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Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Buns)

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Samoan
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, fluffy Samoan coconut buns baked in a sweet, creamy coconut sauce. A beloved Polynesian treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 cup Warm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 cup Butter, melted
  • 2 cans (13.5 oz each) Coconut Milk
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Warm oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Stir in melted butter, salt, and flour gradually. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Punch down dough, divide into 12 rolls, and arrange in baking dish.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Mix coconut milk and brown sugar, pour over rolls until half-submerged.
  6. Finishing Touches: Brush tops with extra coconut milk for shine.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve warm with sauce.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
  • Let the dough rise fully for soft, fluffy buns.
  • Add shredded coconut or pineapple for a fun twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg