Discover the delectable Pani Popo, a traditional Samoan treat featuring soft, sweet coconut buns baked in a luscious coconut milk sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines fluffy, slightly sweet bread with a creamy, coconut-infused glaze, creating a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. Follow our step-by-step guide to bake these delightful buns from scratch and enjoy a taste of tropical paradise right at home.

Ingredients:

- For the Buns:

 - 3 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

 - 1 large egg

- For the Coconut Milk Sauce:

 - 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk

 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 - 1/4 cup water

 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

  - In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well blended.

  - Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

  - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise:

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Buns:

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.

  - Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each bun.

Prepare the Coconut Milk Sauce:

  - In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, water, and vanilla extract.

  - Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.

Bake the Buns:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  - Pour the coconut milk sauce evenly over the buns in the baking pan.

  - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve:

  - Allow the Pani Popo to cool slightly before serving.

  - Enjoy warm or at room temperature, savoring the sweet coconut flavor in every bite!

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour (3 cups)

  - Calories: 1,320 kcal

  - Protein: 36g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Carbohydrates: 276g

  - Fiber: 6g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates and some protein. Contains B vitamins and iron.

Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits: Adds sweetness but provides no essential nutrients beyond calories. Should be used in moderation.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons)

  - Calories: 21 kcal

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits: Contains B vitamins and supports the leavening process in baking.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

Benefits: Enhances flavor and helps maintain electrolyte balance. Should be used in moderation.

Warm Milk (1 cup)

  - Calories: 150 kcal

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 8g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits: Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Supports bone health and overall nutrition.

Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Fat: 22g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides vitamin A. High in saturated fat, so it should be used in moderation.

Large Egg (1)

  - Calories: 70 kcal

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, vitamins B12 and D, and essential fatty acids.

Coconut Milk (1 can or 14 ounces)

  - Calories: 450 kcal

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 48g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and is rich in vitamins C and E.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits: Adds sweetness but provides no essential nutrients beyond calories. Should be used in moderation.

Water (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

Benefits: Hydrates and helps in mixing ingredients.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has some antioxidant properties.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.