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Traditional Pan de Muerto: Best Easy Homemade Recipe

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A heartfelt, homemade recipe for Pan de Muerto featuring a tender, orange-kissed dough with a floral glaze, perfect for honoring loved ones during Día de Muertos or as a comforting treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 packets (14g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 large orange, zested
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling bones)
  • 2 tbsp orange blossom water (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Beat eggs, remaining sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and orange blossom water until smooth.
  4. Form the dough: Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until shaggy, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours until doubled.
  6. Shape the loaf: Punch down dough. Divide into one large ball and smaller pieces for bones/crosses. Shape the loaf and arrange bones on top. Let rise again for 45 minutes.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush dough with milk or egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  8. Make the glaze: Mix orange blossom water with a little warm water. Brush over hot bread immediately after removing from oven.
  9. Finish: Roll the bone decorations in granulated sugar while warm. Let bread cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
  10. Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate.

Notes

Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If dough is sticky, wet your hands instead of adding more flour. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour (note: texture will be denser). For dairy-free, use oat milk and oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan de muerto, day of the dead, mexican bread, orange blossom water, traditional recipe, holiday baking, homemade bread

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/traditional-pan-de-muerto-best-easy-homemade-recipe/