadent dessert experience.
Tips:
- Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Avoid overfilling the rolls, as the filling may spread during baking.
- Keep a close watch on the danishes while baking to prevent burning.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the filling.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per Danish)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 5 grams
- Sodium: 200 mg (May vary depending on brand of King’s Hawaiian rolls)
Conclusion
These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are a delectable and easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of the iconic sweet rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling creates a flavor sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast treat, a show-stopping dessert, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next brunch, these danishes are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a taste of paradise in just 30 minutes. So, grab a package of King’s Hawaiian rolls and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for more! This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes the best desserts are the ones that combine familiar flavors in new and innovative ways. Enjoy!
Q&A
Q1: Can I use a different type of sweet roll for this recipe?
A: While King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are the star of this recipe and contribute to its unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with other types of sweet rolls. However, keep in mind that the results may vary. Look for rolls that are soft, slightly sweet, and have a similar texture to King’s Hawaiian rolls. Brioche rolls or challah rolls could be good alternatives.
Q2: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the rolls and proceed with the recipe. You can also bake the danishes ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.
Q3: Can I freeze these danishes?
A: Yes, you can freeze these danishes, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q4: Can I add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling?
A: Absolutely! Adding lemon zest to the cream cheese filling is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor and add a refreshing twist. Just a teaspoon or two of lemon zest will brighten up the filling and complement the sweetness of the rolls.
Q5: What other toppings can I use besides powdered sugar?
A: The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the danishes after they have cooled slightly.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the danishes for a decadent touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a rich and gooey treat.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Cinnamon Streusel: For a different topping sprinkle danishes with cinnamon streusel before baking.
