Pan De Muertos Day of the Dead Bread
Celebrate tradition and flavor with Pan de Muertos, a soft and aromatic bread crafted to honor Mexico’s Day of the Dead. This festive treat features a lightly sweet dough infused with vibrant orange zest and a hint of anise, evoking warm, spiced notes. Carefully shaped with a signature design resembling “bones,” this bread carries symbolic significance while offering a unique visual appeal. Topped with a golden egg wash and a sprinkle of sugar for a delicate crunch, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served as part of an altar or enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate, this recipe brings cultural richness and irresistible taste to your table. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and milk, creating this traditional dessert bread at home has never been more approachable.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.5 cups Whole milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cups Water
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Anise seeds
- 2 tablespoons Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, the granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk, unsalted butter, and water until the mixture is lukewarm (not hot).
Slowly pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Incorporate 3 of the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the orange zest and anise seeds for flavor.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release the air and save a small portion (about 1/4 of the dough) for decoration.
Shape the larger portion of the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using the reserved dough, form 'bone' shapes or other decorative elements and arrange them on top of the loaf.
Cover the bread with a cloth and allow it to rise again in a warm spot for another 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat the remaining egg and use it as an egg wash, brushing it lightly over the bread to give it color and shine.
Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before brushing it with melted butter and sprinkling with the sugar for a sweet finish.
Slice and enjoy this festive bread in celebration of Día de los Muertos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3229 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.5 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.3 g | 186% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 883 mg | 294% | |
| Sodium | 1532 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 555.0 g | 202% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 183.3 g | ||
| Protein | 82.5 g | 165% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 370 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 27.2 mg | 151% | |
| Potassium | 1194 mg | 25% | |
*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.
