This Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish is everything I crave in a sweet brunch dish—soft, creamy, tropical, and beautiful enough to impress guests.
It’s a shortcut pastry made with King’s Hawaiian rolls, cheesecake filling, and a fruity glaze that will make everyone think you worked much harder than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines the flavors of cheesecake and Danish in one easy bake
Uses soft, buttery King Hawaiian rolls as a shortcut base
Layers of sweetened cream cheese, pineapple, and strawberries
Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or holiday mornings
Ready in under an hour!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
King Hawaiian sweet rolls – the soft, slightly sweet base
Cream cheese – for that rich cheesecake filling
Sugar & vanilla – to sweeten the filling
Egg – helps the filling set like cheesecake
Crushed pineapple – for tropical freshness
Strawberries – juicy topping contrast
Powdered sugar glaze – drizzled on top while warm
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending
Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy rolls
Line your baking dish with parchment or grease well
Glaze the rolls while still warm so it soaks in slightly
How to Make Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Bake
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom layer in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Top Layer
Sprinkle drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese.
Add the top layer of rolls and gently press down.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Let cool slightly in the pan.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Adjust milk to reach drizzle consistency.
Drizzle glaze over the warm Danish.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh strawberry slices and extra pineapple if desired.
Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve It With
Hot coffee or a vanilla latte
Scrambled eggs or sausage for contrast
A mimosa for brunch perfection
Variations / Substitutions
Swap strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or mango
Add shredded coconut for more tropical flair
Try it with cinnamon rolls for a spiced version
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled Danish in slices for up to 1 month
Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F or microwave for 20 seconds
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Can I use homemade sweet rolls?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re baked and cooled first.
Does this taste like cheesecake?
Yes! The filling is lightly sweet, creamy, and sets like a baked cheesecake.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Use a larger pan and add 5–10 minutes to baking time.
What if I don’t like pineapple?
Substitute with apple compote, cherry pie filling, or just more berries.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Bake is the kind of recipe that disappears fast.
It’s soft, creamy, fruity, and full of sunshine in every bite.
Great for brunch or anytime you want to wow your family with something easy and gorgeous.
