Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

Cherry Hawaiian Danishes are a quick and easy favorite, perfect for brunch or as a delightful snack, featuring Hawaiian rolls with a creamy cream cheese filling and a dollop of cherry pie filling. Topped with sweet vanilla icing, this clever hack transforms simple ingredients into a treat that’s sure to be a hit.

Are you looking for an easy-to-make sweet treat? These Cherry Hawaiian Danishes are just the ticket. They are simple to make, require only a few easy ingredients, and are delicious. Whether you make these for your next get-together or to enjoy as a fun breakfast or brunch treat, they are sure to remind you of your local bakery. 

The delicious flavors of the cream cheese, cherry pie filling, and icing make a wonderful bite. The best part is that these Cherry Hawaiian Danishes use Hawaiian rolls. This means no fussing with dough, rising time, and ingredient ratios. These are an absolute blast to make and to eat and contain all the flavors of cherry cheesecake.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

• Easy to Make: This is one of the most simple recipes. It takes about 35 minutes to make and uses prepackaged Hawaiian rolls, so you don’t have to worry about making dough. Using simple ingredients and taking very little time, these Cherry Hawaiian Danishes are sure to be a hit. 
• Versatile: These danishes are perfect for several different occasions and uses. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, at a gathering, or as a simple dessert, they are the perfect addition to your menu. 
• Comfort Food: These danishes are one of the yummiest and easiest comfort food recipes you can enjoy. The warm and gooey fillings and sweet rolls make for an indulgent experience. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or serve them for breakfast or brunch, this is the epitome of comfort food. 
• Effortless Serving: These danishes are easy to serve, making them a practical choice for entertaining guests. Whether plated for a formal brunch or casually arranged for a family breakfast, they make for a hassle-free yet impressive treat.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• King’s Hawaiian rolls 
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese
• Large egg
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cherry filling
• Powdered sugar 
• Milk 
• Vanilla extract 

How to Make Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

• Step One: Preheat oven to 375F and spray an 8×11 or larger baking dish with cooking spray.
• Step Two: Use a small sharp knife to cut out squares from the top of each individual roll. Discard cut pieces or save them for another use.
• Step Three: Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Step Four: Spread the butter mixture over the rolls and inside of the cut areas.

• Step Five: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Step Six: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each Hawaiian roll, filling to the top.

• Step Seven: Add a dollop of cherry pie filling to the top of each roll.
• Step Eight: Bake in the oven uncovered for 18-20 minutes or until the cream cheese filling has set. Remove and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

• Step Nine: Mix the icing and spoon or drizzle across the tops of the rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Baking dish (8×11 or larger)
• Small sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Cooling rack 
• Whisk 
• Measuring cups and spoons

What to Serve With Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

There are several great things that you can serve with this Danish recipe. 

• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
• Stabilized Whipped Cream
• Oven Scrambled Eggs
• Ham and Eggs in a Muffin Tin
• Butterscotch Sauce

Variations and Substitutions 

• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruit fillings. Blueberry, raspberry, apple, and strawberry would all create delicious desserts. 
• Nutty Crunch: Add a fun crunch to your cream cheese Danish. Before baking, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on your dinner rolls. The sweet cream cheese filling goes very well with the texture of the nuts. 
• Citrus Zest: You can enhance the flavor of your cream cheese by adding some citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest adds a delicious bite to your cream cheese filling and helps to enhance the flavor of the Danish.
• Switch up the Glaze: Instead of using the recommended icing, opt for something different. Maple glaze, a caramel or butterscotch drizzle, or even some chocolate fudge can all elevate the flavor profile of the Danish and create a fun, unique bite.

Storage Instructions

While it is highly unlikely that these won’t be gobbled up as soon as you make them, they can easily be kept if there are leftovers. Simply place your danishes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for 3-4 days. 

Can I Freeze?

If you want to make these ahead or have leftovers you want to freeze, you absolutely can. Place your danishes in a freezer-safe bag and store them in your freezer. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and butter to room temperature before making your danishes. This ensures that your ingredients incorporate well and create a smooth texture.
• Brushing Technique: Use a pastry brush to coat the rolls with the butter mixture evenly. You want to make sure that each roll gets a good amount of the butter mixture over the top. 
• Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet or dish with parchment paper before you bake your Danishes. This will help keep the rolls from sticking to the pan and make cleaning a breeze.]

Cherry Dessert Recipes

• Cherry Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
• Chocolate Cherry Cookies
• Cherry Chocolate Brownies
• Cherry Pudding Cake
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Cream Cheese Recipes

• Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken
• Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Topping
• Vanilla Cream Cheese Cake
• Cinnamon Rolls with Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dip

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