| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 356 | 12g | 8g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 3g | 7g | 0.2g |
About Pan de Coco
Welcome to the delightful world of Pan de Coco, a beloved bakery staple from the Philippines. Made with easily available ingredients and oozing with tropical flavors, this delectable bread has a tender and lightly sweet dough filled with a simple yet enticing filling of sweetened shredded coconut. The dessert bread, with its enticing aroma and mouth-watering appearance merits a spot in your culinary list of must-tries.
Decoding Pan de Coco
The name Pan de Coco literally translates to ‘coconut bread’, a fitting name for this sweet, delicious treat. The bread is decidedly doughy, made with all-purpose flour, and leavened with yeast. The addition of coconut milk and a large egg enhances the richness of the dough, while a smidge of sugar and salt work in harmony to balance the flavors. The crowning gem, however, is the sweetened shredded coconut filling, which adds a delicious contrast both in flavor and texture.
Delightful Pairings
While Pan de Coco is traditionally served on its own as a breakfast staple or an anytime snack in the Philippines, its mild sweetness and soft, pillowy texture gives it a versatility that can be played up with countless pairings. If you love exploring new flavors, consider serving it with a side of latik, a Filipino coconut syrup that would make the tropical flavors pop.
For a savory contrast, serve it alongside Longganisa (Philippine Sausage) or with chicken soup for a comforting blend. And if you’re a cheese lover, try pairing it with cream cheese or a quality brie for an indulgent treat.
Similar Culinary Delights
If you enjoy the tropical vibe of Pan de Coco, you might want to explore other similar breads that also celebrate the bounty of the tropics. Pandan Chiffon Cake from the Philippines and Melonpan from Japan are wonderful breads that, like Pan de Coco, transport you to tropical locales with every bite.
The Pan de Coco, with its light sweetness and unique coconut flavor, invites everyone into its gastronomic drama – a true theatrical performance in your mouth. Each ingredient plays its part spectacularly, creating a culinary masterpiece that is truly hard to resist. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Method
Step One
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water together with a teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it foams.
Step Two
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, the rest of the sugar, and salt. Stir it well using a spoon.
Step Three
After the yeast mixture is foamy, add the softened butter, egg, and coconut milk into the bowl. Mix these ingredients together until you form a shaggy dough.
Step Four
Pour the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step Five
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step Six
After an hour, punch down the dough and divide it into twelve equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc and place a spoonful of sweetened shredded coconut in the center. Gather the edges of the dough up around the filling and pinch to seal.
Step Seven
Place the filled dough seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 15-18 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Enjoy your homemade Pan de Coco!
