Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut

Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations

Enjoy the delightful taste of Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut, a soft and fluffy treat that brings a touch of the islands to your table.

Tom

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2025-12-24T21:34:27.944Z

This Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut is a celebration of tropical flavors. It's perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a delightful dessert. The addition of coconut brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy texture that is irresistible
  • Delicious coconut flavor that enhances the sweetness
  • Perfect for sharing and impressing guests

A Taste of the Islands

Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary journey to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. The warm, inviting aroma of sweet bread fresh from the oven transports you to sun-kissed beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze. This delightful bread, infused with coconut, captures the essence of island life, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

The rich history of Hawaiian sweet bread dates back to the early 19th century, influenced by Portuguese immigrants who brought their baking traditions to the islands. Over the years, this bread has evolved, incorporating local ingredients like coconut, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture that is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need a taste of the tropics.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply looking to treat yourself, Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut is a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Its delightful sweetness pairs wonderfully with a variety of spreads, from butter to jam, making it a delightful breakfast option. You can even serve it as a dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

This bread also makes a fantastic gift for friends and neighbors. Wrapped in a decorative cloth or placed in a lovely basket, it’s sure to impress and bring smiles to those who receive it. Sharing this bread is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and spread the joy of homemade goodness.

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep your Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

If you find yourself with leftovers, don't worry! This bread can be transformed into delightful French toast or used in bread pudding. The sweet and coconut-infused flavor adds a unique twist, making your breakfast or dessert feel special even days after baking.

Ingredients

Bread Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Topping Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and let rise for the perfect texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add in melted butter, eggs, and salt, mixing well.

Gradually incorporate flour and shredded coconut until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the risen dough and shape into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Benefits

Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers some nutritional benefits. Coconut, a primary ingredient in this recipe, is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. Additionally, it contains healthy fats that can provide a quick source of energy, making this bread a delightful treat that can also be part of a balanced diet.

The use of eggs in the recipe adds protein and essential amino acids, which are vital for maintaining muscle health and overall body function. While indulging in this sweet bread, you can enjoy the balance of flavors and nutrition it offers.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences! You can add a handful of chopped macadamia nuts for a delightful crunch or incorporate dried pineapple for an extra tropical twist. If you're a fan of spices, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This substitution will add more fiber and nutrients while maintaining the deliciously sweet flavor of the bread. Experimenting with the recipe allows you to create a version that’s uniquely yours!

Pairing Suggestions

Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut pairs wonderfully with various beverages. For breakfast, enjoy it with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a tropical smoothie. The sweetness of the bread complements the rich flavors of your morning drink, creating a delightful start to your day.

For a more indulgent treat, consider serving it alongside a coconut or tropical fruit-flavored tea. The combination of flavors not only enhances the eating experience but also brings a touch of the islands to your table, making every bite feel like a mini-vacation.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use coconut milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, using coconut milk will enhance the coconut flavor even more.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with Hawaiian Sweet Bread?

It pairs well with fruit spreads, cream cheese, or can be enjoyed plain.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut

Enjoy the delightful taste of Hawaiian Sweet Bread with Coconut, a soft and fluffy treat that brings a touch of the islands to your table.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Tom

Recipe Type: Warm Bowl Creations

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Bread Ingredients

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  4. 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup shredded coconut

Topping Ingredients

  1. 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for topping)
  2. 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add in melted butter, eggs, and salt, mixing well. Gradually incorporate flour and shredded coconut until a dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Punch down the risen dough and shape into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 05

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 4g