Panipopo (Samoan Coconut Sweet Buns)

Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Serves: 6–8
Best For: Family gatherings, church mornings, sharing with loved ones

A Beloved Samoan Favourite

Panipopo is a much-loved Samoan sweet dish, often enjoyed for breakfast, morning tea, or after church. Soft buns are baked in a lightly sweet coconut sauce until tender and comforting — simple ingredients, made to be shared.

In many households, panipopo is made from scratch using basic ingredients and a lot of feel rather than measurements. This version keeps that spirit while offering clear steps for modern kitchens.

A Cultural Note

In Samoan cooking, simplicity is key. Much like the flat pancakes made with just flour, sugar, and water, panipopo buns are often made with minimal ingredients and adjusted by feel.

This recipe reflects that approach — simple, forgiving, and practical — while leaving room for family preferences and shortcuts when needed.

Ingredients

For the homemade buns

• 3 cups plain flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tablespoons oil (optional, but helps keep buns soft)

For the coconut sauce

• 1 can coconut cream

• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup water

• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Make the buns

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. Add water
   Pour in warm water (and oil if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead lightly
   Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.

4. First rise
   Place dough in a bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled.

5. Shape buns
   Divide dough into 10–12 pieces and roll into smooth balls. Arrange snugly in a greased baking dish.

Make the coconut sauce

6. Mix sauce ingredients
   In a bowl, combine coconut cream, sugar, water, and vanilla (if using).

7. Pour over buns
   Gently pour sauce over the buns, ensuring they are well coated.

Bake

8. Bake
   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or until buns are cooked through, soft, and lightly golden.

9. Rest & serve
   Let panipopo rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Cheat Version (When Time Is Short)

If you’re short on time or feeding a crowd, store-bought dinner rolls work perfectly.

• Use 10–12 pre-baked dinner rolls

• Arrange in a baking dish

• Pour over coconut sauce

• Bake as directed above

Both methods are commonly used — what matters is the gathering, not perfection.

Helpful Tips

• Buns should be packed closely so they soak up the coconut sauce.

• Adjust sugar based on preference — some families prefer it lighter.

• Panipopo reheats well the next day.

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal ingredients, big comfort

• Forgiving dough that’s easy to adjust

• Adaptable to busy days

• Made to be shared with others

Explore More Comforting Family Meals

If you loved this recipe, you may also enjoy:

• Fellowship Soup

• Blessing Bowl

• Pacific Island & Samoan Recipes