Easy King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Ah, there’s something about sweet rolls that just hits differently, isn’t there? It’s as if every bite whispers cozy childhood memories, lazy Sunday mornings, and that delightful blend of sweetness and comfort. When I stumbled upon the idea of turning King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls into a cheesecake Danish, I honestly felt like I had struck culinary gold. Not only is this recipe wickedly simple, but it also fills your kitchen with a warm, sugary aroma that makes you feel like a rockstar chef, even if your last culinary adventure ended in a kitchen disaster.
Let me spill the beans: I had no idea that sweet rolls could metamorphose into something so decadently divine as this cheesecake Danish. I mean, I’ve had my fair share of baking fails—like the time I thought I could turn a banana bread recipe into a four-layer cake. Spoiler alert: it looked more like a sad pancake than anything worth serving to my family. But this? This was different. It’s almost like an unexpected hug that wraps you up in sweetness, which is why I knew I needed to share it with you.
Picture this: the sun setting, casting a warm glow through your kitchen window, and the steam from the oven kissing your face as you take in the buttery aroma wafting through the air. The golden tops of the rolls begin to shimmer, and you can hardly wait to dive in. This recipe is perfect for a family brunch, a cozy night in, or even as a splendid treat for unexpected guests. Trust me, you’ll have them begging for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines two comfort foods into one glorious dish—sweet rolls and creamy cheesecake.
- It’s incredibly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to for quick family meals!
- Kids and picky eaters will be all over this, making it a surefire hit.
- It’s budget-friendly, allowing you to indulge without breaking the bank.
- The leftovers (if you have any—good luck with that!) are perfect for a midnight snack or quick breakfast.
- Honestly, every bite feels like a warm hug and brings back the best memories of home.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This easy, delicious recipe brings a twist to the classic cheesecake with its unique creamy filling nestled between soft, sweet rolls. The blend of cream cheese and sugar, with a hint of lemon to zest things up, creates a cheesecake flavor that’s so satisfying and silky smooth. It’s undeniably nostalgic for me. Maybe it’s because my grandmother used to make a similar treat whenever we had family gatherings, filling the air with that sweet, rich scent.
And the texture? Oh my gawd. We’re talking about a soft and fluffy exterior that gives way to a creamy, dreamy filling—the ultimate contrast of flavors and textures. It’s a celebration of simplicity, yet it feels luxe.
Ingredients
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1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: These beauties are the base of our Danish and infuse each bite with a light, slightly sweet flavor that’s difficult to beat.
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8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the show! It provides that rich, luscious texture that cheesecake lovers crave.
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1/2 cup sugar: Because cheesecake without sugar is just… cheese. This gives our filling the sweetness it needs.
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1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor to a whole new level, making it feel more artisanal. Honestly, don’t skip this!
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1 egg: This acts as a binder for our filling, helping everything come together beautifully.
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1/4 cup sour cream: This adds a tart creaminess that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
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1/4 cup powdered sugar: A sprinkle for sweetness—not a ton, just enough to enhance the flavors.
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1 tsp lemon juice: A little zing to cut through the creaminess and brighten everything up.
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1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water): For that shiny, golden crust that makes everything look oh-so-inviting.
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Optional toppings: Fresh fruit, whipped cream—make it yours! I love adding strawberries or blueberries on top; they’re practically nature’s candy.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Let’s dive in, my fellow food lovers! I promise this will be easier than finding a parking spot at your local grocery store on a Sunday.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is your starting point—a must for all baked goods. Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step and find yourself waiting for your oven to catch up later on!
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Beat the filling: In a bowl, get that cream cheese to work by beating it together with the sugar, vanilla extract, egg, sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until it’s smooth. I always start with the cream cheese because it can be a bit stubborn if it’s too cold. Honestly, aim for a texture that’s about as smooth as warm butter—talk about dreamy!
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Prep the sweet rolls: Cut each roll in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. At this stage, I usually place them cut side up, but feel free to explore your creativity a bit! Just make sure they fit snugly together like a cozy little family.
