King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
If you’re on the hunt for a buttery, rich, and decadently sweet treat, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is your new best friend. This delightful pastry brings together the soft, fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian bread with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe delivers every time. Imagine the golden flaky layers hugging that irresistible cheesecake center—pure bliss in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor fusion: Combines the sweet, soft nature of King’s Hawaiian bread with creamy cheesecake filling for a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
- Versatile anytime treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert, satisfying all your cravings.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together quickly without compromising on taste.
- Impressive presentation: Looks gourmet enough to serve guests but easy enough for a weekday indulgence.
- Customizable layers: Easily adds toppings or variations to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the key to achieving the rich, creamy flavor of King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish made easy. Every component plays a crucial role in bringing out the texture, sweetness, and vibrancy of this delightful pastry.
- King’s Hawaiian bread: Use slices or rolls for that signature soft, sweet base with a tender crumb.
- Cream cheese: Provides the smooth, tangy cheesecake flavor that forms the filling’s star.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Egg yolk: Gives richness and helps the filling set perfectly.
- Lemon juice or zest: Brightens the cheesecake filling with a fresh, subtle zing.
- Butter: Used to brush on the bread or added into the filling for extra silkiness.
- Optional toppings: Such as fresh fruits, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey to add character and flair.
Variations for King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
One of the best parts about the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or prefer. Whether you want it lighter, fruitier, or a little nutty, coding your own spin on this recipe is a breeze.
- Berry topping: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries on top before or after baking for a fruity punch.
- Chocolate swirl: Mix in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a mocha-inspired twist.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the King’s Hawaiian bread with gluten-free sweet rolls to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top for a satisfying crunch.
- Spiced version: Incorporate cinnamon or cardamom into the filling to give it a cozy, warming flavor.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a touch of lemon juice or zest until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be your heavenly cheesecake center, so take your time to get it silky and lump-free.
Step 2: Prepare the King’s Hawaiian Bread
If you’re using slices, gently flatten them with a rolling pin to create an even surface; if using rolls, slice them open carefully without cutting through one edge to form a pocket for your filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Spread a generous layer of cheesecake filling onto each piece of bread or inside the roll pockets. Fold or roll the bread carefully, ensuring the filling stays inside without spilling over. Brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled danishes on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden and slightly crisp, and the filling is set but still creamy.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
Once out of the oven, let the danishes cool slightly, then add any desired toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey or glaze to enhance flavor and presentation.
Pro Tips for Making King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and butter are soft so the filling mixes evenly and smoothly.
- Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to avoid messy spills during baking.
- Brush with butter: Applying melted butter on top before baking creates a golden, appetizing crust.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Cool before topping: Let the danish cool a bit before adding glazes or fresh fruit to keep textures just right.
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
Garnishes
Enhance each serving with vibrant garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of fresh mint, or a handful of juicy berries to add a pop of color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a balanced breakfast or a light lunch, or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to brighten up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange multiple danishes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of complementary jams, whipped cream, or honey. This makes for an inviting, shareable spread perfect for brunch or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and the bread soft.
Freezing
You can freeze completely cooled danishes by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed danishes in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes to revive the bread’s softness while warming the creamy filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought King’s Hawaiian bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought King’s Hawaiian bread works perfectly and provides that signature soft sweetness essential for this danish.
Is this dish suitable for a breakfast or dessert?
Yes, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a rich breakfast treat or a sweet dessert after dinner.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, though this will slightly change the texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?
Use just enough filling to spread evenly without overstuffing, and seal the bread edges tightly to keep the filling contained during baking.
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Definitely! Vanilla extract can be swapped for almond or lemon extract, and you can mix in cinnamon or fruit preserves to customize your filling.
Final Thoughts
The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a charmingly simple yet indulgent recipe that brings joy with every bite. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves soft, sweet bread paired with creamy cheesecake goodness. So why wait? Whip up a batch, savor the rich flavors, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home, guaranteed to make mornings and dessert times a little sweeter.
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King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish
King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish combines the soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian bread with a creamy, luscious cheesecake filling for a rich and indulgent pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, featuring a golden flaky crust hugging a smooth cheesecake center and customizable toppings for a personal twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free option available
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- King’s Hawaiian bread slices or rolls (soft and sweet base)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing and optional in filling)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh fruits (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans)
- Honey or glaze drizzle
- Mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate swirl
- Cinnamon or cardamom (for spiced version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice or zest until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky cheesecake center.
- Prepare the King’s Hawaiian Bread: If using slices, gently flatten each with a rolling pin to create an even surface. If using rolls, carefully slice them open without cutting through one edge to form a pocket for the filling.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a generous layer of cheesecake filling onto each bread slice or inside the roll pockets. Fold or roll the bread carefully to keep the filling contained. Brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place assembled danishes on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden and slightly crisp and the filling is set but creamy.
- Add Optional Toppings: After baking, allow the danishes to cool slightly. Add any desired toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, honey, or glaze to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth, even filling.
- Do not overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
- Brushing melted butter on top creates a golden crust.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cool danishes before adding toppings to maintain texture integrity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: King's Hawaiian, cheesecake danish, breakfast pastry, sweet treat, creamy filling, baked dessert, brunch recipe
