Irresistible American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe
Welcome, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the heart and soul of the Samoan cuisine with a recipe that will leave you speechless. I’m excited to introduce you to Fa’apapa – American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe.
Imagine pillowy soft buns made from flour and sugar, infused with the goodness of coconut milk and unsweetened flaked coconut. This authentic Samoan recipe is a combination of two recipes – “fa’a’ausi” and “fa’apapa”, creating a one-of-a-kind coconut bread perfect for breakfast or any occasion.
The Samoan people have been using coconuts in their cuisine for generations. Coconuts line the sandy shores of Samoa, and every part of this versatile fruit is used – from the water to the meat. The versatile fa’apapa recipe is just another example of their creativity in utilizing coconuts as an essential ingredient.
This delectable fa’apapa sweet coconut bread has long been a traditional treat in Samoa, and we are bringing it to your kitchen today. Using simple ingredients old-school style ingredients and baked to perfection, fa’apapa can make you feel as though you’re on a sandy beach in Samoa enjoying the beautiful view over Pago Pago Harbor.
So without further ado, let’s dive right into this authentic Samoan recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a bakery experience right in your own kitchen? Look no further than Fa’apapa – American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe! This delicious recipe combines two authentic Samoan recipes, Fa’ausi and Bread Fa’apapa, to deliver a sweet, coconut-infused bread that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
But what makes this recipe truly special is the combination of ingredients. From the coconut milk, unsweetened flaked coconut, and sugar to the flour and baking powder, each ingredient has been carefully selected to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. And once you bake the bread, the results are nothing short of divine!
The sweet coconut aroma and baked coconut flakes will have you drooling before it’s even out of the oven. And when you slice into the warm loaf, you’ll be greeted with tender, fluffy crumb and delightful bursts of caramel from the coconut sauce. It’s like stepping into an authentic Samoan bakery – right in America!
Whether you’re a foodie looking for new adventure or just someone who loves good food, this recipe has something for everyone. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, Fa’apapa – American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe is sure to become your new favorite treat. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
To make Fa’apapa, an authentic Samoan coconut bread recipe, you’ll need to gather up the following ingredients from your local grocery store or market:
- Flour (2 cups / 250g): We’ll use flour as our primary dry ingredient, so make sure you have at least two cups ready to go.
- Sugar (1⅓ cup / 265g): Sugar serves as our sweetening agent in this recipe, so be sure to measure out 1 and 1/3 cups of sugar.
- Baking Powder (4 tsp): To help leaven our bread dough and give it a nice rise, add in four teaspoons of baking powder.
- Unsweetened Flaked Coconut (1 cup / 35g): You’ll need one cup of unsweetened flaked coconut to infuse your bread with that delicious island coconut flavor.
- Coconut Milk (1 can / 400ml): Since coconut is the star of the show here, we’ll also need one can of coconut milk.
- Coconut Caramel Sauce: This caramel sauce is an essential part of this recipe. You can buy it from a store or make it yourself using this recipe.
- Water: You’ll need some water on hand to help loosen up your dough if needed.
- Pinch of Salt: Finally, don’t forget a pinch of salt to help balance out all those yummy sweet flavors in your Fa’apapa.
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to making deliciously sweet and satisfying Samoa-style Fa’apapa!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get our hands dirty and start making this delectable Fa’apapa! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
1. Mixing the Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need 2 cups of flour, 1 and 1/3 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2/3 cups of coconut milk, and 1 cup of unsweetened flaked coconut.
Start by sifting 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add in the 1 and 1/3 cups of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Then, pour in 2/3 cups of coconut milk and mix the ingredients until smooth. Stir in the unsweetened flaked coconut.
2. Preparing the Dough
Spray or lightly butter a samoan bread pan, also known as a fa’ausi, a square brownie pan or an eight-inch cake pan will work just fine as well.
Pour the mixture into the greased pan, leveling the top off using your spatula.
3. Baking Your Fa’apapa
Bake your Fa’apapa at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean.
4. Adding Flavorful Coconut Caramel Sauce
While waiting for your Fa’apapa to bake, prepare your caramel sauce by combining all-purpose cream, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut flakes in a saucepan on low heat. Stir continuously while heating up your mixture to avoid burning it.
Once done with baking, remove from the oven and pour generously with some cool and thick coconut caramel sauce on top.
Enjoy this authentic Samoan dish straight from the oven with family or friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you the type of baker who loves to experiment in the kitchen? Or maybe you just want to tweak this recipe a bit to make it your own. Whatever the case may be, I’ve got some exciting substitutions and variations for you to try out when making Fa’apapa – American Samoa Coconut Bread.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of sweetened coconut flakes, you can use unsweetened flaked coconut instead. This will give your bread a more subtle and natural taste that’s perfect for those who prefer less sugary treats. Another option would be to add some chopped nuts, like macadamias, almonds or cashews, to give your fa’apapa an extra textural dimension.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to make this recipe vegan, you can easily substitute the regular milk with unsweetened coconut milk. This will ensure that your bread truly embodies the flavor of coconuts while maintaining its delicious texture.
