Pan de Muerto: Sweet Bread of the Dead
Pan de Muerto, or 'Bread of the Dead,' is a traditional Mexican sweet bread that plays a significant role in the Day of the Dead festivities. Shaped to resemble skulls or adorned with bone-like decorations, this soft, fragrant bread symbolizes the cycle of life and death, and serves as an offering to honor departed loved ones. Infused with vibrant orange zest and anise, it invites warmth and nostalgia into your home. Each loaf is a work of art and a delicious tribute, perfect for sharing with family and friends during this meaningful celebration.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Milk
1/2 cup (Warmed)
Water
1/2 cup (Warmed)
Flour
5 - 5 1/2 cups (Divided)
Dry yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) packages (Active)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Fine)
Whole anise seed
1 tablespoon (Whole)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Fresh orange juice
1/3 cup (Juiced)
Grated orange zest
2 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, milk, and water. Heat until the mixture is warm to the touch but not boiling, about 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1-1/2 cups of flour, dry yeast, salt, anise seeds, and sugar until well combined.
3
Pour the warm liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
4
Add the eggs, orange juice, and grated orange zest, mixing well until smooth.
5
Gradually add another cup of flour until the mixture thickens. Continue adding flour a little at a time until the dough is soft but not sticky.
6
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
7
Once kneaded, lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-1/2 hours.
8
After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into creative designs resembling skulls, skeletons, or round loaves adorned with 'bone' shapes on top.
9
Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise for an additional hour.
10
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
12
Using a pastry brush, generously apply the glaze over the warm bread. Optionally, sprinkle colored sugar over the top while the glaze is still damp for a festive touch.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
35g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pan de Muerto?
Pan de Muerto, or 'Bread of the Dead,' is a traditional Mexican sweet bread used in Day of the Dead festivities.
What does the bread symbolize?
The bread symbolizes the cycle of life and death and is used as an offering to honor departed loved ones.
What are the primary flavors of Pan de Muerto?
The bread is infused with vibrant orange zest and whole anise seeds for a warm, fragrant flavor.
What temperature should the liquid mixture reach?
The mixture of butter, milk, and water should be heated to approximately 110°F (43°C).
How long should you knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
How long is the first rising period?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for approximately 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
How do you shape Pan de Muerto?
It can be shaped into skulls, skeletons, or round loaves adorned with bone-shaped dough pieces on top.
What is the baking temperature?
The bread should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bread take to bake?
The loaves typically bake for about 40 minutes until they are golden brown.
How do you know when the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How do you make the glaze?
Bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
When should the glaze be applied?
The glaze should be generously applied using a pastry brush while the bread is still warm.
What optional topping can be added?
You can sprinkle colored sugar over the top while the glaze is still damp for a festive look.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
How much flour is needed in total?
The recipe uses between 5 and 5.5 cups of flour, added in stages.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) of active dry yeast.
What amount of orange zest is used?
Two tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest are used to flavor the dough.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 280 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does the bread provide?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 7 grams of sugar per serving.
How long is the second rise?
After shaping, the loaves should rise for an additional hour before baking.
What should you use to line the baking sheet?
The baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper.
Why do you punch down the dough?
The dough is punched down after the first rise to release air before shaping.
What kind of anise is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of whole anise seeds.
Is fresh orange juice used?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice.
What is the texture of the dough?
The final dough should be soft but not sticky.
What is the purpose of heating the butter and milk?
Heating the liquids helps activate the yeast when combined with the dry ingredients.