If you’re craving something warm and comforting, these Panipopo dinner rolls are the answer. Soft, fluffy, and drenched in sweet coconut sauce, they are a delightful twist on traditional rolls. Perfect for any meal, these rolls promise to be a hit with everyone at the table. Let’s get baking!
Steps
- Lightly grease a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the frozen rolls inside, leaving space for them to expand. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Allow the rolls to thaw and rise until they double in size, approximately 4-5 hours, or follow quick-rise instructions for faster results.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small saucepan, mix coconut milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens, which should take around 5 minutes. For a thinner sauce, simply whisk the ingredients together without heating.
- Pour about two-thirds of the coconut sauce over the risen rolls, ensuring they are well-coated. Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked according to the package or dough recipe instructions.
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and evenly distribute the remaining coconut sauce over the top. The rolls should have a sticky, gooey texture at the bottom. Serve them warm, either upside down or right-side up, depending on your preference.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen dinner rolls (or homemade yeast rolls)
- 10 ounces full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup sugar
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3360kcal | Carbohydrates: 600g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 4740mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 220g | Calcium: 1520mg | Iron: 40mg
FAQ
- What is Pani Popo?
- Pani Popo is a traditional Samoan treat, consisting of light and fluffy yeast rolls drenched in a sweet coconut syrup, then baked until golden brown. These rolls are soft inside with a gooey base, making them a delightful sweet roll option.
- Can I make the rolls from scratch instead of using frozen ones?
- Yes, you can make your own yeast rolls using a simple recipe with ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, butter, and salt to create a soft dough. This can be an alternative to using frozen rolls, though it may take longer.
- How do you prepare the sweet coconut sauce?
- The coconut milk sauce, which is key to the rolls’ flavor, is made by combining coconut milk with sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture becomes thick, then pour it over the risen rolls before baking.
- Can the sauce be prepared without heating?
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can simply mix the coconut milk and sugar together in a bowl without heating them. This will provide a different texture but still retain the sweet coconut flavor.
- What are some other Hawaiian-inspired desserts?
- Some other popular Hawaiian-inspired desserts include Pina Colada Cake, Coconut Cream Cake with Coconut Frosting, Coconut Cream Pie, Island Pecan Pie, and Hawaiian Wedding Cake. These treats bring a taste of the islands to your table.
Tips
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the richest flavor and texture in your Pani Popo, opt for full-fat coconut milk. This will ensure a creamy, thick sauce that enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
- Speeding Up Rise Time: If you’re short on time, use the quick-rise instructions on the frozen roll packaging to reduce the thawing and rising time of the dough. This can help you prepare the rolls more efficiently without compromising on texture.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can simply mix the sugar and coconut milk without heating them. This allows you to customize the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Serving Suggestion: For a different presentation and texture, consider serving the rolls upside down. This way, the gooey coconut sauce on the bottom can soak into the rolls, making them even more indulgent.
Equipment
- 9×13 Glass Baking Dish
- Small Saucepan
