Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, milk (or heavy cream), and a pinch of salt. Using an electric hand mixer or a whisk, beat the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Hawaiian Roll Base: Separate the Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Place each roll flat on a clean work surface. Using the bottom of a small glass (like a shot glass) or the back of a spoon, gently press down into the center of each roll, creating a shallow well or indentation with slightly raised edges. Be careful not to press all the way through the roll.
- Arrange the prepared rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving a small space between each roll as they will expand slightly during baking.
- Optional Egg Wash: If desired, in a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water or milk. Lightly brush the tops and sides of the Hawaiian rolls (excluding the indented center where the filling will go) with this egg wash. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
- Fill the Danishes: Carefully spoon a generous tablespoon (or slightly more) of the cheesecake filling into the well of each Hawaiian roll. Ensure the filling stays within the raised edges of the roll.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Hawaiian rolls are golden brown on the edges and the cheesecake filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. The filling should no longer appear wet in the center.
- Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk (or heavy cream), and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk a little at a time until you reach a drizzly, pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Danishes: Once the danishes have cooled slightly (they can still be warm), generously drizzle the prepared glaze over all of them. You can use a spoon or a whisk to create a nice pattern.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations
For the smoothest cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese is at true room temperature. If it’s too cold, it will be lumpy and difficult to mix. You can speed up the softening process by cutting the cream cheese into smaller cubes and letting it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, or by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds on low power. When creating the wells in the Hawaiian rolls, a small shot glass or the bottom of a spice jar works perfectly. Press firmly but gently to form a distinct cavity without tearing through the bread. Don’t overfill the rolls with cheesecake mixture, as it can bubble over during baking. A generous tablespoon per roll is usually sufficient.
To add a burst of fruity flavor, you can place a small dollop of your favorite fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, cherry, or blueberry work wonderfully) in the center of the well before adding the cheesecake filling. For a citrusy twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. If you enjoy a hint of almond, a 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract can be substituted for half of the vanilla extract in the cheesecake filling. For an extra rich and shiny golden crust, don’t skip the optional egg wash. It makes a noticeable difference in appearance. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar over the tops of the rolls (before filling) for an added layer of warmth and spice.
Storage and Reheating
Kings Hawaiian Cheesecake Danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made, especially when still slightly warm from the oven. If you have leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The glaze may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious. To reheat, you can place the danishes in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, individual danishes can be gently warmed in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, though the texture might be slightly softer. Avoid overheating in the microwave, as it can make the rolls tough. These danishes also freeze well! Once cooled and glazed, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the danishes the night before, placing the filled rolls in the baking dish, covering them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerating. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to come closer to room temperature, then bake as instructed. The glaze is best made fresh just before serving.
What if I don’t have Kings Hawaiian Rolls? Can I use other bread?
While Kings Hawaiian Rolls are key to the unique flavor and texture of this recipe, you could experiment with other sweet dinner rolls or brioche rolls. However, please note that the sweetness and signature softness might differ, giving you a slightly different result. For a more traditional danish texture, you could use store-bought puff pastry, but the preparation method would be different (rolling out and cutting squares, then filling).
My cheesecake filling looks lumpy. What did I do wrong?
Lumpy cheesecake filling is almost always due to cold cream cheese. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. If it’s still lumpy after mixing, try using an electric hand mixer for a few more minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently. A quick zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds can sometimes help to soften any remaining cold spots, allowing it to blend smoothly.
Can I add fruit to the danishes?
Absolutely! Adding fruit is a fantastic variation. You can place a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of fruit preserves, jam, or finely diced fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries) into the well of the Hawaiian roll before spooning in the cheesecake filling. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to your danishes.