Pan Cubano
Experience the irresistible charm of Pan Cubano, the traditional Cuban bread that strikes the perfect balance between soft and crusty. This beloved staple is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients, including all-purpose flour, delicate hints of lard, and just the right touch of salt. The double-rise process ensures a fluffy interior, while brushing the dough with warm water before baking creates a signature crisp crust. Whether you’re crafting authentic Cuban sandwiches or serving it warm with butter, this homemade bread is a true taste of Cuba. Ready in just under three hours, with a golden, bakery-style finish, Pan Cubano is a must-try recipe for bread lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm water
- 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Lard (softened)
- 0.25 cup Warm water (for brushing)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water and 2 teaspoons of sugar until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of softened lard.
Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook attachment for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long, thin loaf (about 12 inches in length). Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the loaves with a damp kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 45 minutes until they are puffy.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with 0.25 cup of warm water for a crisp crust.
Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2031 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.6 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 4732 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 377.4 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 52.3 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 657 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
