Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls)

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Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls)

If you're looking for a unique and mouthwatering dessert, this Pani Popo recipe is a must-try! This traditional Samoan treat features soft, fluffy rolls soaked in a luscious coconut milk syrup. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, tropical coconut flavor is seriously addicting!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Polynesian

Cook Time 30

Rising Time 4

Total Time 4 30

Servings rolls

Calories 220kcal

Author Ashley Amundsen

Ingredients

18 frozen rolls
2 cups canned coconut milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
3 teaspoons water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut toasted

Instructions

Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place 18 frozen rolls in the pan.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray.
Allow the rolls to rise until doubled in size (at least 4-5 hours.)
Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a light simmer.
Once simmering, whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Continue whisking constantly until the syrup thickens (about 5 minutes.) Keeping in mind that the syrup will thicken more as it cools.
Remove the syrup from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
Pour half of the coconut syrup over the unbaked rolls in the pan. Set aside the remaining syrup for later.
Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and the rolls are baked through.
Remove the rolls from the oven and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top, if desired.

Notes

To toast the coconut: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the coconut evenly on a cookie sheet. Bake for 3 minutes, give it a good stir and return to the oven for another 3 minutes or until golden brown. Coconut can burn fast, so make sure you check on it frequently.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: To store leftover Pani Popo, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey texture.

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