King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: A Sweet & Savory Delight

King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every single bite! Imagine the pillowy softness of a King’s Hawaiian roll, the creamy decadence of cheesecake, and the sweet, tangy burst of fruit all harmonizing in perfect unison. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a mini-vacation for your taste buds that you can create right in your own kitchen.

While the exact origins of combining these elements into a “Danish” are a bit hazy, the inspiration is clear. King’s Hawaiian rolls, with their signature sweetness and airy texture, have become a beloved staple in American households. Cheesecake, a dessert with roots stretching back to ancient Greece, has evolved into countless variations, each more tempting than the last. This recipe cleverly marries these two iconic treats, creating something entirely new and utterly irresistible.

What makes this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish so popular? It’s the delightful contrast of textures – the soft bread, the smooth filling, and the optional (but highly recommended!) crispy topping. It’s the ease of preparation; this recipe is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. And, of course, it’s the flavor! The sweetness is balanced by the tang of the cream cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck or a special treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 ounce (7g) active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
• For the King’s Hawaiian Glaze:
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Topping:
• 1 (12 ounce) package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and water mixture. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to get some fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture and the beaten egg into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Add the Butter: Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will seem a bit sticky at first, but keep mixing!
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy danish.

Making the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Cream the Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is important to avoid lumps in your filling.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
3. Incorporate Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
4. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake filling while the dough is rising. This will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.

Assembling the Danish:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
4. Spread the Cheesecake Filling: Evenly spread the chilled cheesecake filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
5. Arrange the King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Carefully arrange the King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls over the cheesecake filling. You can gently press them down to ensure they adhere to the filling.
6. Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the tops of the King’s Hawaiian rolls with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious buttery flavor.
7. Second Rise (Optional): For an even lighter danish, you can cover the assembled danish with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes. This is optional, but it will result in a slightly fluffier texture.

Baking the Danish:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the King’s Hawaiian rolls are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the rolls start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the danish from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before glazing.

Making the King’s Hawaiian Glaze:

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Sugar and Milk: Stir in the sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Glazing and Serving:

1. Glaze the Danish: While the danish is still slightly warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or spatula to spread it around.
2. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. This is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of the sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls, the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and the optional, but highly recommended, fruit topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for more. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and elegant dessert, making it ideal for everything from a casual brunch to a special occasion. Seriously, imagine biting into that warm, slightly sweet bread, followed by the cool, rich cheesecake – pure bliss! But beyond the incredible taste, what makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to achieve impressive results. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the entire process is surprisingly quick. This means you can whip up a batch of these delectable danishes even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, the effort is minimal compared to the reward. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it delivers an explosion of flavor in every single bite. It’s the kind of recipe that will become a family favorite, requested time and time again. Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations! While these danishes are absolutely divine on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel adds an extra layer of indulgence. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider topping them with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the danish perfectly. You could even create a mixed berry compote for a more sophisticated touch. Another fantastic variation is to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor. For a more festive occasion, consider using different extracts in the cheesecake filling. Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor, while lemon extract brightens up the danish with a zesty twist. You could even experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as mascarpone or ricotta, for a unique flavor profile. And don’t forget about the glaze! While the simple powdered sugar glaze is classic and delicious, you can easily customize it with different flavors. Add a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a hint of citrus zest. You can also use milk instead of water for a richer, creamier glaze. I truly believe that this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. Once you’ve made these amazing danishes, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy baking! I hope this becomes one of your go-to recipes for years to come. Print