Hawaiian Bread Recipe

Get ready to embark on a tropical flavor journey with this delightful Hawaiian Bread Recipe! Bursting with sweetness and a hint of the islands, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side to your favorite dishes. It’s soft, fluffy, and infused with tropical flavors that will make you feel like you’re lounging on a sunny beach in Hawaii. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts creates a luscious experience that elevates this bread to something truly special. So, let’s dive into the joy of baking this Hawaiian bread together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian Bread Recipe is not just another loaf of bread; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Each bite reveals a tender crumb, sweet pineapple, crunchy nuts, and the comforting warmth of vanilla. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all by yourself, this recipe is versatile enough to be served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. It’s a delightful twist that will impress your friends and family, making them beg for the recipe!

Ingredients at a Glance

• 3 cups sifted bread flour, divided
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 10 ounces pineapple tidbits (in syrup)
• 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
• 2 large eggs + 1 white
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped

Equipment Breakdown

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To ensure your yeast mixture is well combined.
• Loaf Pan: The perfect vessel for baking your bread to golden perfection.
• Spatula: For folding in those delicious ingredients without deflating the dough.
• Kitchen Towel: To cover your dough while it rises, keeping it nice and warm.

Method: Hawaiian Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water (not hot, about 110°F) with the dry active yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the sifted bread flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. This will help to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the melted butter (save 2 tablespoons for later), the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and the eggs. Once the yeast is frothy, add it to this mixture along with the drained pineapple tidbits, shredded carrots, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the remaining bread flour until it’s manageable.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You may need to add a bit more flour if it’s too sticky.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by folding the sides in and rolling it tightly. Place it seam side down in a greased loaf pan.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed up and nicely rounded on top.

Step 9: Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the reserved melted butter for a beautiful golden crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this Hawaiian Bread warm or at room temperature!

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

If you’re looking to make a lower-carb or keto-friendly version of this Hawaiian Bread Recipe, consider these alternatives:

• Substitute bread flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb option.
• Use erythritol or another low-carb sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
• Replace macadamia nuts with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile while keeping it low-carb.

Chef’s Notes

• Don’t skip the yeast proofing step; it’s essential for a light and fluffy texture.
• Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• This bread can be made ahead of time and frozen; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Hawaiian Bread fresh and delicious, follow these tips:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapping each slice individually to maintain freshness.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and consider adding a little extra sugar to compensate for the lack of syrup.

What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?

If you don’t have macadamia nuts on hand, feel free to use chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds for a similar crunch.

Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?

Yes! You can use a bread machine by adding the ingredients in the order suggested by your machine’s manual. Select the dough cycle and follow up with baking in the oven for the best texture.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator.

The Last Word

This Hawaiian Bread Recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of the tropics into your home. With its sweet and fruity flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite for both you and your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it plain or slathered with butter, each slice is a little piece of paradise. Happy baking!