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Pan de Muerto — The Traditional Mexican Bread of the Dead

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Learn how to make traditional Pan de Muerto at home! This step-by-step recipe is perfect for beginners and home cooks in the USA who want to celebrate Día de los Muertos with authentic Mexican sweet bread.

  • Author: Nia Yarden
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ cup warm whole milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Additional sugar for sprinkling
  • Orange blossom water
  • Colored sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and softened butter. Mix well.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours.
  5. Punch down dough and shape: one large ball for the loaf and smaller strips for bone decorations. Arrange strips on top.
  6. Let shaped dough rise 30–45 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake 25–35 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sugar while warm.
  8. Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate.

Notes

Use fresh yeast for best results. Make sure milk is warm, not hot. Orange zest gives authentic flavor. Store in airtight container for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.nytrecipe.com/pan-de-muerto/