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Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

Close-up of a golden-brown Pan de Muerto bread, braided and sprinkled with sugar crystals.
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A traditional lightly sweet Mexican yeast bread flavored with orange blossom water or citrus zest, decorated with bone-shaped dough pieces, perfect for Dia de los Muertos altars and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water or ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
  • For Decoration: Dough scraps for bones and skulls
  • For Glaze: 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • For Topping: ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining sugar, softened butter, orange blossom water (or zest), and anise extract (if using) until well combined.
  4. Pour the yeast mixture and the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions: one large portion for the loaf and a smaller portion for decorations.
  8. Shape the larger portion into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Roll out the smaller portion of dough and cut out bone shapes and skull shapes for decoration. Arrange these on top of the loaf.
  10. Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  13. Remove from oven and immediately brush the top with melted butter.
  14. Sprinkle generously with sugar.
  15. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute lemon zest for orange zest if preferred.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough.
  • This bread is delicious served with hot cocoa or coffee.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/pan-de-muerto-recipe-bread-of-the-dead/