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Amazing Sweet Hawaiian Yeast Bread in 1 Hour Recipe

4.7 from 87 reviews

This Amazing Sweet Hawaiian Yeast Bread recipe produces soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls infused with tropical pineapple juice and vanilla. Ready in just about an hour and a half, these homemade yeast rolls are perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or alongside your favorite meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activation
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 44 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk and 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, signaling that the yeast is active.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, pineapple juice, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. This slow incorporation helps achieve the right dough consistency.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten needed for a soft texture.
  5. First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down and divide: Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces for individual rolls.
  7. Shape rolls: Shape each piece into a round roll and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving slight gaps between each for expansion.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy.
  9. Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  10. Bake: Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and nicely browned.
  11. Butter topping: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter for a shiny, flavorful crust.
  12. Cool and serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving so they are easier to handle and the texture settles perfectly.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warmed to between 105-115°F for optimal yeast activation without killing the yeast.
  • Use fresh active dry yeast for best rise results.
  • If you prefer sweeter rolls, you can increase the sugar slightly or add a bit of honey.
  • These rolls freeze well; cool completely before freezing and reheat gently before serving.
  • Brushing with butter after baking keeps the crust soft and gives a rich flavor.

Keywords: Hawaiian sweet bread, yeast rolls, pineapple bread, soft rolls, homemade bread, sweet yeast bread