Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Experience the taste of the islands with this incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread. The hint of pineapple juice gives it a unique tang, perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or just enjoying on its own.
For 16 servings
8 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Activate the Yeast
- b.In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast.
- c.Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. It's ready when it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients and Form Dough
- b.In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, whisk together the bread flour, the remaining sugar, and the salt.
- c.Create a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, warm pineapple juice, melted butter, and one lightly beaten egg.
- d.Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Knead the Dough
- b.Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 6-8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. It will be slightly tacky to the touch.
- c.Alternatively, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.First Rise
- b.Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a large, lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the top.
- c.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
- d.Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Shape and Second Rise
- b.Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- c.On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a rectangle about 8 inches wide. Roll it up tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- d.Place the log, seam-side down, into the prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Preheat and Prepare for Baking
- b.About 20 minutes into the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake the Bread
- b.Once the dough has fully risen, gently brush the top with the prepared egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
- c.Bake for 25-30 minutes. The loaf should be a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- d.For perfect results, check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer; it should read 190°F (88°C).
- 8
Step 8
- a.Cool and Serve
- b.Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- c.Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This prevents the soft crumb from getting squished.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the softest texture, use bread flour. All-purpose flour will work but may result in a slightly denser loaf.
- 2Ensure your liquids (milk and pineapple juice) are warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C) to activate the yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate.
- 3Don't rush the rising times. A warm, humid spot (like an oven with the light on) is ideal for proofing dough.
- 4If the crust is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can substitute the pineapple juice with an equal amount of potato water (the water left after boiling potatoes).
Adapt it for your goals.
Make Rolls
Instead of a loaf, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces after the first rise. Shape them into balls, place them in a greased 9x13 inch pan, and let them rise for 30-40 minutes before baking. Baking time will be shorter, around 15-20 minutes.
Add Mix insAdd Mix-ins
Knead in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut or finely chopped macadamia nuts during the last few minutes of kneading for extra texture and flavor.
Sweeter GlazeSweeter Glaze
For an even sweeter treat, skip the egg wash and instead brush the warm, freshly baked loaf with a glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Energy
The primary ingredient, flour, is a rich source of carbohydrates, which are the body's main fuel source, providing energy for daily activities.
Mood-Lifting Comfort Food
The combination of its soft, fluffy texture and sweet taste can be comforting, potentially boosting mood and providing a sense of satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this homemade Hawaiian Sweet Bread contains approximately 150-170 calories, depending on the exact size of the slice.
