PAN DE MUERTOS

Pan de Muertos is a traditional Mexican sweet bread typically baked to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday honoring deceased loved ones. This soft, sweet bread is adorned with a sugar glaze and shaped to represent bones, symbolizing the spirits of the departed. With its light, fluffy texture and citrusy flavor, Pan de Muertos is often enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee and shared among family and friends during the celebrations. This recipe captures the essence of the holiday, with a sweet, aromatic bread that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup warm water

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bread: Punch the dough down and divide it into two portions. Roll one portion into a round loaf for the base of the Pan de Muertos. From the second portion, create a smaller ball to form the “bones” that sit on top of the loaf. You can shape these into a cross or decorative bone shapes and place them on top of the loaf.
5. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until puffed and airy.
6. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
7. Prepare the Topping: While the bread is baking, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. Glaze and Serve: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush it with the cinnamon sugar mixture. For an extra touch, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Pan de Muertos is a flavorful, aromatic bread that celebrates the essence of Día de los Muertos. Its light, fluffy texture, coupled with the sweet, citrusy aroma, makes it the perfect treat to enjoy while honoring the spirits of loved ones.