King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is about to become your new obsession. With fluffy, buttery-sweet rolls, a creamy cheesecake filling, a vibrant swirl of fruit jam, and a glossy vanilla glaze, this easy recipe transforms familiar pantry ingredients into something truly spectacular. Whether you’re fueling a brunch crowd or just treating yourself to something special, each bite of this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish delivers that irresistible, bakery-style magic—straight from your own oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. Gather these essentials, and you’re on your way to Danish bliss!
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: These super-soft, subtly sweet rolls form the pillowy base that holds everything together and gives the Danish its signature taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creamy and tangy, it creates a luscious filling that balances the sweetness of the rolls and fruit.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to brighten and sweeten the cheesecake layer without overwhelming it.
- Vanilla extract: A splash in both the filling and glaze adds cozy warmth and delicious aroma.
- Egg yolk: This helps set the filling for a rich, dreamy texture.
- Strawberry jam (or fruit topping of choice): Adds vibrant color and zing—try classic strawberry or get playful with blueberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd!
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet glaze that’s drizzled on top.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze to drizzle-perfect consistency—use more or less for your ideal texture.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the flavors in the finishing touch.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this helps ensure easy removal and a golden, crispy bottom on your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Keep the Hawaiian rolls together in a single slab. Without separating them, slice the whole package horizontally, just like you would for a sheet-pan sandwich. This way, you get a sturdy bottom layer and a lid for all that luscious filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg yolk. You’re aiming for a silky, smooth, slightly thickened mixture—this creamy combo will bake up perfectly inside the rolls.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Lay the bottom half of your sweet rolls into the prepared dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges for maximum flavor. Add dollops of strawberry jam (or your jam of choice), then gently swirl with a knife—don’t overmix, as gorgeous pockets of jam are what you want. Place the top half of the rolls back on, gently pressing down.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled Danish in the oven for 18–22 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tops are golden brown and the cream cheese layer is gently set. Your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas—try not to peek too soon!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While it bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a velvety glaze. Once the Danish is out of the oven and still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. This not only adds a beautiful sheen but also that addictive sweet finish.
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Garnishes
Give your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish a look worthy of your favorite bakery by adding fresh sliced strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few mint leaves just before serving. These bright touches make every piece an extra-special treat.
Side Dishes
If you’re making this as part of a brunch spread, pair slices with fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. The Danish’s creamy richness and sweet, tangy fruit play beautifully with lighter and brighter breakfast sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, cut the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish into bite-size squares and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing. Hosting a special celebration? Stack slices in a pretty tower and let guests drizzle on extra glaze. Or turn them into a build-your-own treat with a selection of jams and glazes on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the cooled Danish and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The rolls will absorb even more flavor, keeping everything delightfully moist.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices of King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Wrap them snugly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat leftovers in a 300°F oven for about 7 minutes. This perks up the rolls and makes the cream cheese filling lusciously soft again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, feel free to swap in blueberry, raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist. The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is deliciously versatile—pick your favorite fruit or try a combination for extra flair.
What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls?
The unique flavor and pillowy softness of King’s Hawaiian rolls are key to this recipe, but you could substitute with another brand of soft, sweet rolls if needed. Just make sure they’re connected so you can slice them horizontally as a slab.
Can this be made dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk in the glaze. While the texture might be slightly different, you’ll still get that delightful contrast of creamy filling and fluffy sweet bread.
How do I keep the Danish from getting soggy?
Be sure to use softened cream cheese and not overly runny jam. Also, baking it until the tops are golden and the filling is set will help keep everything perfectly plush without becoming too wet or soggy.
Is King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish best served warm or cold?
It’s most irresistible when it’s fresh and slightly warm, allowing the glaze to melt just a bit over the soft rolls and creamy filling. That said, it’s still wonderfully tasty at room temperature or chilled from the fridge—perfect for any mood or setting!
Final Thoughts
Once you try your first bite of this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, you’ll see why it always disappears in record time. Sweet, creamy, and stunningly easy to pull together, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bring out for every brunch, holiday, and special weekend. Gather your loved ones, brew a fresh pot of coffee, and bask in the ooey-gooey, heartwarming joy of homemade Danish perfection!
Print
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and fruity jam swirls with this easy-to-make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fruit topping of choice)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Slice the rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally into top and bottom layers without separating them. Place the bottom layer in the dish.
- Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer.
- Add jam: Dollop jam over the cream cheese and swirl gently. Place the top layer of rolls back on.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and set.
- Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm danish.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry or blueberry.
- Best served warm but can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg