Pineapple juice enhances the slightly sweet flavor of this delicious bread. My recipe makes three loaves, so you can keep one for yourself and offer the others as gifts.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread, also known as “Hawaiian Sweet Rolls,” is a delightful and slightly sweet bread that originates from the beautiful islands of Hawaii. This unique bread has gained popularity worldwide for its soft and tender texture, subtle sweetness, and versatility in various recipes. Let’s delve into the history, story, and preparation of this iconic Hawaiian treat.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, which blends influences from Polynesia, Asia, and Europe. The traditional bread-making techniques brought by immigrants to the islands were fused with local ingredients, resulting in a distinctive and beloved bread.

The origins of Hawaiian Sweet Bread can be traced back to the 19th century when Portuguese immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. These immigrants brought with them their baking traditions, which included recipes for sweet bread. Over time, the local Hawaiians embraced and incorporated these recipes into their own culinary culture.

The recipe for Hawaiian Sweet Bread typically includes ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and a touch of pineapple juice. The addition of pineapple juice adds a subtle tropical flavor and contributes to the bread’s unique sweetness. The dough is often enriched with butter or other fats, resulting in a moist and tender crumb.

Today, Hawaiian Sweet Bread is not only enjoyed as a standalone treat but also serves as a base for delicious sandwiches, French toast, bread pudding, and other creative culinary creations. Its popularity has spread far beyond the islands of Hawaii, and it has become a beloved bread variety in many parts of the world.

PREP: 20 MIN. + RISING

BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING

MAKES: 3 LOAVES (12 WEDGES EACH)

INGREDIENTS

• 7 to 7½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup mashed potato flakes
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 packages (¼ ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, mashed potato flakes, sugar, yeast, salt, and ground ginger.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter, and pineapple juice to a temperature of 120°-130°F (48°-54°C). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl and beat just until moistened.
3. Add the eggs to the dough mixture and continue beating until the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which usually takes around 1¼ hours.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into thirds and shape each portion into a ball.
7. Place each dough ball in a greased 9-inch round baking pan. Cover the pans and let the dough rise again until doubled in size, which takes about 45 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dough in the pans for 20-25 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
9. Once baked, remove the bread from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool.

Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked Hawaiian Sweet Bread as it fills your kitchen, and savor the tender texture and subtle sweetness with every bite. Whether enjoyed on its own, used as a base for sandwiches, or incorporated into other delectable recipes, Hawaiian Sweet Bread is sure to bring a taste of the tropical islands to your table.