King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the soft, sweet allure of King’s Hawaiian rolls, then the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is your answer. This indulgent treat perfectly marries the subtle sweetness of the beloved Hawaiian rolls with a luscious cream cheese filling, topped off with a delectable glaze. Ideal for brunches, family gatherings, or just a special indulgence for yourself, this cheesecake Danish is both visually appealing and utterly delicious.

King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls have captured the hearts and taste buds of many, thanks to their unique flavor and soft, pillowy texture. Originally created in the 1950s, these rolls have evolved from a traditional Hawaiian recipe into a versatile ingredient that can elevate both savory and sweet dishes. Their light sweetness and fluffy consistency make them an exceptional base for the cheesecake Danish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while still maintaining their individual characteristics.

This recipe is not just easy to prepare; it quickly becomes a crowd favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the world of King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.

Understanding King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are a staple in many kitchens, known for their signature sweetness and soft, fluffy texture. Made with a blend of high-quality ingredients, these rolls boast a unique taste that sets them apart from other bread products. Their inherent sweetness and lightness lend themselves well to both savory and sweet culinary creations, making them an incredibly versatile ingredient.

What makes these rolls an ideal base for our cheesecake Danish is their ability to absorb flavors without losing their structure. The sweetness of the rolls complements the tangy cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and enjoyable. When baked, the rolls develop a golden crust while maintaining their moist interior, ensuring that each bite is a delight.

The King’s Hawaiian brand itself holds a special place in culinary history. Founded by Robert Taira in 1950 in Hilo, Hawaii, King’s Hawaiian started as a small bakery dedicated to creating authentic Hawaiian bread. Over the decades, the brand has grown in popularity, becoming a household name not only in the United States but also around the world. King’s Hawaiian has become synonymous with quality and tradition, often evoking memories of family gatherings and celebrations, making it the perfect choice for our cheesecake Danish.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the delightful process of making King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the ultimate flavor and texture.

For the Danish:

– King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: The star of this recipe. These rolls provide a sweet, soft base that enhances the overall dessert experience.

– Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the Danish a decadent mouthfeel.

– Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: These ingredients infuse warmth and sweetness, creating a comforting flavor profile that complements the cheesecake filling beautifully.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

– Cream Cheese: The essential component of any cheesecake, cream cheese offers a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls.

– Lemon Zest: Provides brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese filling, lifting the overall flavor.

For the Glaze:

– Powdered Sugar: Serves as the base for the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.

– Milk: Helps achieve the desired consistency for the glaze, making it pourable and easy to drizzle over the Danish.

While these ingredients are essential for the classic version of the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, there’s room for customization. Consider adding nuts for a crunchy texture or fresh fruit for a pop of flavor and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to get started on this mouthwatering dessert! Following these simple steps will help you create a remarkable King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish.

Preheating the Oven

Before you begin assembling your Danish, it’s crucial to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (typically around 350°F or 175°C). Preheating ensures that your Danish bakes evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden crust and a moist interior. An oven that’s not adequately heated can lead to uneven baking and may affect the texture of your final product. So, take this step seriously and let your oven warm up while you prepare the other components.

Preparing the Sweet Rolls

The first step in the preparation process is to prepare your King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls. Start by tearing the rolls into pieces. Aim for bite-sized chunks to ensure even baking and make it easier to mix them with the other ingredients.

– Tearing Technique: Instead of cutting the rolls with a knife, use your hands to gently tear them. This method helps maintain the fluffy texture of the rolls and promotes a more natural look in the final bake.

Once you have your rolls torn into pieces, place them in a mixing bowl. This is where the fun begins! You’ll be adding the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the base of your Danish. Melt the butter before adding it to the bowl; this will help it coat the sweet roll pieces evenly.

After adding the melted butter, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the torn rolls. Gently toss everything together until the sweet rolls are well-coated with the buttery, sugary mixture. This flavorful blend will form the delicious foundation for your cheesecake filling.

