Name: King's Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits drained and patted dry; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count)

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Treat yourself to these delicious King’s Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish. With this easy recipe hack. Say goodbye to store-bought treats and impress your friends and family with your semi-homemade creation. Try it out for brunch or surprise your mom with a special Mother’s Day treat!

Bring a sweet twist to your brunch with King's Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish. Each bite blends creamy cheesecake and tropical fruit on fluffy, irresistible pastry. A must-have for your next gathering. #BrunchWeek #KingsofCheesecake #TropicalTreats #DanishDelight #FoodieFaves #IslandBites

If you’re craving a taste of the islands with a creamy twist, King’s Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish are the perfect treat. These semi-homemade pastries feature the iconic soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls as a base. These pastries have a luscious cheesecake and pineapple filling that brightens any morning. Whether served for brunch, a celebration, or just a special family breakfast, they deliver a delightful balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.

What are King’s Hawaiian rolls?

King’s Hawaiian rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner rolls that have become a staple in many American kitchens. Their signature golden crust and pillowy texture make them perfect for both savory and sweet recipes. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as a base for creative dishes, these rolls always deliver a crowd-pleasing flavor. My sister and I were reminiscing about when they first became popular. We would top them with pineapple or strawberry cream cheese as a dessert. I still crave that every now and then.

Originating in Hilo, Hawaii, King’s Hawaiian rolls were first baked by Robert Taira in the 1950s. Inspired by the traditional Hawaiian bread, Taira brought his family recipe to the mainland. It quickly gained popularity for its unique sweetness and irresistible texture. Today, these rolls are enjoyed coast to coast, adding a touch of the tropics to any meal.

These Rolls are Perfect for this Semi-Homemade Danish Recipe

The naturally sweet flavor and tender crumb of King’s Hawaiian rolls make them an ideal base for a tropical cheesecake Danish pastry. Their size and shape are just right for filling and baking. This ensures each bite is moist and delicious. Plus, their convenience saves you time in the kitchen without sacrificing homemade charm.

The Basic Cheesecake Filling

For this recipe, the cheesecake filling is simple yet luscious. You’ll need cream cheese, granulated sugar and powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and an egg. Just beat everything together until smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your Danish. It brings a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet rolls. You can either fill your rolls with this cheesecake filling or kick it up and customize it for your family and flavors.

Customization Options

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your danish! This recipe has pineapple tidbits in them. The hubs doesn’t like coconut flakes but you can add some or pineapple chips to yours. To keep with the tropical theme, add a swirl of passion fruit jam for extra flavor. For something less tropical, try a can of apple or cherry pie filling. You can also mix in chocolate chips and pistachios for a Dubai inspired Danish pastry. Try mixing in some fruit jams or fresh berries. The possibilities are literally endless, so make it your own.

Tips for Cutting and Filling the Rolls

There are a few methods for preparing the rolls for the cheesecake filling. Some recipes call for a simple X cut in the top of the rolls. I’ve seen others that cut a square out of the center. I used a cupcake corer to make the hole in mine. For some reason I wanted it to be a circle inside the square of the roll.

Make sure to gently press down to create space for the filling. I used a piping bag, but you can easily use a small spoon for scooping in the cheesecake mixture without making a mess. If you’re adding fruit or jam, you can either place a layer on the bottom, then the cheese, then put a layer on top for that pop of color. Or you can mix it in with the cheesecake mixture.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make these Tropical Cheesecake Danishes

6 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup pineapple tidbits drained and patted dry
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count)

Step-by-Step Instructions To make Tropical Cheesecake Danishes

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9 x 12 baking pan either with cooking spray or butter.

Carefully separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls and place them on your work surface. Use a paring knife or cupcake corer, cut the center out of the top of each roll. Set them aside.

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Fold in the pineapple tidbits. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Place the hollowed out rolls into your baking pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the rolls with the butter mixture. Drizzle a little of the butter in the center of the rolls, too. Scoop (or pipe) about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheesecake filling into each roll. Bake them for 15–18 minutes, until the filling is set and the rolls are golden. Let cool slightly in the pan, then move them to your serving platter to serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling. Bring your egg to room temperature, too, so it blends with the softened cream cheese. Drain any fruit to prevent soggy rolls. And feel free to pat it try with a paper towel if it’s still too wet.

Don’t overfill the rolls. A little goes a long way! If the rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with foil for the last few minutes. If you want an icing, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with some milk or juice and vanilla extract and stir until combined. Drizzle or brush over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy these King’s Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish fresh and store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. If they last that long.

What to King’s Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish Taste Like?

King’s Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danishes are a delightful fusion of flavors. They’re pillowy sweet rolls brushed with a butter and brown sugar spice blend that hits your taste buds first. Then there’s the creamy, sweet and tangy cheesecake filling. Then you taste the pineapple tidbits hidden in the cheesecake filling.

The combination of buttery pastry and tropical fruit creates a rich, satisfying treat that’s both smooth and slightly tart. Each bite is balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and warm spices, making these danishes irresistibly flavorful and refreshing. They’re perfect for brunch because they’re quick and easy to make but taste so delicious your guests will be asking for more.

King's Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Bring a sweet twist to your brunch with King's Hawaiian Tropical Cheesecake Danish. Each bite blends creamy cheesecake and tropical fruit on fluffy, irresistible pastry. A must-have for your next gathering.

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Ingredients

6 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup pineapple tidbits drained and patted dry
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9 x 12 baking pan either with cooking spray or butter.
Carefully separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls and place them on your work surface. Use a paring knife or cupcake corer, cut the center out of the top of each roll. Set them aside.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Fold in the pineapple tidbits. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Place the hollowed out rolls into your baking pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the rolls with the butter mixture. Drizzle a little of the butter in the center of the rolls, too.
Scoop (or pipe) about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheesecake filling into each roll. Bake them for 15–18 minutes, until the filling is set and the rolls are golden. Let cool slightly in the pan, then move them to your serving platter to serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 170Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 8gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 51mgSodium 116mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 2g