1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

This Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a rich, sweet treat for dessert or breakfast. Using pre-made Hawaiian rolls, you'll fill them with creamy cheese, top with a cinnamon-butter mixture, and bake until golden. The process is quick—just 22 minutes—and uses minimal ingredients. Serve them warm with coffee or milk for a cozy snack or crowd-pleasing dish.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 12:34:59 GMT
Warm cinnamon-covered sweet rolls in a baking pan. Pin it
Warm cinnamon-covered sweet rolls in a baking pan. | chefmelt.com

This indulgent cheesecake Danish turns regular King's Hawaiian rolls into a fancy morning treat that seems like it's from an upscale bakery. The combo of soft, sweet rolls and smooth cheesecake filling makes an addictive texture that'll have everyone going back for more.

When I first whipped these up for a family get-together, my nephew said they were "way better than anything from a bakery" and now he asks for them whenever he stops by. What began as a quick fix when I didn't prepare a proper sweet treat has turned into our go-to special breakfast.

Ingredients

  • King's Hawaiian sweet rolls: The key foundation that gives just the right sweetness and soft texture
  • Cream cheese: Go with full fat for the creamiest, richest results
  • Butter: Pick unsalted to manage the taste better
  • Brown sugar: The dark kind adds richer caramel notes
  • Cinnamon: Grinding it fresh will boost the flavor
  • Nutmeg: Grating it yourself makes a big difference
  • Granulated sugar: Cuts through the cream cheese tang nicely
  • Egg: Holds the cheesecake mixture together

Easy Preparation Steps

Get your dish ready:
Melt 1 tbsp butter and coat the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This adds flavor and stops sticking.
Fix up the rolls:
Set rolls on the melted butter and cut an X into each one about two-thirds of the way down without going through the bottom. This makes pockets for filling while keeping everything together.
Mix up the butter combo:
Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon until well mixed. Pour it all over the rolls, letting it sink into cuts and around edges for max flavor.
Whip up cream cheese mix:
Beat softened cream cheese until totally smooth before adding sugar. Mix well then add beaten egg. You want it completely lump-free for the perfect filling.
Stuff the rolls:
A piping bag with big tip works best. Push tip into the X cuts and fill each roll with plenty of cream cheese mix. Take your time so filling goes inside rather than sitting on top.
Cook them just right:
Bake uncovered at 375°F for exactly 12 minutes for soft results. The filling should set but stay creamy, and rolls should keep their softness while getting slightly golden edges.
A pan of rolls with butter. Pin it
A pan of rolls with butter. | chefmelt.com

These take me back to the Danish pastries my grandma would make from scratch every Christmas morning. Her version took many hours of work, but these capture that same wonderful taste in way less time. The way the cream cheese filling slightly melts into the sweet dough creates that authentic Danish texture we all love.

Keeping Them Fresh

These yummy treats stay fresh when kept in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. The cream cheese filling actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day, making them possibly tastier on day two.

A pan of rolls with a bottle of whiskey next to it. Pin it
A pan of rolls with a bottle of whiskey next to it. | chefmelt.com

Tasty Twist Ideas

The standard version makes a perfect classic Danish, but you can easily change up the filling for different flavors. Mix in a spoonful of jam to the cream cheese for fruity options like strawberry or blueberry. For a more dessert-like treat, add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking. During autumn, adding some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the cream cheese makes a seasonal favorite that goes great with coffee.

What To Serve With Them

These cheesecake Danishes go great with fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast. For a special brunch, put them next to a savory egg dish for the perfect sweet-savory combo. Coffee is the traditional drink pairing, but they're also fantastic with hot tea or even a mimosa for celebrations. As dessert, try them warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I get these ready in advance?

Absolutely! Prep the cream cheese filling and the buttery topping before, refrigerate them, and assemble the rolls just when you're ready to bake.

→ Can I swap out the type of rolls?

King's Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness, but feel free to try other soft rolls. Just know the taste might be a bit different.

→ What if I don’t own a piping bag?

No worries! A regular zip-top bag works great. Snip a corner off to pipe the filling, or use a spoon to scoop it into the rolls.

→ How should I save leftovers?

Pop them in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Warm them up in the microwave or oven before eating.

→ Can I change up the filling flavors?

For sure! Add some zest, vanilla, or even fruity spreads into the mix for a unique twist that's all yours.

Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Simple and yummy Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish made with cinnamon, cream cheese, and buttery rolls for any dessert or brunch occasion.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, package
02 1 large egg, whisked
03 ½ tablespoon cinnamon, ground
04 ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
05 1 tablespoon melted butter
06 ⅓ cup melted butter
07 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 3 tablespoons white sugar
09 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 375°F to warm up. Brush the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan or similar-sized dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

Step 02

Lay the rolls down in the prepared pan, over the butter. Cut small X marks into the tops of each roll, roughly two-thirds deep, making sure not to cut through the bottom.

Step 03

In a bowl, blend together ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ tablespoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until everything is mixed smoothly. Pour this mixture evenly over the cuts in the rolls.

Step 04

Spoon the cream cheese into a mixing bowl and stir until it's creamy. Blend in the white sugar, then mix in the whisked egg until it’s well blended.

Step 05

Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner clipped off, pipe the cream cheese mixture into the X cuts. You can also use a spoon. Try to get the filling inside the rolls, not just on top.

Step 06

Bake uncovered, 12–15 minutes at 375°F. Look for golden rolls and a filling that’s reached 145°F. For softer bread, pull them out at 12 minutes.

Step 07

Set the rolls aside for a few minutes to cool down a bit. The cream cheese filling will be really hot fresh from the oven. Serve warm.

Step 08

Put leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They'll stay good for 3–4 days.

Notes

  1. Cream cheese at room temperature blends in smoothly for fillings.
  2. A thermometer makes it simple to confirm a safe filling temperature.
  3. Use a piping bag if you can. It makes stuffing the rolls much easier.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dish or pan with sides, around 9×13 inches
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Piping bag or a zip-top bag
  • Knife for cutting
  • Measuring tools

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, butter
  • Contains egg
  • Contains gluten from the sweet rolls

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 149
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~