King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

This King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a perfect harmony of soft, sweet Hawaiian bread and creamy, luscious cheesecake filling, accented by the bright tropical notes of pineapple. Each bite offers a delicious contrast between the tender dough and the rich, tangy cream cheese that will make you want to come back for more. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this pastry brings a touch of aloha spirit right into your kitchen. The gentle sweetness and tropical flavors combine effortlessly, making it a crowd favorite for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll dough (or similar Hawaiian bread dough)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the King’s Hawaiian dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×9 inches.

3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Sprinkle the pineapple tidbits evenly on top of the cream cheese layer, then add shredded coconut if using.

6. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log and pinch the seams to seal.

7. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

8. Brush the tops of the danishes with melted butter.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The Story Behind the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

The King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is a unique fusion of two beloved culinary traditions: the soft, sweet bread from Hawaii and the rich, creamy filling of a classic cheesecake. King’s Hawaiian bread, originally developed by Robert Taira in the 1950s, has long been cherished for its pillowy texture and subtly sweet flavor. This bread’s distinctive sweetness comes from the use of pineapple juice and honey, which give it a tropical twist unlike any other bread. By combining this iconic bread with a luscious cheesecake filling and a hint of pineapple, this Danish takes the Hawaiian tradition and elevates it into a dessert or breakfast pastry that’s as indulgent as it is nostalgic.

This recipe is inspired by the desire to celebrate Hawaiian flavors in a format that is easy to make at home and approachable for bakers of all skill levels. The integration of cream cheese and pineapple atop this soft dough creates a balanced harmony between sweetness and tanginess, while the optional shredded coconut adds an extra layer of tropical texture and flavor. This dish captures the spirit of island life, perfect for those who want a taste of paradise without leaving their kitchen.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are plenty of cheesecake danishes and Hawaiian bread recipes out there, but this one shines for several reasons. First, it uses King’s Hawaiian dough—or a similar sweet bread dough—as a base, which means it starts with a rich, tender foundation that’s already packed with flavor. Many recipes call for plain puff pastry or croissant dough, which, while buttery, lack that subtle pineapple sweetness that makes King’s Hawaiian bread so special.

Second, the cream cheese filling is simple but perfectly balanced. It’s not overly sweet, which allows the natural tang of the cream cheese to come through and play beautifully against the juicy pineapple. This balance prevents the pastry from becoming cloyingly sweet and makes it an all-day treat — equally suited for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite tropical fruits or add nuts for crunch. You can also adjust the sweetness to your preference or even use a plant-based cream cheese substitute for a vegan twist. The danishes freeze well too, making them a convenient make-ahead option.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

While this is certainly a treat, the King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish offers some nutritional highlights that might surprise you. The cream cheese filling provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential nutrients for bone health and muscle function. Using pineapple adds vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain — an enzyme that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

When eaten in moderation, this pastry can fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a cup of herbal tea. You get the pleasure of enjoying a baked good without the heaviness of typical dessert pastries that use more refined sugars and fats.

For those mindful of ingredients, this recipe can be adapted by swapping out granulated sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar, reducing overall processed sugar intake. Using homemade or high-quality King’s Hawaiian dough ensures fewer preservatives and artificial ingredients than store-bought pastries.

The Perfect Occasion for King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

This Danish is wonderfully versatile for many occasions. It makes a standout addition to a weekend brunch table, paired with fresh fruit and coffee or tea. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at parties or potlucks, where guests will appreciate the combination of creamy cheesecake and tropical pineapple on soft bread.

Holiday mornings become extra special when served alongside eggs and fresh juice. If you’re hosting a Hawaiian-themed luau or tropical party, this dessert fits perfectly with the vibe, bringing a homemade, heartfelt touch to your spread.

Moreover, its approachable preparation makes it a great recipe to bake with kids or for novice bakers wanting to try something new and impressive. The layers of flavor and the satisfying texture make every bite memorable.

Tips for Baking Success

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Use fresh or canned pineapple tidbits, but drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy.
• Don’t overfill the danishes; leave a small border so the dough can properly seal and hold its shape while baking.
• Brush the tops with melted butter to get a golden, shiny finish that also adds richness.
• If you want an extra touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar after baking or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice.

Conclusion

At its core, this recipe embodies the Hawaiian value of ‘Aloha’ — warmth, love, and sharing. Bringing this King Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish to your table is more than just making a dessert; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. It invites you to slow down, enjoy rich flavors, and celebrate the sweetness of life. Whether you’re making it for your family or impressing guests, this Danish delivers comfort and delight in every bite. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of tropical sunshine to your kitchen year-round.