Description: A delightful twist on the classic Danish pastry, these King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes combine the fluffy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling and a tangy fruit topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, these danishes are incredibly easy to make and are always a crowd-pleaser. The soft, buttery rolls complement the rich, creamy filling, while the fruit topping adds a burst of flavor that elevates the entire experience. These mini masterpieces are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling (or preferred fruit filling such as cherry, blueberry, or pineapple)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are surprisingly simple to put together, making them a great option for a quick dessert or a special breakfast treat. The key is to ensure that your cream cheese is properly softened to achieve a smooth and creamy filling. Here’s how you prepare them:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the danishes bake evenly and the filling sets properly without burning the rolls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is your best friend in baking, trust me!
Step 2: Gently slice the tops off the King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls using a serrated knife. Be careful not to cut too deep—you want to keep the bottoms intact to hold the filling. Once the tops are removed, use a spoon or your fingers to hollow out a small well in the center of each bottom half. This creates space for the creamy cheesecake filling and ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together using an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining—a smooth filling is essential for the perfect danish.
Step 4: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the hollowed-out centers of each Hawaiian roll. Fill them generously, but be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand slightly during baking. Once the cream cheese filling is in place, add a small dollop of your chosen fruit filling on top of the cream cheese. Lemon pie filling adds a tangy zest, while cherry or blueberry filling provides a sweet and fruity contrast.
Step 5: Place the tops back on the rolls if you prefer a closed danish look. Alternatively, you can leave them open-faced for a more rustic presentation. Arrange the filled danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges of the rolls are golden brown and the filling is set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency), and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and pourable—not too thick and not too runny.
Step 7: Once the danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the danishes even more irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the soft, sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls and the creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake. You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and steps. It’s perfect for a quick dessert, a special breakfast, or a potluck contribution. The recipe is also highly customizable; you can use any fruit filling you prefer, making it easy to cater to individual tastes. Furthermore, the combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The fluffy rolls, creamy filling, and sweet glaze create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.
Serving Suggestions:
These danishes are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.
- Dessert: Offer them as a sweet ending to a meal, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Snack: Enjoy them as an afternoon treat or a late-night indulgence.
- Special Occasions: These danishes are perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Tips:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Fruit Filling Variety: Experiment with different fruit fillings such as cherry, blueberry, pineapple, or even apple pie filling.
- Neat Presentation: Chill the cream cheese mixture for about 15 minutes before filling the rolls for a neater presentation.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 4 grams
- Sodium: 150mg (Values may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Conclusion
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are a delectable and easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert, a special breakfast, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe has you covered. The combination of soft, sweet rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy fruit topping is simply irresistible. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of these mini danish masterpieces. They are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of roll instead of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls?
A: While King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended for their unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with other types of sweet rolls or even brioche rolls. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly. The key is to choose a roll that is soft and slightly sweet to complement the cheesecake filling.
Q2: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the danishes shortly before serving to ensure the rolls remain soft and the glaze is fresh. If you do need to make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them slightly before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze these danishes?
A: While you can freeze these danishes, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The rolls may become a bit soggy, and the glaze may lose its shine. If you do freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Q4: What other variations can I try with this recipe?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can experiment with different fruit fillings, such as raspberry, peach, or apricot. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, on top of the cream cheese filling for added crunch. Another fun variation is to drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent treat.
Q5: How can I prevent the rolls from getting too brown during baking?
A: If you notice the rolls are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will help to deflect some of the heat and prevent the rolls from burning while still allowing the filling to set properly. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that runs too hot can cause the rolls to brown too quickly.
