How to Make Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Pan de Muertos, or "Bread of the Dead," is a traditional Mexican sweet bread that is baked and enjoyed during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday. This holiday, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a time for honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away.

The origins of Pan de Muertos can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerican traditions, where the Aztecs and other indigenous groups would make offerings of food to the deceased. Over time, these offerings evol...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter or margarine
  • ¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons anise seed
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 large round loaf

  • To make the bread: Heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until butter melts. Remove from heat and add warm water. Mixture should be around 110 degrees F (43 degrees C).
  • Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, anise seed, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Beat in warm milk mixture, then add eggs and orange zest; beat until well combined. Stir in 1/2 cup flour and continue adding more flour until dough is soft.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Punch dough down and shape into a large round loaf with a round knob on top. Place dough onto a baking sheet; loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until just about doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool slightly before brushing with glaze.
  • To make the glaze: Combine 1/4 cup sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 2 minutes. Brush glaze over top of warm bread. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar.
  • Nutrition

    208 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 31mg
    • Sodium: 104mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 20mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 74mg