Imagine standing in your kitchen, the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the window, when suddenly the sweet scent of freshly baked Hawaiian malasadas wafts through the air. These delightful doughnuts, with their golden-brown exteriors and soft, pillowy interiors, are the perfect antidote to a busy week. I still remember the sheer joy on my family’s faces when I introduced these treats during a cozy Sunday brunch.
After a little experimentation, I discovered that making malasadas at home is simpler than it sounds! This recipe harnesses the comforting flavors of warm milk, sweet vanilla, and a touch of butter, all effortlessly coming together to create a pastry that feels like a warm hug. You can enjoy them plain, well-coated in sugar, or elevate them with a luscious custard filling if you’re feeling adventurous.
Join me in creating homemade malasadas that not only satisfy sweet cravings but also bring a slice of Hawaiian sunshine right to your table. Trust me—it’ll change your perception of doughnuts forever!
Why Choose Hawaiian Malasadas for Your Kitchen?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm milk and sweet vanilla creates a unique taste that sets Hawaiian malasadas apart from typical doughnuts.
Effortless Process: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delights without stress.
Endless Versatility: Dress them up with custard filling or enjoy them plain—the choice is yours!
Memorable Moments: Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these malasadas elevate any gathering into a special occasion.
Quick Satisfaction: Ready in under two hours, including rising time, you won’t have to wait long to indulge!
Explore more about delightful snacks and treats by checking out our popular desserts section for even more inspiration.
Essential Hawaiian Malasadas Ingredients
For the Dough
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – A reliable base for your malasadas, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 cup warm milk (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) – This activates the yeast and adds a rich flavor to the dough.
• 1/4 cup sugar (plus extra for coating) – Sweetens the dough and gives your malasadas that irresistible sugary finish.
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet) – The magic ingredient that makes these malasadas rise beautifully.
• 2 eggs, room temperature – Eggs add richness and structure to the dough for each pillowy bite.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened) – Provides a delightful richness, making these malasadas even more indulgent.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet aroma and flavor, making these malasadas utterly tempting.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
For the Filling (optional)
• Custard for filling – A decadent touch for those who want to take their malasadas to the next level!
Dive into this delightful adventure and treat yourself and your loved ones to golden-brown Hawaiian malasadas that are bursting with warmth and joy!
How to Make Hawaiian Malasadas
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast together. Allow the mixture to sit for around 5-10 minutes, or until it’s foamy and fragrant. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to create fluffy malasadas!
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Mix Dry Elements: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step ensures a smooth texture by evenly distributing the ingredients.
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Create the Dough: Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour, then add the eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough begins to form, inviting a wonderful aroma into your kitchen.
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Knead Away: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and elastic, yielding to your touch without sticking excessively.
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Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 hour. This is where the magic happens!
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Shape Your Malasadas: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Shape it into your desired forms. If you’re adding custard filling, now’s the perfect time to incorporate it into your dough.
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Second Rise: Place your shaped malasadas into a greased baking pan. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, producing that fluffy texture we all crave.
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Preheat Your Oven: As you wait, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking environment for your malasadas.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the malasadas are a beautiful golden brown and cooked through. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar right after baking for an extra sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Malasadas
Room Temperature: Store freshly baked malasadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, ready for snacking!
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, keep malasadas in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to seal them well to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze malasadas in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen malasadas, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll restore their delightful softness and flavor!
What to Serve with Hawaiian Malasadas?
Enhance your delightful malasadas experience with these scrumptious pairings that will make your meal unforgettable.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrast to the sweetness of malasadas, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Rich Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your malasadas for an indulgent treat that will take your dessert to the next level.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this classic topping complements the fluffy texture of malasadas, creating a heavenly bite that feels celebratory.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair warm malasadas with creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warmth and coolness, making each bite a treat.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea serves as the perfect beverage to balance the sweetness and enhance your malasadas experience.
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Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut adds a crunchy texture and tropical flavor, transporting your taste buds straight to Hawaii with each bite.
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Chocolate-Covered Bananas: This chocolatey treat brings a fun twist, harmonizing with the sweetness of malasadas while adding a playful flair to your dessert spread.
Enjoy these pairings to create a wonderful meal that will leave you and your loved ones smiling from ear to ear!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Hawaiian malasadas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps, then place the shaped dough in a greased baking pan, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. This will slow down the rising process while maintaining that fluffy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge, let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure they rise slightly, then preheat your oven and bake as directed. This approach not only saves time but also ensures your malasadas will be just as delicious when you’re ready to indulge!
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Malasadas
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Perfect Temperature: Ensure your warm milk is around 105–115°F (40–46°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot will kill the yeast!
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Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this vital step develops gluten, giving malasadas their pillowy texture.
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Right Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process! Allow each rise (about 1 hour and 30-45 minutes) to fully develop flavor and texture.
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Custard Filling Tip: If adding custard, be gentle when incorporating it into the dough. Use a small amount to avoid making the dough too wet.
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Baking Check: Keep an eye on your malasadas while they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for that beautiful golden brown color to know when they’re ready.
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Sugar Coating: For that iconic sweetness, coat your warm malasadas in sugar immediately after baking. They’ll absorb it beautifully!
Variations & Substitutions for Hawaiian Malasadas
Feel free to explore different spins on this recipe to make it your own and tantalize your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free: Replace warm milk with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Sweetly Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, aromatic twist in each bite.
- Fruity Touch: Incorporate mashed bananas or pureed mango into the dough for a delightful tropical flavor infusion.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Fold in chocolate chips into the dough right before the final knead for a deliciously indulgent version!
- Savory Adventure: Swap out vanilla extract for a hint of garlic and herbs, transforming malasadas into a unique savory snack!
- Decadent Glaze: Create a sugar glaze with powdered sugar and a touch of milk for a sweet finishing touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the dough for those who crave heat alongside sweetness.
Combine flavors and textures to create malasadas that truly resonate with your personal palate. Happy baking!
Hawaiian Malasadas Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Hawaiian malasadas?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is your best bet for Hawaiian malasadas, as it provides the right balance of gluten to create that signature soft and fluffy texture. Avoid using cake flour, as it may yield a denser result.
How long can I store Hawaiian malasadas?
Freshly baked malasadas can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For even longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to maintain their moisture!
Can I freeze Hawaiian malasadas?
Very! To freeze them, first, ensure they are completely cooled. Place the malasadas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent them from sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their fluffiness.
What should I do if my malasadas don’t rise?
If your malasadas fail to rise, the yeast may not have been activated properly. Make sure your warm milk was within 105–115°F (40–46°C) before adding the yeast. If your dough doesn’t rise after 1 hour, try moving it to a warmer area or giving it more time. Remember, patience is key to achieving that lovely fluffy dough!
Can I make Hawaiian malasadas without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs in your malasadas recipe. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly but will still yield delightful pastries.
Decadent Hawaiian Malasadas: Soft, Sweet Treats You’ll Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast together. Allow the mixture to sit for around 5-10 minutes, or until it's foamy and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour, then add the eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes.
- Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 hour.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Shape it into your desired forms.
- Place your shaped malasadas into a greased baking pan. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the malasadas are golden brown.