King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: The Sweet Treat That Brings Everyone to the Kitchen

There’s something about King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish that just feels like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the fluffy, slightly sweet rolls that practically melt in your mouth. Maybe it’s the rich, creamy cheesecake filling that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the fact that this recipe is so easy, it feels like a little baking miracle.

If you’re a busy mom juggling work, school drop-offs, and figuring out what’s for dinner—this one’s for you. If you’re a professional who wants a quick, impressive dessert to bring to brunch without spending hours in the kitchen, welcome. And if you just love a good cheesecake Danish recipe that combines buttery Hawaiian rolls with a luscious cheesecake center, you’ve found your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

If you love recipes that are easy, delicious, and make you look like a total pro in the kitchen, this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is for you. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch or need a sweet dish that vanishes at every gathering, this one checks all the boxes.

1. It’s Easy Enough for a Weekday, Fancy Enough for Brunch

We all love a good cheesecake Danish recipe, but who has time to mess with homemade dough and complicated steps? This recipe keeps things simple by using King’s Hawaiian Rolls, so you get that bakery-quality taste with minimal effort. Need another brunch showstopper? Try this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole—because who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy breakfast?

2. A Sweet and Creamy Filling That’s Hard to Resist

The cheesecake filling in this Danish is rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. The secret? A mix of cream cheese, vanilla, and a hint of lemon zest to brighten up the flavor. If you’re a fan of indulgent yet easy desserts, you might also love this German Chocolate Cheesecake Cake—because sometimes, more cheesecake is the answer.

3. Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly

Got little ones with a sweet tooth? This recipe is a guaranteed hit. My family loves pulling apart these gooey, sweet, cream-filled rolls, and they disappear within minutes. If your house is anything like mine, these are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven—and maybe hidden from the kids for just a few extra bites! Looking for another fun dessert to share? Try these Lemon Bars with Just 4 Ingredients—super simple and packed with flavor!

4. Perfectly Pairable with Coffee (or Mimosas!)

There’s something about a flaky, creamy cheesecake Danish recipe that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee. It’s like a coffee shop treat without the price tag. Want to take brunch up a notch? Serve this alongside a Mango Boba Drink for a fun and refreshing twist!

5. You Can Customize It to Fit Your Mood

Want to switch things up? Try filling your Danish with:
✔ Strawberry or raspberry jam for a fruity twist
✔ Nutella or caramel for extra indulgence
✔ Cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting flavor

And if you love experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie—a dessert that combines two classics in one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple. You probably already have most of these:

🧈 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (12-count)
🧀 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
🍯 ¼ cup sugar
🥚 1 egg yolk
🧂 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍋 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but it adds a little magic)
🍑 ½ cup fruit preserves or jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work beautifully)
🍳 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
🌟 Powdered sugar (for that final, bakery-style touch)

How to Make King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

This cheesecake Danish recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. We’re talking minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a guaranteed “Wow, you made this?!” reaction from your family and friends.

Ready? Let’s get baking!

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Trust me, you don’t want any cheesecake goodness sticking to the pan.

🔎 Looking for another easy-baked dish? Check out this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—it’s a one-dish wonder!

2️⃣ Slice & Hollow Out

Grab your King’s Hawaiian Rolls and, without separating them, slice the whole sheet in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on your prepared baking sheet.

Using a spoon, gently press down in the center of each roll to create a little well for the cheesecake filling. You don’t need to go too deep—just enough to hold the creamy mixture.

3️⃣ Mix Up the Creamy Goodness

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
✔ 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
✔ ¼ cup sugar
✔ 1 egg yolk
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔ 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)

Mix until smooth, creamy, and irresistible. (Taste test if you must. We won’t judge!)

🍋 Love citrusy desserts? You have to try these Lemon Bars with Just 4 Ingredients—tangy, sweet, and totally addictive.

4️⃣ Fill & Sweeten

Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each hollowed-out roll. Then, add ½ teaspoon of fruit preserves on top of each one. Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam work beautifully!

✨ Want something even more indulgent? Swap the fruit preserves for Nutella, caramel, or cinnamon-sugar. (You’re welcome.)

