Panikeke (Lapotopoto) – Samoan Round Pancakes

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: winter mornings, afternoon tea, simple comfort food

A Simple Samoan Favourite Made with Care

Panikeke are traditional Samoan pancakes, with lapotopoto referring specifically to the round, thicker style. If panikeke are flat, they are described as mafolafola, meaning flat. The base recipe is the same — it’s the shape and thickness that change.

Lapotopoto panikeke are deep-fried until golden, giving them a crisp outside and soft, fluffy centre. They’re often enjoyed warm with a cup of hot koko Samoa, especially on cool mornings or during winter.

This is one of those old-school recipes made with very little, yet it never feels like a compromise. Simple ingredients, big comfort.

Ingredients for Panikeke (Lapotopoto)

Base recipe:

• Plain flour

• Sugar

• Water

Optional additions (variations):

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (banana panikeke)

• Pineapple pieces (less traditional, optional)

• Food colouring (for fun)

• 1 egg

• Vanilla essence

For cooking & serving:

• Oil, for deep frying

• Jam, Nutella, Biscoff, or other spreads

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the batter by mixing flour, sugar, and water in a bowl.

   • The consistency should be thicker than cake batter but still scoopable, loose enough to hold its shape when dropped into oil.

2. Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

3. Scoop the batter using a spoon and carefully drop it into the hot oil to form round panikeke.

4. Deep fry, turning the panikeke as they cook so they colour evenly on all sides.

5. Check for doneness by poking the centre with a wooden skewer or kebab stick.

   • If it comes out clean, the panikeke is cooked through.

6. Remove from the oil and drain briefly on paper towel.

7. Serve warm, plain or sliced open and filled with your favourite spread.

Helpful Tips

• Batter that’s too thin will spread; keep it thick and scoopable

• Turn the panikeke often for even golden colour

• Cutting them in half and adding a spread makes them extra comforting

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal ingredients with maximum comfort

• Budget-friendly and filling

• Crispy outside, fluffy inside

• Easy to adapt with what’s available

Explore More Pacific Island Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Kopai (Samoan Cocoa Dumpling Porridge)

• Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)

• Panipopo (Samoan Coconut Buns)