King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is the snack I make when friends text that they’re five minutes away and I’ve got nothing ready. You get fluffy, slightly sweet rolls, a creamy center, and a golden top that tastes like a bakery treat. It looks fancy but it’s very doable, and you don’t need special tools. If you’re stocking up, I use these dependable sheet pans and liners from this handy kitchen tools list because they never stick and clean up quick. Today I’ll walk you through my easy method, plus some game day twists so you can set out a plate that disappears in minutes. Ready to bake smarter, not harder?
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’m Alexandraa, the cook behind this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. When the craving hit, I dialed in the flavors so it’s easy and full of cozy vibes. King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is the snack I make when friends text that they’re five minutes away and I’ve got nothing ready. You get fluffy, slightly…
Key Takeaways
Let’s set the table with what you should know before you start. I’ve made these many, many times, and here are the big points that always help.
- Use the right dough: King’s Hawaiian rolls are soft, sweet, and perfect for a quick cheesecake Danish vibe.
- Whip the filling well: Room temp cream cheese blends smoother and bakes creamier.
- Make them mini: Bite-size pieces are ideal for parties, tailgates, and kid-friendly snacking.
- Don’t skip the glaze: A simple powdered sugar drizzle makes them look bakery-level and adds that sweet finish.
- Serve warm: They taste best about 10 minutes out of the oven when the centers are set but still soft.
By the way, if you’re already into easy pastry tricks, these cheesecake crescent rolls are another shortcut favorite. They bake up similarly sweet with a flaky finish.
“I brought a tray to our block party and people kept asking which bakery made them. When I said my oven, the looks were priceless.”
Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish An Easy Trick
The heart of this recipe is a neat shortcut. Keep the rolls intact in a slab, carve out little wells, and spoon in a tangy cheesecake filling. The slab bakes evenly, gets glossy, and separates beautifully for serving. It’s fast and reliable, and the result is rich without being heavy.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use on repeat for a 12-pack of rolls:
For the base: 1 pack King’s Hawaiian original rolls, unsliced.
For the filling: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, pinch of salt, optional lemon zest.
For brushing: 2 tablespoons melted butter.
For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons milk, drop of vanilla.
Optional upgrades: a scatter of mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or a streak of cherry or blueberry jam under the filling. If you like berry desserts, you might love this bold blueberry brownie cheesecake for another crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step
1. Heat your oven to 350 F and line a small sheet pan. Brush the bottom lightly with butter so nothing sticks.
2. Keep the rolls together in a rectangle. Using a paring knife, carefully score a shallow square on each roll, then gently press down with your thumb to make a little well. Don’t go through the bottom.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy. If you love a zippy flavor, stir in a little lemon zest.
4. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling into each well. Don’t overfill. Brush the tops with melted butter for color.
5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until tops are golden and centers look set. Remove and cool 10 minutes.
6. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a glossy drizzle. Start with 1 teaspoon milk and add a bit more if needed. Drizzle over the warm rolls and let them set a minute.
Serve warm. The texture should be soft and fluffy with a smooth, slightly tangy center. That’s the magic of a good King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make the filling up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers keep well for a day in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm in the oven for a few minutes so the rolls perk back up. If you want a citrusy twist next time, try these bright lemon cheesecake crescent rolls and compare which you like better for brunch.
Game Day Food Ideas
For game day, I love foods you can eat with your hands without a mess. This recipe fits right in, and it plays nicely with salty snacks and savory dips. You can even set up a little toppings bar with bowls of cherries, chocolate shavings, or crushed nuts so guests can dress up their slice.
- Serve the danish next to a board of salty snacks: pretzels, nuts, and popcorn.
- Mix in something savory and Hawaiian themed to balance the sweetness, like this easy Hawaiian chicken sheet pan.
- Offer a second dessert bite so guests can choose: these air fryer cherry cheesecake egg rolls are fun and portable.
- Keep everything bite-size. Smaller pieces mean less waste and more variety on each plate.
If you want to put a new spin on the same idea, add a thin swipe of fruit jam under the filling. Cherry, strawberry, or pineapple work great. The subtle fruit layer takes your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish from good to wild applause.
Hearty Men Approved Appetizers
There’s always that guy at the party who says, “Is there something with substance?” I plan for him. The rich, creamy center in these danish squares definitely checks that box, but I also like to put one more robust dessert on the table for the big appetites.
That’s when I lean into chocolate or caramel. If you need a decadent second option, roll with the ultra-satisfying irresistible turtle brownie cheesecake. It’s bold, chocolatey, and holds up well on a buffet. Prefer fruit and tang? Try a layered option like blueberry cheesecake parfait in small cups so people can grab and go.
Serving Ideas
Slice your slab into small squares and pile them on a wooden board with a drizzle of extra glaze for shine. Add a bowl of warm chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of powdered sugar always makes them pop. And if you’re pairing with savory apps, a platter of grilled skewers or sliders balances the sweet. This setup makes the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish feel like a true team player on the snack table.
Fun Appetizers and Cocktails for Game Day
Let’s talk drinks and other bites. A good spread has a rhythm. I like one bubbly drink, one mocktail, one savory bite, and one sweet bite. Your sweet is the star here, but it shines brighter with a few friends around it.
Grab sparkling water or prosecco with a splash of pineapple juice for something fresh. For a savory Hawaiian nod, set out tender bites of Huli Huli chicken on toothpicks. If you love keeping the theme going, a small plate of pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies makes a cute side treat next to the danish. Sweet on sweet is totally fine when the bites are small.
Quick Pairings
Fast combos that work every time: a citrusy cocktail like a lemon spritz, salty chips, and a plate of warm danish squares. Or a cold beer, sliders, and your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish right in the center of the coffee table so it gets the attention it deserves.
Common Questions
Can I make this with individual rolls instead of a slab?
Yes. Pull the rolls apart, make small wells in each, fill, and bake. They’ll finish a minute or two faster, so keep an eye on color.
What if I only have low fat cream cheese?
It works, but the filling will be slightly less creamy. Full fat gives that classic cheesecake richness.
How do I avoid soggy bottoms?
Start with a hot oven, don’t overfill, and bake on the middle rack. Cooling on a wire rack also helps keep bottoms from steaming.
Can I add fruit on top before baking?
Absolutely. Spoon a little jam into each well before the filling, or place a few small fruit pieces right on top. Keep it light so the filling sets properly.
How long do these keep?
Best the day you bake. Refrigerate leftovers up to 24 hours and warm briefly in the oven to refresh.
Final Bite and Invite
When I need something easy that still feels special, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is my answer. It’s fast, cozy, and always looks like you tried a lot harder than you did. If you want more takes and comparisons, check out this smart spin from King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish on Call Me PMc and this classic approach from King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish at Olla Podrida. Now it’s your turn to bake a tray, pull it warm from the oven, and watch those squares vanish. You’ve got this, and your guests are about to be very happy.
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Ingredients
Method
- Heat your oven to 350 F and line a small sheet pan. Brush the bottom lightly with butter so nothing sticks.
- Keep the rolls together in a rectangle. Using a paring knife, carefully score a shallow square on each roll and gently press down with your thumb to make a little well. Don’t go through the bottom.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy. If you love a zippy flavor, stir in a little lemon zest.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of filling into each well. Don’t overfill. Brush the tops with melted butter for color.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until tops are golden and centers look set. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a glossy drizzle. Start with 1 teaspoon milk and add a bit more if needed. Drizzle over the warm rolls and let them set for a minute.
- Serve warm. The texture should be soft and fluffy with a smooth, slightly tangy center.
