Pan de Coco Recipe

Pan de Coco is a popular Filipino bread with a sweet, decadent coconut filling. It’s a favorite merienda (snack) and goes perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate. The bread is soft and fluffy, with just the right balance of coconut and bread. Whether you’re a fan of coconut or just love freshly baked bread, Pan de Coco will satisfy your cravings. It’s also a fun recipe to try if you want to bake something a little different from your usual loaf of bread. The best part? It’s easier to make than you think! Check out the best Pan de Coco recipe below.

Why People Love Pan de Coco

There’s something nostalgic about Pan de Coco, especially if you grew up in the Philippines. Many people remember it from childhood, either as an after-school snack or their favorite Pinoy bread. The combination of fluffy bread and rich coconut filling makes it a treat that appeals to all ages.

People love Pan de Coco for a few reasons. For one, the coconut filling is deliciously sweet but not overpowering. It strikes a nice balance, especially if you prefer your desserts on the milder side. Next, the bread is soft, tender, and a little buttery, making it a perfect contrast to the sticky filling inside. Lastly, Pan de Coco is super versatile. You can enjoy it alone, pair it with a hot drink, or even serve it for breakfast. Plus, it’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. 

Pan de Coco Recipe Cooking Tips

Making Pan de Coco at home is easier than you think. Here are some Pan de Coco recipe tips to ensure you get the best results:

1. Use warm water for the yeast: Yeast is the key to soft and fluffy bread. Make sure the water you use is warm, not hot, or it might kill the yeast. About 110°F (43°C) is perfect.
2. Knead the dough properly: Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its soft and stretchy texture. You’ll know the dough is ready once it becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place: Yeast needs warmth to rise. If your kitchen is cold, find a warmer spot, like near the stove or microwave. Cover the dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
4. Don’t overfill the bread: Don’t be tempted to stuff too much coconut inside. If you overfill the bread, the filling might spill out during baking, and you’ll end up with a mess. A tablespoon or so of filling per bun is just right.
5. Brush with butter after baking: For an extra soft and shiny finish, brush the tops of the bread with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This also adds a little extra flavor.

What to Serve With Pan de Coco

You can enjoy Pan de Coco on its own or pair it with many food and drinks. If you have it for merienda or breakfast, a cup of hot coffee or tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate) is a perfect match. The slightly bitter taste of the coffee or chocolate balances out the sweetness of the coconut filling.

If you’re serving it for breakfast, you can pair it with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced mangoes or bananas. You can even go savory and serve it with eggs, longganisa (Filipino sausage), or a simple omelet for a more complete meal.

Another fun idea is to serve Pan de Coco as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream. The warm bread and cold ice cream make a delicious combo.

How to Store Pan de Coco

Pan de Coco is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them to enjoy later. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: You can store Pan de Coco at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep it covered so the bread doesn’t dry out.
• Refrigerator: If you want to store it longer, you can keep Pan de Coco in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back its soft texture.
• Freezer: You can also freeze Pan de Coco. Wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them up in the oven.

Pan de Coco Recipe

• Cuisine: Filipino
• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

For the bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the coconut filling:

• 1 1/2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a huge bowl. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Next, put the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, make the coconut filling. Combine grated coconut, brown sugar, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten slightly, and place about one tablespoon of coconut filling in the center. Pinch the edges together to seal and roll back into a ball.
6. Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.
8. Let the Pan de Coco cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Pan de Coco is a delightful Filipino treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat. With its soft, fluffy bread and sweet coconut filling, it’s no wonder this recipe has been loved for generations. Whether you’re making it for a snack, breakfast, or dessert, Pan de Coco is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Give this easy Pan de Coco recipe a try and enjoy this coconut-filled bread straight from your own kitchen!

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