5️⃣ Top It Off & Bake

Place the top half of the rolls back on and brush with 1 tbsp melted butter. This gives them that golden, slightly crispy finish we all love.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is slightly set.

🥓 If you’re making a full brunch spread, pair these with a Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole—because breakfast is better with crispy potatoes!

6️⃣ Dust & Serve

Let the danish cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long). Then, dust lightly with powdered sugar for that bakery-style look.

🍽 Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a Mango Boba Drink for an extra fun twist!

More Easy & Delicious Baking Ideas

✔ Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie – A match made in dessert heaven.
✔ Biscuits and Gravy Casserole – Because biscuits + gravy = happiness.
✔ Pineapple Cake Recipe – If you love tropical flavors, this one’s for you!

That’s it! Your King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is ready to enjoy. Fluffy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet—this is one treat you’ll be making again and again.

💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, check out all of our best breakfast and dessert recipes here.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Danish Ever

✅ Don’t skip the lemon zest. It’s subtle but adds a fresh brightness that makes the flavors pop.
✅ No fruit preserves? No problem! You can skip them, or swap in Nutella, caramel, or even a cinnamon-sugar topping.
✅ Make-ahead magic. Prep these the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

FAQs: Your King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Questions, Answered

Baking something new always comes with a few questions, so let’s tackle the most common ones. And don’t worry—I’ve got tips, swaps, and storage tricks to make your life easier!

❓ Can I use a different type of bread?

Technically, yes. But if you want that sweet, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, King’s Hawaiian Rolls are the best choice. Their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the cheesecake filling.

If you’re out of King’s Hawaiian, brioche rolls or soft dinner rolls can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same.

🔥 Love baked treats? You might also enjoy this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie—it’s just as sweet, gooey, and delicious!

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Here’s how:
✔ Prep the cheesecake filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
✔ Assemble the danish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.
✔ Bake fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.

If you need another great make-ahead breakfast, try this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole—easy, hearty, and perfect for busy mornings!

❓ How do I store leftovers?

If you actually have leftovers (rare, but possible 😆), follow these tips:

✔ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds or bake at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to get that fresh-baked texture back.

For more leftover storage hacks, check out Can You Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?—because we all know mac and cheese leftovers are sacred!

❓ Can I freeze these?

Yes! Here’s how to freeze your cheesecake danish for later:

1️⃣ Let them cool completely.
2️⃣ Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
3️⃣ Freeze for up to 2 months.
4️⃣ Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Looking for other freezer-friendly recipes? Try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—it’s easy to make ahead and reheat!

❓ Can I swap the fruit preserves for something else?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of fruit preserves, try these fun swaps:
✔ Nutella – Because chocolate + cheesecake = perfection.
✔ Caramel sauce – For an extra gooey, buttery bite.
✔ Cinnamon sugar – Gives a warm, bakery-style twist.

Speaking of indulgent desserts, if you love rich flavors, you have to check out this German Chocolate Cheesecake Cake—it’s next-level delicious!

❓ Can I make this gluten-free?

Since King’s Hawaiian Rolls contain wheat, this specific recipe isn’t gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free brioche or sweet rolls as a substitute.

If you’re looking for more gluten-free inspiration, check out this Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe Guide—so many tasty options!

❓ What can I serve with this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish?

This danish is already a star, but if you’re making a full brunch spread, here are a few perfect pairings:

🥓 Savory balance: Try this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole for a mix of sweet and savory.
🍹 Refreshing drink: Pair with a Mango Boba Drink for a fun, tropical twist.
☕ Coffee pairing: A classic vanilla latte (or just your favorite brew) complements this dessert beautifully!

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Sweet Treat

There’s something special about a King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish—it’s a little nostalgic, a little indulgent, and a lot delicious. Whether you’re serving these at brunch, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying one with your morning coffee (highly recommended), they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.

So grab that apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake something amazing together—just like Chef David Cooper always says, “Every dish should tell a story.” And trust me, this one tells a story of pure, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth happiness.

Now go on, enjoy your Danish… if you can get to them before your family does! 😉