King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls and creamy cheesecake with this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. With a rich, smooth filling and a delightful glaze, it makes for an irresistible breakfast, brunch, or dessert treat. Top it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of caramel for a show-stopping finish.

Ingredients

• 1 package Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Slice the Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom half attached as a single layer.
   • Place the bottom layer in a greased baking dish.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
   • Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls.
3. Add the Top Layer:
   • Place the top layer of the rolls over the cheesecake filling.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the baked Danish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Top with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Topping: In addition to or instead of strawberries, try topping the Danish with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fresh berries for a different flavor.
• Flavored Cheesecake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the cheesecake filling for a twist.
• Make it Nutty: Add some crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the topping for an extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other sweet rolls instead of King Hawaiian? Yes, any soft, sweet rolls can be used, though King Hawaiian rolls are particularly soft and sweet, making them ideal for this recipe.
2. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the Danish the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it in the morning.
3. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze? You can substitute powdered sugar with regular granulated sugar, but the glaze may have a grainy texture. You can also make your own powdered sugar at home by blending granulated sugar in a food processor.
4. Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Danish. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese in the filling for a lighter version.
6. Can I use a different fruit topping? Absolutely! Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches would also be great alternatives.
7. How do I know when the Danish is done baking? The Danish is done when the top is golden brown, and the cheesecake filling is set (not jiggly).
8. Can I make the glaze thicker? Yes, if you prefer a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar, or reduce the amount of milk.
9. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Can I make this a single-serving dessert? Yes, you can make individual servings by slicing the rolls and arranging them in separate muffin tins or small baking dishes.

Conclusion

King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a decadent, mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and buttery rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and indulgent topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this simple recipe will impress everyone at the table!

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