Sweet Mexican Bread of the Dead
Pan De Muerto, or 'Bread of the Dead', is a traditional Mexican bread made to honor loved ones who have passed away. This sweet, soft bread is often flavored with orange zest and is typically decorated with bone-like shapes symbolizing the cycle of life and death. Enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends during Día de Muertos, or any time you crave a warm, aromatic bread with a sweet fruit sugar topping. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect Pan De Muerto, resulting in a beautifully crafted loaf that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Freeze-dried fruit or dried herbs
2 ounces (Pulverized until very finely ground)
Sugar
3/4 cup, divided (1/2 cup for flavored sugar, 1/4 cup for dough)
Whole milk
1/2 cup (Warmed to 110 degrees F)
Active dry yeast
1 1/4 ounces (2-1/4 tsp) (Dissolved in milk)
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons (As is)
Large eggs
3 (Room temperature)
Finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon (Zested from an orange)
Nonfat dry milk powder
3 tablespoons (As is)
Bread flour
3 cups (Plus more for surface)
Unsalted butter
14 tablespoons (Cut into pieces, room temperature, plus more for greasing)
Nonstick cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the parchment)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
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 specifically made to honor deceased loved ones during the Día de Muertos celebrations.
What are the main flavor profiles of this Sweet Mexican Bread of the Dead?
This bread is primarily flavored with orange zest and features a unique topping of sweet fruit sugar or herb sugar.
How is the bread traditionally decorated?
The loaf is typically decorated with bone-like shapes made of dough, which symbolize the cycle of life and death.
What ingredients are used for the flavored sugar topping?
The topping consists of 1/2 cup of sugar mixed with 2 ounces of pulverized freeze-dried fruit or dried herbs.
How much yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 ounces or 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
What temperature should the milk be when dissolving the yeast?
The 1/2 cup of whole milk should be warmed to 110 degrees F to properly activate the yeast.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, which should be brought to room temperature before use.
Why is nonfat dry milk powder used in the recipe?
3 tablespoons of nonfat dry milk powder are used to enhance the richness and soft texture of the bread.
What kind of flour is best for Pan De Muerto?
This recipe specifies 3 cups of bread flour to provide the necessary structure for the loaf.
How much butter is included in this bread?
The recipe uses 14 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into pieces and kept at room temperature.
What is the significance of the orange zest in the recipe?
1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest is used to provide the signature aromatic citrus flavor traditional to Mexican Bread of the Dead.
How should the freeze-dried fruit for the topping be prepared?
The fruit (or dried herbs) should be pulverized until they are very finely ground before being mixed with the sugar.
Is the sugar in the recipe divided for different uses?
Yes, 3/4 cup of sugar is divided: 1/2 cup is used for the flavored sugar topping, and 1/4 cup is mixed into the dough.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
When is Pan De Muerto typically eaten?
While it can be enjoyed any time, it is traditionally prepared for the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Can I use dried herbs instead of fruit for the topping?
Yes, the recipe suggests either freeze-dried fruit or dried herbs as a base for the flavored sugar coating.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed for this Pan De Muerto recipe.
What is the purpose of the nonstick cooking spray?
It is used as needed for greasing the parchment paper during the baking process.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to allow for better control over the salt content in the bread.
What kind of milk is recommended for the yeast mixture?
Whole milk is recommended for its fat content and contribution to the bread's soft texture.
What texture should the final bread have?
The final result should be a sweet, soft bread with a slightly crunchy fruit sugar topping.
Is bread flour mandatory for this recipe?
While bread flour is listed, you should ensure you have extra on hand for dusting your work surface.
How are the eggs prepared for the dough?
The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate easily into the dough without chilling the yeast.
What does the phrase 'Pan De Muerto' mean?
It translates literally from Spanish to English as 'Bread of the Dead'.
Can this bread be made without orange zest?
While orange zest is the traditional flavoring, it is a key component for the authentic aromatic quality of this specific bread.
Does the recipe require a specific type of yeast?
Yes, the recipe calls for active dry yeast which must be dissolved in warm milk before mixing.
What is the role of the 2 ounces of pulverized fruit?
The pulverized fruit creates a vibrant, flavorful, and naturally colored sugar coating for the top of the loaf.
Is the bread very sweet?
The bread itself is a mildly sweet brioche-style dough, but it is made much sweeter by the generous topping of fruit sugar.
How is the butter added to the dough?
The butter is cut into pieces and should be soft (room temperature) so it can be gradually worked into the bread dough.
Why is the milk warmed specifically to 110 degrees F?
110 degrees F is the ideal temperature to activate active dry yeast without killing the living cultures.