Pani Popo Samoan Coconut Buns baked in coconut milk, top-down photo.

Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Rolls)

Soft, fluffy Samoan dinner rolls baked in a rich, sweet coconut milk sauce — a beloved island dessert that’s warm, creamy, and irresistibly comforting.

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Course: bread, Dessert

Cuisine: Polynesian, Samoan

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Resting Time: 10

Total Time: 50

Servings: pieces

Calories: 280kcal

Cost: $6–$8

Equipment

1 9x13 inch baking dish Greased
1 Saucepan For coconut sauce
1 Wooden spoon For stirring
1 Measuring cups/spoons Standard
1 Oven Preheated to 350°F

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12 pieces Dinner rolls Homemade or store-bought

Coconut Sauce

1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk Full-fat for best flavor
0.5 cup Sugar White or brown
2 tablespoon Butter Melted
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds aroma
0.25 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness
0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional, for warmth
2 tablespoon Water For thinning sauce if needed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease baking dish.
Place dinner rolls evenly in the dish.
Combine coconut milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in saucepan.
Heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
Drizzle coconut sauce evenly over rolls.
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

To enhance flavor, try sprinkling toasted coconut flakes on top before baking.

Nutrition