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+ servings

Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

A classic Mexican pan dulce flavored with orange zest and topped with a sweet citrus glaze, perfect for Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup whole milk warmed
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk warmed milk and 1 teaspoon sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange zest and orange juice. Stir in yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually mix in 3 cups flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Add butter and incorporate more flour until dough pulls away from sides.
  4. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
  5. Punch down dough; shape into 12 pieces (8 rounds + 4 “bones”). Place on parchment, cover, and let rise 45 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaves with beaten egg, arrange “bones,” and bake 30–35 minutes until golden.
  7. Brush warm loaves with orange–powdered sugar glaze and sprinkle granulated sugar. Serve warm.
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