King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

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Introduction

If you’ve ever had a craving for a dessert that combines the comforting sweetness of a warm Danish pastry with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, look no further than the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish. This delightful fusion takes the fluffy, sweet, and buttery goodness of King’s Hawaiian rolls and pairs it with a luscious cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s both unique and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a special gathering, or simply looking for a sweet treat to indulge in, this recipe is a show-stopper. With its pillowy texture, creamy filling, and delicate sweetness, the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. In this article, we will walk you through why this dessert is a must-try, provide detailed instructions on how to make it, and share helpful tips and variations to help you personalize it to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Combination of Flavors: The sweet, soft, and fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls is the ideal base for the rich and creamy cheesecake filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
  • Easy to Make: While it sounds like a fancy dessert, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, thanks to the convenience of using King’s Hawaiian rolls as the base.
  • Customizable: You can tailor this recipe to your liking by adding different fruit toppings, nuts, or even using different types of cheese for the filling.
  • No-Pork, No-Wine Recipe: This recipe is Halal, ensuring that it’s suitable for everyone who observes a halal diet, with no pork, bacon, or wine ingredients.
  • Visually Stunning: The golden, slightly caramelized pastry, paired with the creamy filling and optional fresh fruit topping, makes for a beautiful dessert that will impress your guests.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 2 hours (15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for baking, and 45 minutes for cooling)
  • Servings: This recipe makes about 12 servings, depending on how you cut your pieces.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving):
    • Calories: 300
    • Protein: 4g
    • Carbs: 36g
    • Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Danish Pastry:

  • 2 packages King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (about 12 rolls): These rolls provide the soft, sweet base that makes this Danish so irresistible.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): To brush over the rolls before baking for added richness and flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For sprinkling over the rolls to create a caramelized topping.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: For a warm, comforting touch that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened): The key ingredient for a rich and creamy cheesecake filling.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances out the tangy cream cheese.
  • 2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cheesecake filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: To help stabilize the cheesecake filling.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a refreshing brightness to the rich cheesecake.

Optional Toppings and Garnishes:

  • Fresh berries: Such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, for a burst of freshness and color.
  • Powdered sugar: For dusting over the top before serving for a pretty finish.
  • Chopped nuts: Such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Honey or fruit preserves: For an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE DANISH PASTRY BASE

  1. Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the King’s Hawaiian rolls and cut them into individual pieces if using a whole loaf. If you’re using individual rolls, you can keep them intact or slightly flatten them out with your hands.
  2. Arrange the Rolls: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the rolls in a single layer, arranging them neatly. If using the whole loaf, cut the rolls in half and arrange the pieces in a circle or any desired shape.
  3. Brush with Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and brush it generously over the rolls. This will ensure they bake to a golden, rich color.
  4. Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it over the top of the rolls. This will add a beautiful caramelized finish when baked.
  5. Bake the Pastry: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. While they bake, prepare the cheesecake filling.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to avoid lumps.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Add Eggs and Flour: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully combined before adding the next. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the flour and lemon juice. This will help stabilize the cheesecake filling and give it a smooth texture.
  4. Check the Consistency: The filling should be smooth, slightly thickened, and creamy. If needed, adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar, or add a touch more lemon juice for brightness.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE KING’S HAWAIIAN CHEESECAKE DANISH

  1. Layer the Cheesecake Filling: Once the pastry base is baked and slightly cooled, pour the cheesecake filling over the top of the rolls. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the filling covers the rolls entirely.
  2. Bake the Danish: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set, the edges are golden, and the center is slightly firm to the touch.
  3. Cool the Danish: After baking, allow the Danish to cool in the dish for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator to cool completely for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cheesecake filling firm up and makes it easier to slice.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

  1. Add Toppings: Once cooled, you can top your King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey or fruit preserves. Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds also make a great addition if you prefer a crunchy texture.
  2. Slice and Serve: Cut the Danish into individual squares or pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, rich, and creamy flavors in each bite.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Brunch Treat

This dessert is perfect for brunch or a morning gathering. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful start to your day.

2. For Special Occasions

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or family celebration, this dessert is an excellent choice for a show-stopping treat. The golden, caramelized pastry and creamy filling will surely impress your guests.

3. Serve with a Side of Fresh Fruit

For a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the Danish, serve it with fresh fruit such as berries or citrus slices. The freshness helps balance the sweetness of the cheesecake filling.

4. Pair with Coffee or Tea

King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a hot chocolate. The richness of the dessert complements the bitterness of coffee or the warmth of tea.

Additional Tips

  1. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Danish pastry base and cheesecake filling the night before, then assemble and bake the next day. This will save you time and make it easier to serve when guests arrive.
  2. Freezing: If you have leftovers, this dessert can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  3. Spices: Experiment with different spices in the filling or on top of the pastry, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.
  4. Fruit Compote: Try serving the Danish with a homemade fruit compote made from berries or peaches for added sweetness and texture.

Recipe Variations

While the King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is perfect as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it:

1. Fruit Variations

Try adding different fruit toppings such as sliced peaches, strawberries, or blueberries for a vibrant and flavorful twist. You can also mix the fruit into the cheesecake filling for added texture.

2. Nuts

For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds either inside the filling or as a topping. Nuts complement the sweetness of the Danish beautifully.

3. Gluten-Free Version

To make a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free King’s Hawaiian rolls or a similar alternative. Be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheesecake filling as well.

4. Chocolate Lovers

If you love chocolate, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake filling before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished Danish for a decadent touch.

Freezing and Storage

King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment

While no special equipment is required, having a 9×13-inch baking dish, an electric mixer, and a pastry brush for the butter will help make the process easier and more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other bread instead of King’s Hawaiian rolls? Yes, you can use other sweet rolls or even croissants, but King’s Hawaiian rolls give the best results for texture and sweetness.
  2. Can I use flavored cream cheese? Yes, you can experiment with flavored cream cheese like strawberry or vanilla for a different taste.
  3. How do I make the cheesecake filling fluffier? Whipping the cream cheese well and incorporating air into the mixture by beating it at high speed will make the filling fluffier.
  4. Can I make this dessert without eggs? Yes, you can make an egg-free version by using a suitable egg replacement like flax eggs or silken tofu in place of the eggs.

Conclusion

The King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is an indulgent, yet easy-to-make dessert that combines the comforting sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or as a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With endless possibilities for customization and simple ingredients, it’s a dessert that’s as delicious as it is fun to make. Try it today and enjoy the harmonious fusion of sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors in every bite!

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