Farmer Drew’s Island-Inspired Recipe
Picture this: You’re barefoot in the kitchen early on a Sunday morning. The scent of pineapple and warm coconut drifts through the air.
And in the corner?
That good ol’ bread machine humming away like it knows it’s creating something special.
Hey, I’m Farmer Drew.
And today I’m bringing a little island sunshine into your home with my Hawaiian Sweet Bread Bread Machine recipe.
I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet breads—especially when they’re simple to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. This loaf? It’s soft, golden, and kissed with the sweetness of pineapple juice and coconut oil.
It’s like a tropical hug wrapped in a golden crust.
We use our Organic All-Purpose Flour in this recipe—it gives the bread just the right texture. Not too light, not too dense. Just perfect.
This one’s for all you bread machine bakers out there who love a no-fuss recipe that delivers every time.
As the pastry chef and author Gesine Bullock-Prado says,
“Baking isn’t just about ingredients. It’s about the love you put into it.”
Stick around. I’ll show you how to put a little aloha in your loaf—without leaving your kitchen.
Hawaiian Sweet Bread Bread Machine Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Early Bird Organic All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Swap in coconut milk for whole milk to double down on island flavor!
Step-by-Step: Hawaiian Sweet Bread in the Bread Machine
Step 1: Add Wet Ingredients First
Pour the pineapple juice, eggs, coconut oil, and lukewarm milk into your bread machine pan. Adding liquids first helps the dough blend smoothly.
Tip from my kitchen: If you’re using coconut milk instead of regular milk, warm it slightly before adding. Cold liquids can slow the rise.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, spoon in the Organic All-Purpose Flour right on top of the wet mix. Then add the sugar and salt.
Make a little well in the center of the flour. That’s where your instant yeast goes. Keeping the yeast dry until the kneading starts helps with a steady, even rise.
Step 3: Set It and (Almost) Forget It
Select your machine’s “Sweet” or “Basic” setting with a medium crust.
Press start. Go sip a cup of tea. Tend your garden.
You’ve got 3 hours of hands-free island magic happening right there in the corner.
Step 4: Cool Before Slicing
Once it’s done, take the bread out of the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Resist the urge to slice right away—the cooling time helps set the crumb just right.
Drew’s note: Sometimes I toast up a slice and spread it with coconut butter. It tastes like vacation.
The Golden Loaf: Sweet, Soft, and Sunshine-Filled
This bread isn’t just sweet—it’s soulful.
When it comes out of the machine, it should have a soft golden crust with just a whisper of crispness. The aroma? Like a tropical breeze rolled through your kitchen—pineapple, a hint of coconut, and warm, home-baked love.
Inside, the texture should be light and pillowy with a moist, tender crumb. Almost cake-like, but still firm enough to hold a thick spread of butter or a dollop of jam.
Farmer Drew’s Tips:
- Want a bolder flavor? Stir in that shredded coconut or a dash of vanilla next time.
- Slice thick for breakfast toast or thin for Hawaiian sandwich buns.
- Store any leftovers (if there are any) in a cloth bread bag to keep the crust from going soft.
Hawaiian Sweet Bread Bread Machine FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour in this recipe?
Yes! While bread flour can make it chewier, our Organic All-Purpose Flour gives you a softer, more tender crumb that’s just right for sweet bread.
Is it necessary to use pineapple juice, or can I use a different liquid?
Pineapple juice gives it that signature tangy sweetness, but you can use orange juice or a splash of apple juice with lemon as a substitute.
My bread didn’t rise much. What went wrong?
Make sure your yeast is fresh, liquids are warm (not cold), and sugar amounts are correct. All of these help your loaf lift up properly.
Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! Add-ins like shredded coconut, vanilla, or a pinch of ginger can elevate your loaf. Just keep extras light so they don’t weigh the dough down.
How should I store it?
Let it cool completely, then store in a bread bag or airtight container. It stays fresh for 2–3 days. You can also freeze slices for later.
Bring Island Warmth to Your Kitchen with Hawaiian Sweet Bread Bread Machine
There’s something downright joyful about baking a loaf that makes the whole house smell like sunshine. With this Hawaiian Sweet Bread Bread Machine recipe, you don’t need to travel far to find a slice of paradise—just a few pantry staples and a little patience.
Whether you’re baking for a brunch, sharing it with neighbors, or sneaking a slice as a midnight treat, this bread delivers comfort in every bite. And when you use Early Bird Farm’s Organic All-Purpose Flour, you’re choosing quality that nourishes both body and spirit.
Made your own version of this sweet island loaf? We’d love to see it! Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @EarlyBirdFarm. There’s nothing better than swapping baking wins with folks who care about flavor, tradition, and quality.
Hawaiian Sweet Bread (Bread Machine)
Equipment
- Bread Machine
- Measuring cups & Spoons
- Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Early Bird Organic All-Purpose Flour Feature ingredient
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk lukewarm
Instructions
- Add pineapple juice, eggs, coconut oil, and milk to the bread machine pan.
- Add the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast.
- Select the ‘Sweet’ or ‘Basic’ cycle with medium crust and press start.
- Once baked, remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
