How difficult is it to prepare Pan de Muerto?

This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.

How long does it take to prepare Pan de Muerto?

The preparation time is 180 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe is designed for 1 servings.

Can I substitute some ingredients?

Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.

How should I store this preparation?

Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Breads and pastries • 01 de Nov de 2023

Pan de Muerto

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Pan de Muerto, or "Bread of the Dead," is a traditional Mexican sweet bread enjoyed during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. It is a flavorful, slightly sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped pieces on top, representing the deceased. This recipe will guide you through making this festive and symbolic bread to honor loved ones.

Recipe Summary

Preparation

180 min

Servings

Difficulty

Intermediate

Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, anise seeds, and orange zest.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.

Step 5

Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions. Take a small piece of dough from each portion to shape bone decorations (skulls and bones). The rest will be used to form the main loaf.

Step 8

Shape the main loaf into a round shape with a small ball on top (representing a skull) and long ropes of dough to form bone shapes. Attach them to the top.