If you’re looking for a bakery-style breakfast treat that is easy to make at home, this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe is the perfect choice. Made with soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, a rich cheesecake filling, warm cinnamon-butter flavor, and a silky powdered sugar glaze, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert or brunch centerpiece. The rolls become golden and lightly crisp on the outside while staying fluffy and tender inside, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy cheesecake center.
Whether you’re preparing a special weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, family gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cheesecake danishes come together quickly and deliver impressive results every time.
Ingredients
For the Danish
12 King’s Hawaiian rolls 🍞
½ cup butter, melted 🧈
2 tablespoons brown sugar 🍬
½ teaspoon cinnamon ✨
6 ounces cheesecake filling 🧀
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar 🍥
2 tablespoons milk 🥛
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Small mixing bowls
Pastry brush
Spoon or piping bag
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 12 danishes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and helps the rolls develop a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes fragrant.
The cinnamon-butter mixture adds warmth, sweetness, and a delicious caramelized flavor to the finished danishes.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected as one slab. Using a small knife, carefully cut a square or circular opening into the top center of each roll without cutting all the way through.
Gently press down the center of each roll to create a shallow well. This cavity will hold the cheesecake filling.
The soft texture of Hawaiian rolls makes them easy to shape while maintaining their fluffy structure.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Filling
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each indentation with cheesecake filling.
Try to distribute the filling evenly among all twelve rolls. The creamy center should sit slightly above the surface because it will settle a bit during baking.
The cheesecake filling becomes smooth and luscious as it bakes, creating the classic Danish-style center.
Step 5: Brush with Cinnamon Butter
Generously brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the cinnamon-butter mixture.
Make sure every roll receives a coating of butter, as this helps create a golden exterior while adding rich flavor.
Reserve a small amount of butter mixture if desired for brushing immediately after baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until:
The rolls are golden brown.
The cheesecake filling is set.
The tops are lightly crisp and caramelized.
Avoid overbaking, as Hawaiian rolls can dry out if left in the oven too long.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl.
Continue whisking until completely smooth.
If the glaze seems too thick, add a few drops of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little extra powdered sugar until you achieve a pourable consistency.
The glaze should slowly drizzle from a spoon without being watery.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
This brief cooling period helps the cheesecake filling set while still keeping the pastries warm.
Step 9: Add the Glaze
Using a spoon or whisk, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm danishes.
The warmth of the rolls helps the glaze spread slightly while still maintaining beautiful white ribbons across the tops.
Step 10: Serve
Serve warm for the ultimate bakery-style experience.
The combination of fluffy Hawaiian bread, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon butter, and sweet glaze is absolutely irresistible.
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Cheesecake Filling
Allow the cheesecake filling to soften slightly before using. This makes it easier to pipe or spoon into the rolls and helps it bake evenly.
Don’t Cut Too Deep
When creating the wells in the rolls, avoid cutting completely through the bread. A shallow cavity is all that’s needed to hold the filling.
Watch Carefully During Baking
Since Hawaiian rolls contain sugar, they brown faster than regular dinner rolls. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes of baking.
Serve Fresh
These danishes are at their absolute best when served warm on the day they’re baked.
Delicious Variations
Strawberry Cheesecake Danish
Add a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the cheesecake filling before baking.
Blueberry Cheesecake Danish
Top each Danish with a few fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.
Lemon Cheesecake Danish
Mix a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cheesecake filling for bright citrus flavor.
Chocolate Cheesecake Danish
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake filling before baking.
Caramel Pecan Danish
Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze and top with chopped pecans.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the cheesecake filling, refrigeration is recommended.
Reheating
To reheat:
Microwave individual danishes for 10–15 seconds.
Or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
This restores their soft texture and fresh-baked taste.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet danishes pair wonderfully with:
Fresh strawberries 🍓
Blueberries 🫐
Hot coffee ☕
Tea 🍵
Hot chocolate 🍫
Fresh orange juice 🍊
They are ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, holiday mornings, baby showers, family gatherings, or special celebrations.
Final Thoughts
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a simple yet luxurious recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The naturally sweet Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect foundation for creamy cheesecake filling, while the cinnamon-butter topping and powdered sugar glaze create a bakery-quality finish. Every bite offers a delightful combination of soft bread, rich cheesecake, warm spice, and sweet icing.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, these cheesecake danishes are guaranteed to become a favorite recipe you’ll make again and again. Soft, sweet, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, they bring together all the comforting flavors of a classic Danish in an easy-to-make format that anyone can master. Enjoy! 🍞🧀✨🍥🧈
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish — Soft, Sweet & Buttery
