If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a taste of the Hawaiian islands into your kitchen, then you’re in for a treat with this Hawaiian Portuguese Sweet Bread recipe! This delightful loaf, with its soft, fluffy texture and hint of sweetness, is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a slice of paradise. Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown loaf from the oven, the aroma enveloping your home as you prepare to indulge in a slice that’s simply irresistible. Ready to embark on a baking adventure that will transport your taste buds to the tropics? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, warm 1 cup of milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Be careful not to overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
- Add the 1/4 cup of melted butter to the lukewarm milk, mixing well. Then, add 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk mixture, whisking until everything is combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Hawaiian Portuguese Sweet Bread as is, or with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Perfect Temperature for Yeast: When warming the milk, ensure it’s lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it. A kitchen thermometer can be handy for this step!
- Knead with Care: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial. This develops the gluten, giving the bread its characteristic elasticity and texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven with the light on or a sunny spot in your kitchen works wonders.
- Don’t Skip the Punch Down: After the first rise, punching down the dough helps release excess air and allows for a more even texture in your final loaf.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when it’s done. If you’re unsure, use a kitchen thermometer—the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
- Slicing Technique: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and ensures clean, beautiful slices.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Hawaiian Portuguese Sweet Bread plain, or elevate it with butter, jam, or even as a base for French toast for a tropical twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
