These Milk Brioche Rolls are the epitome of indulgence – soft, rich, and delightfully golden, with a light sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with butter and jam for breakfast, used as a base for sliders, or served alongside dinner, these rolls offer a tender crumb and a buttery finish that’s sure to impress. Simple to make yet utterly luxurious, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple, coconut, and mandarin oranges creates a refreshing, sunny flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
No-Bake Simplicity: This recipe requires no oven time, making it perfect for warm weather or when you need a quick dessert.
Creamy and Light: The whipped filling is smooth, airy, and perfectly balanced with the crunchy crust and toasted coconut topping.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, family dinner, or festive holiday gathering, this pie is always a crowd favorite.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The graham cracker crumbs form the base of the crust, providing a buttery and slightly sweet crunch.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy, sweet base ties the filling together while adding richness and a luscious texture.
Coconut: Sweetened flaked coconut adds a tropical touch to the filling, and toasted coconut on top enhances the flavor and crunch.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness with a tangy citrus note, brightening the overall flavor.
Crushed Pineapple: Drained crushed pineapple brings tropical sweetness and juiciness to the pie.
Mandarin Oranges: These delicate, sweet orange segments add a burst of flavor and a splash of color.
Cool Whip: Light and airy Cool Whip creates a smooth, creamy filling that’s easy to work with.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nutty crunch to the filling and a delightful garnish on top.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Warm the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk to about 100°F (38°C)—lukewarm but not hot.
Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy, ensuring the yeast is active.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
4 cups of all-purpose flour
¼ cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
Create a Well: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients for the wet ingredients to be added.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour the yeast-milk mixture into the well.
Add 2 room-temperature eggs, mixing well after each addition.
Incorporate the Butter: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter (a little at a time), mixing until fully combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch Down the Dough: After the first rise, gently punch the dough to release air bubbles.
Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling gently on a countertop.
Second Rise: Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them evenly. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls for a glossy finish.
Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Cool Slightly: Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey, or enjoy them plain for their buttery, rich flavor and pillowy texture.
Serving Suggestions
To make this Tropical Paradise Pie the star of your dessert table, consider serving it with these creative pairings:
Tropical Drink Pairings: Pair each slice with a chilled glass of pineapple juice or a creamy piña colada to complement the flavors.
Extra Garnishes: Top with additional mandarin orange slices, a maraschino cherry, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent touch.
Serving for a Crowd: For gatherings, cut the pie into small squares and serve as part of a dessert platter with other no-bake treats like mini cheesecakes or fruit tarts.
Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top to add a cozy, festive vibe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pie is as practical as it is delicious! Here’s how to store and prep it in advance:
Refrigeration: Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and intensify after the first day!
Freezing: Want to save it for later? Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pie crust and filling separately up to a day ahead. Assemble the pie the day you plan to serve it for optimal freshness.
Leftovers Tip: Store individual slices in airtight containers for grab-and-go desserts throughout the week.
Variations
One of the joys of this Tropical Paradise Pie is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate to the graham cracker crust before adding the filling for a sweet surprise.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
Vegan Option: Swap out the sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
Berry Burst: Substitute the pineapple and oranges with mixed berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a fruity twist.
Nut-Free Variation: Omit the pecans and top the pie with crushed cookies or chocolate shavings instead for a crunchy finish.
Extra Tang: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the filling for an extra zingy flavor.
Conclusion
This Tropical Paradise Pie is a delightful, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy days or last-minute entertaining. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with one of the fun variations, this pie is guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this slice of sunshine, and prepare to bask in the tropical goodness—one bite at a time!
Milk Brioche Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk lukewarm
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of milk to about 100°F (38°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Gradually add softened butter, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
