Panipopo Samoan Sweet Coconut Buns

Indulge in the tropical delight of Panipopo, traditional Samoan sweet coconut buns that are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and drenched in a luscious coconut milk sauce. These tender rolls, made from a simple yeast dough enriched with melted butter, rise to golden perfection in the oven while soaking up the rich, sweet coconut sauce poured over them just before baking. With their balance of sweetness and richness, Panipopo makes the perfect dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat. Requiring just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and coconut milk, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, yet delivers bakery-quality results. Serve them warm to let the creamy coconut syrup envelop every bite, and experience a taste of Samoa in your own kitchen! Perfect for family gatherings, brunch spreads, or whenever you're craving a tropical twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 4 tablespoons Butter, melted
• 1.5 cups Coconut milk
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar (for coconut mixture)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients while mixing. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3

Add the melted butter and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.

Step 6

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the dough balls inside, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for expansion.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the dough balls rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and granulated sugar for the coconut sauce until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 10

Pour the coconut sauce evenly over the risen dough balls in the baking dish.

Step 11

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top and the coconut sauce is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1438.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2954.3

Total Fat 51.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 124mg	0%
Sodium 2431.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 569.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 194.6g
Protein 53.1g	0%

Vitamin D 28IU	0%
Calcium 103.1mg	0%
Iron 22.8mg	0%
Potassium 931.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.8%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 77.0%