Now that the sweet rolls are ready, keep them aside while you prepare the cream cheese filling. This filling is what truly makes the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish special, adding a rich and creamy contrast to the sweet, buttery base.

As we move forward, we’ll continue to build on this foundation, layer by layer, to create a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Stay tuned as we dive into mixing the cheesecake filling, assembling the Danish, and baking it to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful treat that celebrates the unique flavors of King’s Hawaiian rolls!

Making the Cinnamon Mixture

To elevate your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, the first step is to create a delightful cinnamon mixture. This simple yet flavorful blend is essential for adding a sweet, aromatic touch to your rolls. Begin by combining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. The brown sugar not only provides a richer flavor but also enhances the caramelization during baking, giving a delightful texture and depth to the Danish.

The proportions of this mixture can be adjusted based on your personal preference. A classic ratio is typically one cup of granulated sugar mixed with one cup of brown sugar and two tablespoons of cinnamon. Once combined, set this mixture aside. It will be used to sprinkle generously over the rolled dough, ensuring that every bite of your Danish is infused with that warm, spicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling

Next, focus on preparing the cheesecake filling, which is the heart of your Danish. The key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture lies in properly softening the cream cheese. Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start mixing. This step is crucial because cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling.

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Each component plays a vital role: the sugar sweetens the filling, the vanilla adds a rich flavor, and the salt enhances the overall taste. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. If you want a slightly lighter filling, you can add an egg into the mixture, which also helps in setting the filling during baking.

Combining Ingredients

Once your cheesecake filling is ready, it’s time to combine it with the rolled dough. Roll out your King’s Hawaiian bread dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This dough is soft and pliable, making it easy to work with. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges. This prevents the filling from spilling out while baking.

Now, sprinkle the prepared cinnamon mixture generously over the cheesecake filling. To ensure an even distribution, you might want to use a sifter or a spoon to sprinkle it evenly across the surface. Once everything is layered, carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, creating a log shape. Tuck in the ends to seal the filling inside, and then slice the roll into equal pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place these pieces cut side up in a greased baking dish, allowing for some space between each roll to expand while baking.

Baking Process

With your rolls assembled, it’s time to bake them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the Danish as they bake; they should turn golden brown and the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the filling should come out clean, indicating that the cheesecake portion has cooked through.

Cooling and Glazing

Once your Danish is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Cooling is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture of the filling to firm up.

While your Danish cools, you can prepare the glaze, which adds a finishing touch to your creation. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk and a splash of vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm Danish, allowing it to seep into the crevices and create a beautiful sheen.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish, you have several delightful options. This treat can be enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, or at room temperature, depending on your preference. For an added touch of elegance, consider garnishing with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, which provide a lovely crunch, or fresh fruit like pineapple or berries to enhance the flavor profile.

Pair your Danish with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Alternatively, serve it as a dessert alongside a glass of dessert wine or a refreshing sparkling beverage to complement the sweetness of the cheesecake filling. The versatility of this Danish makes it an excellent addition to any gathering, whether it be a casual brunch, a festive dessert table, or a family celebration.

Nutritional Information

For those watching their dietary intake, here’s a quick overview of the nutritional profile per serving of the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. Each serving typically contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used. The sugar content is approximately 15-20 grams, largely from the sugars added to the dough and filling.

If you’re looking for dietary considerations, there are options for making this recipe more health-conscious. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the King’s Hawaiian bread with gluten-free dough. Additionally, for those reducing sugar intake, consider using sugar substitutes or reducing the amount of sugar in both the filling and the glaze.

Conclusion

In summary, making King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is not only a rewarding experience but also results in a delightful treat that is sure to impress family and friends. The combination of soft, sweet bread, creamy cheesecake filling, and a hint of cinnamon creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, adding it to a dessert table, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this Danish will surely be a hit.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share the joy of this unique dessert with your loved ones. It’s a delicious way to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen, and once you experience the delightful flavors and aromas that fill your home, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Happy baking!