In terms of variations, there are plenty of ways to get creative with Fa’apapa. For example, some people like to top their fresh baked fa’apapa off with a generous drizzle of coconut caramel sauce. Alternatively, you could toast or grill slices of the bread and serve them with your favorite jam or marmalade. Or why not cut the bread into small cubes and use it as a base for fruity tropical cocktails?
I’m always thrilled hearing about the different ways people decide to make their food unique and interesting from old school traditions in Samoa. At the end of the day, cooking is all about exploring new avenues for flavors and textures!
Serving and Pairing
Fa’apapa, also known as American Samoa Coconut Bread, is not just any ordinary bread. It’s a heavenly delight that perfectly complements a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, afternoon or evening. To adequately savor this delicious bread, it’s essential to know what beverages and dishes best work in harmony.
This bread is moist and has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with traditional Samoan drinks, like Koko Samoa(a rich hot chocolate made with pure cocoa powder). In addition to Koko Samoa, pairing it with Samoa’s famous Poulet Fa’asaina (Samoan style chicken curry) or Palusami (taro leaves cooked in creamy coconut sauce) takes the taste buds on an exotic journey. The flavors of these famous Samoan dishes combine with the fa’apapa’s coconut caramel sauce to give your dish an authentic taste.
For a breakfast option, you can toast your fa’apapa buns and serve them with jam, honey, or peanut butter. For an indulgent treat, enjoy them with whipped cream and fresh fruit drizzled with caramelized sweet coconut flakes.
If you’re looking for something more savory, try pairing fa’apapa with eggs or omelets. A poached egg on top of toasted fa’apapa adds protein and richness to breakfast. You can also use the buns as burger buns for your favorite vegan or meat-filled patty.
As an afternoon snack, Fa’apapa can be enjoyed with tea or coffee as mentioned before, but also perfectly accompanied by cold milk or fruit juices like freshly squeezed orange juice.
This versatile bread has no limits to its complementing abilities. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner – it’s a perfect match for any mealtime occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, folks, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on how to prep, store, and reheat this heavenly Fa’apapa – American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe.
First things first: if you’re planning to make a batch of Fa’apapa in advance or have leftovers, let the bread cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or ziplock bag. You can either store it at room temperature for a day or two or for up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to keep Fa’apapa beyond that time frame, simply transfer your bread to your freezer-safe bag and you’re good to go for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the baking date.
To reheat the bread, if stored in the refrigerator or freezer, place it on a microwave-safe dish or wrap it in foil and stick it in an oven preheated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Or you can pop it in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating as reheating can cause the bread to dry out.
Now, let’s talk about the quality of your Fa’apapa when serving. When ready to serve store-bought Fa’apapa buns and rolls or leftover homemade ones, refresh them by steaming them for a few minutes before serving to soften and enhance its flavor. For maximum freshness, don’t slice or cut them until you’re ready to use.
And there you have it – storing and reheating tips for the delicious and authentic Samoan recipe of Fa’apapa!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, to create the perfect Fa’apapa, follow these tips for guaranteed success.
First of all, make sure to use authentic coconut milk and unsweetened flaked coconut to get that classic Samoan flavor. Though it may be tempting to change up your ingredients in the name of creativity, sometimes traditional is best.
Additionally, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing them together. This not only helps them blend better but also allows the yeast to activate properly.
When kneading the dough, be careful not to overwork it. This can cause the bread to become too dense and heavy. Alternatively, if you don’t knead it enough, it won’t reach its full potential in terms of texture and flavor.
In terms of cooking equipment, a cast-iron skillet or griddle is preferred for making Fa’apapa. Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the dough so that it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Finally, while tempting as it may be to cut into the bread fresh out of the oven, exercise some patience and allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This will help retain the moisture and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to producing a delectable batch of Fa’apapa, just like a seasoned Samoan baker.
Bottom Line
With this Fa’apapa recipe, you will surely experience a unique and authentic taste of Samoa that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a perfect combination of two classic Samoan recipes – Fa’ausi and Bread. This mouthwatering recipe is easy to make, using simple ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry.
So why not indulge in the sweet coconut goodness of Fa’apapa? You’ll love the soft, fluffy texture paired with the rich flavors of coconut milk, unsweetened flaked coconut and caramel sauce. Whether you’re looking for a tasty breakfast treat or a delicious mid-day snack, this recipe has got you covered.
It’s time to get baking and share this amazing Samoan delicacy with your loved ones. With these step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect results, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable dessert that highlights the sweet flavors of coconuts used to make it. So go ahead and make one today!
In conclusion, making Fa’apapa is relatively easy if you follow our detailed guide. You don’t have to be a pro baker, just gather up some courage, add all the ingredients together, mix them, let the dough rise and bake using our recommended serving guidelines. The result will be something astonishingly delicious! Try our recipe today and indulge in one of the most popular Samoan treats out there.
Fa'apapa - American Samoa Coconut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/3 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
- 0.5 (200 ml) can coconut milk
Instructions
- Put everything together in a bowl and mix well with your hands. Divide into two equal portions. Generously grease some baking paper with butter. Flatten each portion of dough into a slab no bigger than 1 inch/2.5 thick. Wrap each portion tightly in the baking paper. Bake at 390°F/200ºC for 35-40 minutes or until crust is well-browned.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.