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Día de los Muertos: Foods & Festivities

Día de los Muertos: Foods & Festivities

Krysta
A traditional, slightly sweet Mexican bread, Pan de Muertos is baked to honor loved ones during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Its tender texture and hint of orange blossom make it a comforting treat.
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3.5 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.5 cup milk lukewarm
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon orange blossom water optional
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, orange zest, and orange blossom water (if using).
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough. Reserve about 1/4 of the dough for decoration. Divide the remaining dough into 1 large ball and 4 smaller balls. For the decorations, roll the reserved dough into thin 'bones' and a small 'tear drop' or 'skull'.
  • Shape the large dough ball into a round loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange two 'bones' across the top of the loaf, crisscrossing them. Place the 'tear drop' in the center where the bones meet.
  • Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • While still warm, brush the bread with melted butter (if not using egg wash) and then sprinkle generously with the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

The dough requires a warm environment to rise properly, typically 1.5 to 2 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second. For a rich glaze, brush with an egg wash before baking. Serve warm with Mexican hot chocolate or coffee.
Keyword pan de muertos, Mexican sweet bread, Day of the Dead recipe, traditional bread, orange blossom bread