Hawaiian Sweet Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 55 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Ingredients

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature), 1/2 cup pineapple juice (room temperature), 1/4 cup honey, and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups bread flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup dry milk powder, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs (room temperature), then add 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/4 cup mashed potato. Mix until smooth.
  4. Pour the foamy yeast mixture and the egg-butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 or 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf or place into greased loaf pans.
  8. Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffy and nearly doubled.
  9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 20 minutes before baking.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the tops of the risen loaves with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
  11. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are deep golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
  12. Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Estimated Calories: 120, Servings: 12

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Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because if you have ever tried to hide Hawaiian Sweet Bread from your family, you know it is like trying to keep a secret in a group chat. The best way to store this delicious bread is in an airtight container, but let us be honest, the only thing airtight in my house is my willpower, and that is not saying much. If you want to keep it fresh and healthy, avoid the fridge, unless you like your bread with a side of "why does this taste like last night's leftovers?" A good recipe for storage is to wrap it up tight and keep it on the counter, but not so tight that you need a crowbar to get it open for a quick snack.
Now, shelf life is a funny thing, because Hawaiian Sweet Bread has the same shelf life as my New Year’s resolutions: it starts off strong, but by day four, things are looking questionable. The best advice is to eat it fast, which is easy because it is so good, but if you are trying to be healthy and pace yourself, you have about five days before it starts to go from "delicious" to "maybe I should toast this and pretend it is croutons." If you want to stretch it out, freezing is a great option, but let us be real, who has ever had leftover sweet bread long enough to freeze it? That is like meal prepping cookies for the week—nice idea, never happens.
Spoilage signs are where things get interesting, because Hawaiian Sweet Bread is so sweet and soft, it is like the bread version of a puppy—hard to believe it could ever go bad. But trust me, if you see mold, it is not a new recipe for penicillin, it is time to say goodbye. If it smells funky or feels harder than your resolve to eat healthy, that is a great sign it is past its prime. The best way to avoid this is to eat it quick, which, let’s face it, is the easiest part of the whole process. If you are still not sure, just remember: if your bread is growing things faster than your houseplants, it is time to let it go!

Healthy Hawaiian Sweet Bread Tips

Let’s talk about health and Hawaiian sweet bread, folks. You want the best recipe, but you also want to fit into your swimsuit for that trip to, well, Hawaii! Here’s the deal: swap out that full-fat butter for a heart-healthy alternative like coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce. Trust me, your arteries will thank you, and you’ll still get that delicious, authentic flavor. Use whole wheat flour instead of the usual white stuff—because nothing says “I care about my health” like sneaking in some fiber while you’re making the best, easy, homemade bread. And hey, if you’re worried about sugar, try a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. It’s the perfect way to keep things tasty and simple, without sending your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride that even Six Flags would envy.
Now, let’s get real—how to make this recipe healthy without losing that quick, fluffy magic? Here’s a tip: add some ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the ingredients list. Not only will you feel like a health guru, but you’ll also get a boost of omega-3s. And if you’re feeling wild, toss in some mashed banana for extra moisture and natural sweetness. That’s right, folks, you can have your Hawaiian bread and eat it too—without the guilt! The best part? Your friends will never know it’s a healthy version, and you’ll be the hero of the potluck. So, next time you’re whipping up this tasty, authentic treat, remember: with a few simple tweaks, you can make the perfect, healthy, homemade bread that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

About Hawaiian Sweet Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for the best recipe to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen, this authentic Hawaiian sweet bread recipe is a must-try. The first time I made this homemade bread, I was amazed at how easy and quick it was to create such a delicious treat with simple ingredients. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the dough rose was absolutely irresistible, and I couldn’t wait to share the tasty results with my family. Learning how to make this bread from scratch gave me a new appreciation for the traditional flavors and the joy of baking something truly special.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into a soft, fluffy loaf with a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. I remember gathering my ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, and pineapple juice—feeling excited to try my hand at this authentic Hawaiian favorite. The process was surprisingly easy, and I picked up a few helpful tips along the way, like letting the dough rise in a warm spot for the perfect texture. The golden crust and pillowy interior made every bite a delicious reminder of island hospitality.
If you’re wondering how to make the best homemade sweet bread, this recipe is the answer. It’s quick enough for a weekend project but impressive enough to serve at a special gathering. The simple steps and tasty results make it a go-to for anyone craving a touch of the tropics. With these tips and the right ingredients, you’ll have a perfect loaf every time—one that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy this easy, authentic, and delicious bread right from your own oven!

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Story

You know, I never thought a recipe could save a relationship, but there I was, standing in my kitchen, trying to impress my mother-in-law. She is the kind of woman who thinks "best" is a title you earn by surviving her Sunday dinners. I figured, why not try something easy and fast? If it flops, at least I can say I tried. But as soon as she took a bite, her eyes lit up like she just found out her favorite soap opera got renewed. Suddenly, I was not just the person who married her child, I was the person who brought something delicious to the table. That is a promotion in her book.
Now, I am not saying this dish is a miracle worker, but it did help me on a date once. You know those first dates where you are both pretending to be healthy, ordering salads and sparkling water, but secretly wishing for something great? I brought this along for a picnic, and let me tell you, nothing breaks the ice faster than sharing something that tastes this good. We laughed, we talked, and for a moment, we forgot about counting calories. It was quick, it was easy, and it was the first time I saw someone look at me like I might actually know what I am doing in the kitchen.
But the real kicker was when I shared it with a stranger at a potluck. You know how those things go, everyone brings their "famous" dish, and you are stuck trying to figure out which casserole is safe. I put mine out, and before I knew it, this guy comes over, plate piled high, and says, "Who made this? This is the best thing here!" We ended up swapping stories and recipes, and by the end of the night, I had a new friend and a reputation for bringing something truly delicious. Turns out, sometimes the quickest way to connect is through a good meal and a little bit of courage.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Quick Mistake Fixes

You ever notice how some people think the best way to make Hawaiian sweet bread is to just dump a whole salt shaker in there? Like, are we making bread or prepping for a snowstorm? I took a bite once and my taste buds filed a complaint with HR. Seriously, if you want a healthy, delicious treat, maybe ease up on the sodium. Otherwise, you’ll need a quick trip to the ocean just to balance out the salt content. I mean, I love a good recipe, but I don’t want my bread to double as a salt lick for deer.
Let’s talk about dryness. Hawaiian sweet bread is supposed to be soft and fluffy, not something you could use as a doorstop. I had a slice so dry once, I thought I was eating a fast-drying sponge. You ever try to swallow a piece and suddenly you’re doing the Heimlich on yourself? That’s not a great look at brunch. The best part is when someone says, “Just add butter!” Like, sure, let me just add a gallon of butter to make this edible. Nothing says easy and quick like having to rehydrate your bread before you eat it.
Now, balancing flavors at the last minute is a real adventure. You ever try to fix bland Hawaiian sweet bread on the fly? It’s like trying to give CPR to a loaf. You’re tossing in honey, maybe some vanilla, and suddenly you’re one step away from inventing a new dessert. The good news is, if you get it right, you’ve got a delicious, crowd-pleasing bread. The bad news is, if you get it wrong, you’ve just created a science experiment. But hey, at least you can say you made a great effort—nothing says “I care” like desperately trying to save a recipe with whatever you found in the pantry!