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Spread the filling: Now, take that luscious cheesecake mixture and slather it generously over the bottom halves of the rolls. Don’t be shy here; think of it as frosting on a cake. You want it to be thick, luxurious, and oh-so-tempting.
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Cover it up: Place the top halves of the rolls over that cheesy goodness, resembling a cute little sandwich. Yes, it’s going to look ridiculous, and yes, it’s going to be amazing!
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Make it shiny: Brush those lovely tops with your prepared egg wash. This magical step helps develop that gorgeous golden crust we all love so much.
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Bake it: Pop your creation in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. I usually set a timer for 20 minutes and then get overwhelmed with the heavenly scent that fills my kitchen. You’re looking for that rosy-golden color on top.
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Cool and serve: Once golden brown, let your Danish cool slightly. I know, the waiting is torture! But trust me; you don’t want to burn your tongue—especially if you plan on adding some fresh fruit or whipped cream as a topping!
With each step, you’ll find the smells wafting through your home are worth savoring. And let me tell you, the first bite? Sheer bliss.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can create a lumpy mixture, which is never fun.
- If you’re feeling rebellious, switch up the flavors! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract in place of vanilla can give it a lovely twist.
- Don’t skip the egg wash unless you prefer a less golden top. In that case, just be prepared for slightly less aesthetic but still delicious outcomes!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free: We use sweet rolls, but there are gluten-free sweet roll options available. Just ensure your cream cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free too.
- Lower-calorie option: Swap out full-fat cream cheese for light or reduced-fat cream cheese, and use stevia in place of sugar if you’re counting calories.
- Seasonal Flavors: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for a warm twist in fall. Or throw in some crushed pineapple during summer—yum!
Directions
This has been an epic journey of cheesecake Danish creation, but let’s not forget about what to serve this sweet treat with! Pair it with fresh coffee or tea for that perfect brunch vibe. I personally love indulging in warm milk tea while digging into one of these delightful Danishes. Oh, and throw on a rom-com playing in the background to complete the experience; it’s a whole mood!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let’s be honest, leftovers are rare with this recipe. If by some miracle you find yourself with any, store them covered in the fridge. They last about 3 days, but trust me, you’ll want to devour them sooner than that. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can prepare the filling in advance, and store it in the fridge. Just assemble right before baking for the ultimate fresh experience. Also, if you want to freeze these sweet rolls after baking, wrap them tightly and toss them in the freezer; they can last for up to a month. Pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, but be sure to increase your baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skimp on the greasing! You really want those rolls to pop out easily after baking.
- Overbaking will turn your Danish from delightful to dry. Keep an eye on it!
- Be careful not to rush the cooling process. Cutting into them too soon can lead to a melty, messy fiasco.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I use another type of sweet roll?
Yes! While King’s Hawaiian are the best for that soft sweetness, feel free to experiment. -
What can I do with leftover cream cheese?
You can use it for dips, spreads, or even on a bagel! Or make a mini cheesecake! -
Can I add fruit into the cheesecake filling?
Go wild! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips can make fantastic additions.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or a good whisk if you’re feeling strong!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for cutting rolls
- Pastry brush for the egg wash
Final Thoughts
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is not just a pastry; it’s an experience filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a little bit of kitchen mayhem. I hope you embrace those glorious moments of flour on your nose and the sweet joy of creation. As you take your first bite, remember the warmth and coziness that comes from sharing something homemade with loved ones. Please, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Now, stop reading and start baking. Your taste buds will thank you!
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Ingredients
Base
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls The base of our Danish.
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened The star of the filling.
- 1/2 cup sugar Provides sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Elevates the flavor.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Adds tart creaminess.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar Adds a sprinkle of sweetness.
- 1 tsp lemon juice Adds brightness.
Topping
- 1 egg egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) For a shiny golden crust.
- Optional toppings: Fresh fruit and whipped cream Try strawberries or blueberries.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg, sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Cut each sweet roll in half horizontally and lay the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the cheesecake filling generously over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
