Pan De Muerto Mexican Bread of the Dead
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Pan de Muerto, a traditional Mexican sweet bread imbued with symbolic meaning and irresistible flavor. This fragrant loaf, crafted with soft all-purpose flour, warm milk, and rich butter, is delicately flavored with orange zest, a hint of orange blossom water, and optional anise seed for an aromatic twist. Its signature "bone-like" decorations lend the bread its unique, meaningful appearance. The golden, fluffy loaf is brushed with melted butter and dusted with sugar for a delightful finishing touch. With its buttery softness and subtle citrus notes, this bread is perfect for honoring loved ones while savoring a cultural classic. Ideal for celebrations, this Pan de Muerto recipe will bring authentic Mexican tradition to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.5 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 1 teaspoon anise seed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for brushing)
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, and anise seed (if using).
Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange blossom water (if using) to the dry ingredients.
Mix the dough until it comes together, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading.
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch the dough down and set aside a small portion of dough (about the size of a golf ball) for decorations. Shape the larger portion into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Using the reserved dough, create bone-like shapes or other decorative pieces, and attach them to the loaf using a bit of water as glue.
Cover the shaped loaf with a clean towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar to coat.
Let the bread cool completely before serving. Enjoy your homemade Pan de Muerto!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3752 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.9 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.1 g | 406% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 703 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 1184 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 551.1 g | 200% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 167.1 g | ||
| Protein | 72.6 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 345 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 21.4 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 950 mg | 20% | |
*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.
