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Pan de Muerto

Experience the soft, fragrant sweetness of Pan de Muerto, a traditional Mexican bread enriched with orange zest and anise, baked to honor loved ones during Día de los Muertos—ready in about 4 hours including rising time.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Rest Time 160 mins
Total Time 3 hrs 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 175  C
Servings: 8
Estimated Cost: $  10
Calories: 350
Best Season: Fall
Description

Pan de Muerto is a beloved bread traditionally made for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday celebrating and honoring departed loved ones. This slightly sweet, enriched bread is flavored with orange zest and a hint of anise, then topped with sugar and shaped with symbolic bone-like decorations. Baked to a golden hue, Pan de Muerto is both a comforting food and a meaningful ritual centerpiece, often enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee during early November celebrations.

Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup milk – (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter – (57 g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar – (50 g)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast – (7 g)
  • 1/4 cup warm water – (60 ml, around 105°F/40°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – (250 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – (3 g)
  • 2 large eggs – (about 100 g total)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest – (6 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed – (1 g)
  • 1 tablespoon butter – (14 g)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar – (25 g)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Warm the milk, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Let it cool to lukewarm.
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. 3
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the milk mixture, eggs, yeast mixture, orange zest, and anise. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  4. 4
    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  5. 5
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. 6
    Punch down the dough and divide it: form most of the dough into a round loaf, and use remaining portions to create “bone” shapes to place on top of the loaf in a criss-cross pattern. Let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. 7
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. 8
    Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter while still warm. Sprinkle generously with sugar.
  9. 9
    Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Pan de Muerto with a warm drink and honor the memories of loved ones in true Mexican tradition.
Keywords: Keywords: Pan de Muerto, Mexican sweet bread, Day of the Dead bread, Día de los Muertos, traditional Mexican baking
Read it online: https://www.leonisteam.com/recipe/pan-de-muerto/