Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

Pan de muerto is a sweet yeast bread, or pan dulce, topped with a sugary orange glaze baked for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 208 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool slightly before brushing with glaze.

Step 6

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).

Step 7

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.