Hawaiian King Cheese Cake Recipe

Get ready to experience pure sunshine on a plate with this Hawaiian King Cheese Cake! Fluffy, golden Hawaiian sweet rolls are layered with plush cheesecake filling, then finished with glistening vanilla glaze, juicy strawberries, and a sweet tang of caramel. Whether you’re hosting brunch, bringing dessert to a gathering, or just looking to wow your loved ones, this recipe serves up all the vacation feels without ever leaving your kitchen. Few desserts are this easy or this jaw-droppingly good—let’s dive into what makes Hawaiian King Cheese Cake a new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Hawaiian King Cheese Cake is simple, familiar, and easy to find. Each ingredient has a purpose—from the plush texture of the rolls to the lusciousness of cream cheese, they all come together for that unforgettable flavor and melt-in-your-mouth appeal.

• Hawaiian King Sweet Rolls (1 package, 12 rolls): The star of the show! These ultra-soft, subtly sweet rolls become the most tempting crust.
• Cream Cheese (225 g/8 ounces, softened): For the richest, creamiest cheesecake layer—don’t skip the softening for extra smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar (100 g/½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Perfumes the filling with warm vanilla notes, truly elevating the dessert.
• Large Egg (1): Helps bind the cheesecake filling and gives it that irresistible, custardy texture.
• Powdered Sugar (60 g/½ cup): The base for a silky topping glaze that melts into every crevice.
• Milk (30 ml/2 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze just enough so it drizzles perfectly over your cake.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon for topping): Doubles down on the vanilla aroma, making every bite fragrant and comforting.
• Fresh Sliced Strawberries: An essential pop of brightness and color; choose ripe, red berries for maximum flavor.
• Caramel Sauce (for drizzling): Adds a decadent finish—store-bought or homemade, either is wonderful.

How to Make Hawaiian King Cheese Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures your Hawaiian King Cheese Cake bakes up perfectly every time. Gently slice a whole package of Hawaiian King Sweet Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom portion intact as one, unified sheet. Nestle the bottom half into a greased baking dish; it’ll serve as the plush foundation for all that creamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Beat everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight. This is the part where the magic of the Hawaiian King Cheese Cake begins: spread this dreamy cheesecake mixture evenly across the bottom layer of sweet rolls. Go right up to the edges for every bite to be fully loaded!

Step 3: Add the Top Layer

Carefully place the top half of sweet rolls over the creamy filling, matching up the shapes so your Hawaiian King Cheese Cake remains stacked and even. This clever “sandwich” style ensures every mouthful will have both soft bread and creamy cheesecake.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a rich golden-brown top and a cheesecake layer that’s completely set. Your kitchen will smell like pure vanilla heaven! Once done, pull it out and let it cool slightly on a rack; it’ll set more as it cools.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

While your Hawaiian King Cheese Cake cools, whip up the simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but still thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle the sweet vanilla glaze across the warm cake, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. Arrange slices of fresh strawberries on top for a burst of color and fruity tang, then go wild with a glossy drizzle of caramel sauce. That’s it—your Hawaiian King Cheese Cake is ready to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve Hawaiian King Cheese Cake

Garnishes

The signature look of Hawaiian King Cheese Cake comes from its toppings. Glitter it with even more fresh berries, a twist of lemon zest, or a few sprigs of mint for a garden-fresh accent. Don’t be shy with the caramel sauce—its salty-sweet flavor is pure indulgence!

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is lush and satisfying, it pairs best with light, refreshing accompaniments. Try serving it next to a tropical fruit salad, some fresh pineapple slices, or a tart berry compote. For a brunch spread, Hawaiian King Cheese Cake is amazing with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by pre-cutting the cake into petite squares on a cake stand, or layering slices in individual jars for a picnic-friendly treat. You can also build a Hawaiian King Cheese Cake trifle by cubing pieces and layering with whipped cream and berries in a tall glass.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (trust me, this is rare!), simply cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Hawaiian King Cheese Cake stays moist and flavorful for up to three days, making it perfect for prepping in advance.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Hawaiian King Cheese Cake! Place slices on a baking sheet so they freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re ready to serve anytime.

Reheating

For that freshly baked warmth, pop an individual slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or warm in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. The cheesecake filling becomes super creamy again, just like when it was first baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of sweet rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian King sweet rolls give this dessert its signature flavor and texture, any super-soft, sweet dinner roll will work in a pinch. Just look for rolls with similar fluffiness for best results.

Is it possible to make Hawaiian King Cheese Cake ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of those desserts that actually benefits from a little time to chill. Prepare and bake as directed, let cool, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the strawberries and caramel right before serving for the freshest finish.

Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Definitely! Hawaiian King Cheese Cake is fantastic with blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, or even mango. Mix and match to fit the season or your cravings. Just avoid fruits that release too much liquid.

How do I know when the cheesecake filling is set?

You’ll see the top turn a deep golden brown, and a gentle jiggle in the center means it’s creamy but firmed up. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free sweet rolls (many stores offer them now) and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The filling and topping are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a little escape and the taste of island sunshine, you’ve just found your new go-to dessert. Hawaiian King Cheese Cake is friendly to make, wildly delicious, and always feels like a celebration. Whip it up soon and let the sweet, creamy goodness win you (and your friends) over!

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