This traditional Mexican bread, known as 'Pan de Muertos', is typically made to celebrate the Day of the Dead. It's a soft and sweet bread adorned with bone-shaped decorations, often enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee.
Preparation time
3h
Cooking time
30min
Ingredients
12 Servings
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 15 ml orange blossom water
- 10 g orange zest
- 5 g salt
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g sugar (for decoration)
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 180 ml warm milk
- 10 g yeast
Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 3
In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the softened butter, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Mix well.
Step 4
Pour the yeast mixture and the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 5
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 7
Punch down the dough and divide it into portions. Shape them into round loaves and create bone-shaped decorations to place on top.
Step 8
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for about 1 hour.
Step 9
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 10
Bake the bread for about 30 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Step 11
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar for decoration.
Step 12
Serve the bread with hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy.