Imagine biting into a buttery, golden‑brown pastry that melts into a velvety, tangy cheesecake center, all finished with a sweet, pineapple‑kissed glaze. That’s the magic of the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortlessly approachable.
What makes this treat truly special is the marriage of King’s Hawaiian sweet bread dough with a rich cream cheese filling, creating a texture contrast that’s soft, airy, and decadently creamy in every bite.
This Danish shines at brunches, holiday breakfasts, or as a show‑stopping dessert for any celebration. Kids love the sweet glaze, while adults appreciate the subtle tang of the cheesecake.
The process is straightforward: prepare the sweet dough, roll it out, spoon on the cheesecake mixture, fold, glaze, and bake until puffed and golden. Minimal equipment, simple steps, spectacular results.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistible Flavor Pairings: The sweet, buttery dough balances perfectly with the tangy, creamy cheesecake, while the pineapple glaze adds a tropical brightness that keeps every bite exciting.
Simple Yet Impressive: Though it looks bakery‑level, the steps are easy enough for a home cook, making it ideal for impressing guests without the stress.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm with fresh berries, drizzle extra glaze for a glossy finish, or cool and slice for a portable snack that travels well to potlucks.
Make‑Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared a day ahead, and the assembled Danish freeze beautifully, giving you flexibility for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For this Danish, the foundation is King’s Hawaiian sweet bread dough, which brings a subtle honey‑like sweetness and a soft, pillowy crumb. The cheesecake filling combines cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of vanilla for richness. A pineapple‑infused glaze adds the signature tropical shine. Together, these components create layers of texture and flavor that are both comforting and celebratory.
Danish Base (Sweet Bread Dough)
- 2 ½ cups King’s Hawaiian sweet bread dough (store‑bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
King’s Hawaiian Glaze
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
These ingredients work together to create a harmonious balance. The sweet bread dough provides a tender, slightly sweet canvas that holds the cheesecake without becoming soggy. The cheesecake filling adds a luxurious tang that cuts through the sweetness, while the pineapple glaze offers a glossy, tropical finish that ties the whole pastry together. Each component is essential for the signature flavor profile of a King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk, then stir in the sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the King’s Hawaiian dough, salt, and knead briefly until the mixture forms a smooth, elastic ball. Let the dough rest, covered, for 20 minutes; this short rise creates a light crumb without over‑proofing.
Assembling the Danish
- Roll the Dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 12‑inch rectangle, about ¼‑inch thick. This thickness ensures a fluffy interior while still supporting the filling.
- Mix the Filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. No lumps should remain, as they can create pockets of uneven texture.
- Spread the Filling. Spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the center third of the rolled dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges. This border prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Fold the Edges. Fold the left and right thirds over the filling, overlapping slightly in the middle, creating a classic “envelope” shape. Press gently to seal; the dough’s natural elasticity will hold the shape.
- Prepare the Glaze. While the assembled danish rests for 10 minutes, combine pineapple juice, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency (about 3‑4 minutes).
Baking & Finishing
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the assembled danish to a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Brush the top lightly with the pineapple glaze, then bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the glaze is bubbling. The glaze should caramelize slightly, giving a glossy finish. Remove from the oven, let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then drizzle any remaining glaze for extra shine.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Room‑Temp Ingredients: Ensure the dough, cream cheese, and milk are at room temperature before mixing; this promotes even hydration and a smoother filling.
Don’t Over‑Knead: Knead the sweet dough just until it becomes smooth. Over‑kneading can develop too much gluten, making the pastry tough.
Seal the Edges: Press the dough edges firmly together to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Glaze Timing: Brush the glaze on the danish before baking so it caramelizes, then add a final drizzle after baking for extra shine.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a subtle warmth, or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before baking for a tropical crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling adds an elegant finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold cream cheese; it creates lumps that won’t blend smoothly. Also, don’t skip the brief resting period after folding—this lets the dough relax, preventing shrinkage in the oven.
Pro Tips
Use a Kitchen Scale: Precise measurements, especially for the dough, ensure consistent texture every time.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the assembled danish for 10 minutes; this firms the butter in the dough, leading to better lift and flakiness.
Check for Golden Edges: The pastry is done when the edges are deep golden and the glaze has a slight amber hue—visual cues are more reliable than time alone.
Serve Warm: Warm danish offers the softest texture; reheat briefly if serving later to recapture that melt‑in‑your‑mouth feel.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
Replace the classic cream cheese with mascarpone for an even richer, silkier filling, or swap pineapple juice for mango puree to give the glaze a deeper tropical flavor. For a nutty twist, fold toasted macadamia nuts into the cheesecake mixture.
Dietary Adjustments
Use a gluten‑free flour blend for the dough and ensure the sweet bread mix is certified gluten‑free. Substitute dairy‑free cream cheese and coconut oil for butter to keep the recipe vegan. For a low‑sugar version, halve the glaze sugar and add a splash of agave.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the warm danish with a dollop of fresh whipped coconut cream and a handful of sliced strawberries. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and a citrus‑infused tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into an indulgent dessert.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
Allow the danish to cool completely, then place each piece in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer keeping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months; this preserves both texture and flavor.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat refrigerated danish in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10‑12 minutes until warmed through and the glaze softens again. For frozen pieces, thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the same oven method. A quick microwave burst (20‑30 seconds) works in a pinch, but the oven retains crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish brings together a sweet, buttery dough, tangy cheesecake, and a glossy pineapple glaze in a recipe that’s both approachable and impressive. We’ve covered every step—from dough preparation to storage—so you can confidently bake a bakery‑worthy treat any day. Feel free to experiment with flavor swaps or dietary tweaks; the core technique stays the same. Serve warm, share generously, and enjoy every melt‑in‑your‑mouth bite!
