Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

There’s something truly special about homemade pastries—warm, golden, and bursting with flavor. These Cherry Hawaiian Danishes are the perfect treat to brighten up your morning or impress guests at brunch. With a buttery, flaky base, a creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping, every bite feels like a little escape to a tropical paradise.

This recipe is inspired by classic Danish pastries but with a twist—using soft Hawaiian sweet rolls as the base. The subtle sweetness of the rolls pairs beautifully with the tart cherries and creamy filling, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving these for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just treating yourself to a special snack, these danishes are an easy and delicious way to add a touch of indulgence to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need to fuss with homemade pastry dough—Hawaiian rolls make this recipe simple and quick.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The light sweetness of the rolls, tangy cream cheese, and juicy cherries create an irresistible combination.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these danishes fit the bill.
• Customizable: Swap out the cherry filling for other fruit preserves like blueberry, raspberry, or apple to mix things up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 package (12 rolls) of Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup cherry pie filling
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Cherry Hawaiian Danishes

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the Hawaiian rolls and carefully separate them without breaking them apart completely. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently press down the center of each roll to create a small well for the filling. This step is essential because it will hold the creamy filling and cherry topping in place.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The key here is to ensure the cream cheese is fully softened so that it blends easily, creating a silky texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each indentation you made in the rolls. Next, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will spread slightly when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This step adds a slight crispness to the edges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden and warmed through.

Step 5: Make the Icing

While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a few more drops of milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the danishes come out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes for that final touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way. Too much can cause it to spill over the edges while baking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try swapping cherry pie filling with strawberry, peach, or even lemon curd for a new twist.
• Let the Glaze Set: If you prefer a slightly firmer glaze, allow the danishes to sit for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 danishes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you want a crispier texture, you can bake the danishes a little longer until the tops are golden brown.
• These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later (see storage instructions below).
• Want an extra touch of flavor? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm spice twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Danish)

• Calories: ~150
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 14g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the danishes when you’re ready to enjoy them.

How Do I Store Leftover Danishes?

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days and reheat slightly before serving.

Can I Freeze These Danishes?

Yes! Wrap the cooled danishes individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

What Other Fillings Can I Use?

If you’re not a fan of cherry, try using:

• Blueberry pie filling
• Apple pie filling
• Raspberry preserves
• Nutella for a chocolatey twist

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other sweet treats:

• Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
• Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
• Cheesecake Croissant Buns
• Italian Cream Bombs (Bomboloni alla Crema)

Conclusion

These Cherry Hawaiian Danishes bring together the best of both worlds—quick preparation and bakery-quality taste. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet treat to share with family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls, creamy filling, and tart cherry topping makes for a delicious, no-fuss pastry that anyone can make at home.

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