Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Rolls)
User Reviews
4.9
Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Rolls)
Description
Pani Popo consists of dinner rolls, either homemade or frozen, arranged in a greased baking dish and allowed to rise under a plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures the dough doubles in size before baking. The coconut milk and sugar mixture is heated gently until dissolved and slightly thickened, then poured over the risen rolls before baking.
As the rolls bake at 350°F, the coconut sauce gradually soaks into the bread, making it moist and sweet with a golden surface. The coconut milk adds richness while the sugar caramelizes slightly during baking. The result is soft rolls infused with a distinctive coconut flavor and tender crumb that complement breakfast or dessert.
Preparation time does not account for dough rising, which can take several hours depending on the dough used. Adjust baking time according to dough consistency. For a thinner sauce, the coconut milk and sugar can be combined without heating.
Ingredients
- 20 dinner rolls depending on size (see note above for homemade rolls, frozen
- 10 ounces coconut milk
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Coat a 9x13 glass baking dish with cooking spray and arrange rolls evenly to thaw (if doing homemade rolls, roll dough into golf-ball size balls and arrange the same way).
- Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray (to keep dough from sticking to the plastic wrap). Allow to rise until doubled in size. This can take 4-5 hours. If you need the rolls to thaw quicker, follow the quick-rise instructions on the frozen roll packaging.
- Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees. In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk and sugar over medium heat and whisk until sugar is dissolved and sauce has thickened (about 5 minutes). If you want a thinner sauce, you can just whisk the sugar and coconut milk together in a bowl without heating.
- Pour about 2/3 of the coconut mixture over the rolls and bake for 20-30 minutes (or according to package/dough recipe instructions) or until golden brown and dough is baked through.
- Remove from oven and pour remaining coconut mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
- The rolls should be sticky and gooey on the bottom (read notes above). Can be served upside down or right-side up.
Notes
- Allow rolls to rise until doubled; this can take 4–5 hours or follow package quick-rise instructions.
- Use cooking spray on plastic wrap to prevent dough from sticking during rising.
- Heat coconut milk and sugar to dissolve sugar and thicken sauce before pouring over rolls for best texture.
- Prep time excludes rise time; plan ahead to accommodate dough fermentation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 168 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 168kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 237mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 50mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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