Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet, creamy treats that look as good as they taste, get ready to fall head over heels for the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. This show-stopping recipe marries the pillowy softness of King Hawaiian sweet rolls with a rich cheesecake filling and a vibrant burst of fruit, then finishes with a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a stunning dessert centerpiece, this dish brings together beloved flavors in a way that’s downright impossible to resist—making it a must-bake for any gathering of family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the pillow-soft rolls, tangy cream cheese, or the colorful punch of fruit—to create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.

• King Hawaiian sweet rolls: These ultra-soft, slightly sweet rolls provide the base and top layer, offering irresistible pillowy texture and subtle honeyed flavor.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The key to the creamy, rich filling; letting it soften fully makes blending effortless and ensures a lump-free texture.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds that perfect touch of sweetness, transforming the filling into a cheesecake dream.
• Large egg: Binds the filling together and gives it a silky, custardy finish.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the filling and glaze with sweet, warm notes that elevate the whole dessert.
• Crushed pineapple (1 can, 8 oz, drained): Offers a tropical tang and juicy texture—make sure it’s well-drained to prevent sogginess.
• Strawberries (1/2 cup, sliced): Bright, juicy, and colorful, these are the finishing touch that makes every slice pop.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): The foundation of the glaze, creating a glossy, sweet drizzle.
• Milk (as needed for glaze): Helps achieve the desired drizzling consistency for the glaze.
• Optional extra pineapple or strawberries: For garnish and an added fruity flourish when serving.

How to Make Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures even baking right from the get-go. Grab your package of King Hawaiian sweet rolls, and slice them horizontally with a serrated knife to create a top and bottom layer. Carefully place the bottom section into a greased baking dish, laying the groundwork for all the delicious layers to come. The rolls should fit snugly, which helps the Danish keep its shape.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Next, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until you have a creamy, well-blended mixture. This step sets the decadent tone for the entire Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.

Step 3: Spread the Filling and Add Pineapple

Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer of rolls, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for even flavor in every bite. Sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple evenly on top of the cream cheese—this fruit layer adds bright, juicy bursts that pair perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Reassemble and Bake

Place the top layer of the sweet rolls back over the pineapple and cream cheese, aligning them carefully for that classic Danish look. Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the filling is set (a gentle jiggle is fine, but it shouldn’t be runny). Let it cool slightly after baking; this makes for easier slicing.

Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While the Danish cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency—it should be thick but easy to drizzle. Pour this over the slightly warm Danish for a gorgeous glossy finish that seeps into every crevice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once glazed, scatter fresh sliced strawberries and, if desired, extra pineapple on top to add a colorful, fruity flair. Slice your masterpiece into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Each piece of Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tropical in every bite!

How to Serve Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Garnishes

To make your Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish truly stunning, add a scattered layer of fresh strawberries and an extra handful of pineapple chunks. You could also dust the top with a pinch of powdered sugar or a few sprigs of mint for an added touch of elegance. These simple additions make each bite feel even more special and inviting.

Side Dishes

While this Danish is a showpiece on its own, it’s also lovely alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, or a refreshing fruit salad if you’re serving brunch. For an afternoon treat, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea to round out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’d like to make your Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish extra memorable, try serving each square on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For gatherings, arrange the pieces on a decorative platter with extra fruit and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece that’ll have guests reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover squares of Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and prevent the bread from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the Danish (without strawberries) by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh strawberries right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To serve warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat a few pieces on a tray in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add the glaze and fresh fruit after reheating so everything tastes as fresh as possible.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides pineapple and strawberries?

Absolutely! The Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish adapts beautifully to your favorite fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches work well—just make sure any canned or thawed frozen fruit is well drained.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can build and bake the Danish the night before, then store it covered in the fridge. Save the glaze and strawberry garnish for just before serving to keep everything tasting and looking its best.

Do I have to use King Hawaiian sweet rolls?

For the authentic flavor and texture that makes this recipe shine, King Hawaiian sweet rolls are best. However, other soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls can work in a pinch—just make sure they’re as fluffy as possible.

How do I keep the cheesecake filling from leaking out?

Ensure the rolls fit snugly in your baking dish and resist overfilling with the cream cheese mixture. Chilling the assembled danish for 30 minutes before baking can also help it keep its shape.

Is the Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish good for breakfast and dessert?

Absolutely! Its balanced sweetness and creamy filling make it perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and it’s also sweet enough to shine as a stunning dessert after dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about sharing an Irresistible King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish with people you love. Each bite is a perfect blend of soft, sweet bread, creamy filling, and bright fruit. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you want to treat yourself or wow your guests—it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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