Breadmaker Polynesian Pineapple Sweet Bread

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) canned or pasteurized pineapple juice, room temperature
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature and lightly beaten
• 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, softened and divided
• 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp (30 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt
• 2 cups (250 g) Polselli Classica Type '00' Double Zero Extra Fine Flour
• 1 tsp vital wheat gluten
• 1 tsp bread-machine or instant yeast
• 1–2 tsp water, only if needed during kneading
• 1–2 tsp Polselli Classica Type '00' Double Zero Extra Fine Flour, only if needed during kneading

Instructions

1. Fit the breadmaker pan with its kneading paddle. Add the pineapple juice, milk, beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of the softened butter.
2. Add the sugar and kosher salt. Cover the liquids evenly with the 2 cups of flour, then sprinkle the vital wheat gluten over the flour. Make a shallow well on top and place the yeast in it, keeping the yeast away from the liquid until the machine starts.
3. Lock the pan into the breadmaker. Select the 1-pound loaf setting, Sweet Bread cycle if available—or Basic/White if it is not—and choose a light crust. Start the machine; the full cycle will usually run about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.
4. Check the dough after 8–10 minutes of kneading. It should form a soft, slightly tacky ball that clears most of the pan walls. If it smears like batter, add the reserved flour 1 teaspoon at a time. If it looks stiff or crumbly, add the reserved water 1 teaspoon at a time. Let each addition mix for a full minute before judging again.
5. When the baking cycle ends, confirm the center is at least 190°F (88°C). Remove the pan with oven mitts, turn out the loaf immediately, and carefully pull out the paddle if it stayed inside.
6. Brush the hot loaf with the remaining 1 tablespoon softened butter. Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing so the tender crumb sets instead of compressing under the knife. Slice thick and serve—DUNZO!