King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish 🍍🧀🥐

Ingredients:

For the Danish:

• 1 package King’s 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:

Prepare the Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom half attached as a single layer.
3. Place the bottom layer in a greased baking dish.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls.

Add the Top Layer:

1. Place the top layer of the rolls over the cheesecake filling.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the baked Danish.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Top with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Secrets to Achieve the Perfect King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish 🍍🧀🥐

1. Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Let all your ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily.
3. Quality Vanilla Extract: Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the cheesecake filling and the glaze.
4. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
5. Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation. Slice them thinly for easy topping.
6. Consistent Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls to ensure every bite has a consistent amount of filling.
7. Evenly Cut Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls evenly to ensure uniform layers and even baking.
8. Grease the Pan Well: Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the Danish.
9. Monitor Baking Time: Check the Danish a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent over-baking. The top should be golden brown, and the cheesecake should be set.
10. Allow to Cool Slightly: Let the Danish cool slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
11. Smooth Glaze: Ensure the powdered sugar is fully dissolved in the glaze mixture to avoid a gritty texture. Sift the powdered sugar if necessary.
12. Drizzle the Glaze Evenly: Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the Danish for a professional look.
13. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For added flavor, drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the top along with the strawberries.
14. Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a firmer cheesecake filling, chill the Danish in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
15. Add Crunch with Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) over the glaze.
16. Presentation: Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices of the Danish for an appealing presentation.
17. Use a Stand Mixer: If you have one, use a stand mixer to beat the cream cheese filling until fluffy and smooth.
18. Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
19. Reheat Gently: If reheating, do so gently in a low-temperature oven or microwave to avoid overcooking the cheesecake layer.
20. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, zesty twist.

Most Popular Questions and Answers Related to King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

1. Can I use a different type of roll instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?
   • Yes, you can use any soft, sweet rolls as a substitute.
2. Can I prepare the Danish in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the Danish the night before and bake it in the morning. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze the Danish?
   • Yes, you can freeze the Danish before adding the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the toppings.
5. What other toppings can I use?
   • You can use other fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or bananas. Nut toppings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce are also great options.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free sweet rolls if available and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
7. Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese filling?
   • Yes, you can add lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of fruit puree to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor.
8. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
   • You can make powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine.
9. How do I know when the cheesecake filling is set?
   • The filling should be firm to the touch and not jiggly in the center.
10. Can I use light cream cheese?
    • Yes, light cream cheese can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
11. What if my cheesecake filling is too runny?
    • Ensure the cream cheese is well-beaten and not too warm. Adding a tablespoon of flour can help thicken it if needed.
12. Can I make mini versions of this recipe?
    • Yes, you can make mini versions using smaller rolls or by cutting the large rolls into smaller sections.
13. How can I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
    • Pre-bake the bottom layer for about 5 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling.
14. Can I add a crust to the bottom?
    • Yes, adding a thin layer of graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter can create a nice crust.
15. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
    • Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well if you don’t want to make it from scratch.
16. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
    • Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
17. What can I use instead of strawberries?
    • Any seasonal fruit or berry can be used as a topping.
18. Is it necessary to use an egg in the cream cheese filling?
    • The egg helps set the filling, but you can omit it for a slightly softer texture.
19. Can I use a different cheese instead of cream cheese?
    • Mascarpone cheese can be a good substitute for a similar texture.
20. How can I make the glaze thicker?
    • Use less milk or add more powdered sugar to achieve a thicker consistency.