Pan de Muerto, or “Bread of the Dead,” is a traditional Mexican pastry typically prepared for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. The soft, sweet bread is flavored with orange blossom water, anise seeds, and sometimes adorned with sugar. Here’s a simple guide on how to make a traditional Mexican Pan de Muerto at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional, but adds authenticity)
- 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, it could indicate that the yeast is no longer active, and you’ll need to use a fresh batch.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground anise seeds. Create a well in the center.
- Add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and orange blossom water (if using) into the well. Pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Begin to mix, incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Once the dough starts coming together, knead in the softened butter until fully combined. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the process easier.
3. Kneading the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this will affect the texture of the bread.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shaping the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two portions.
- Shape one portion into a round ball, which will represent the base of the bread.
- Take the second portion and divide it into smaller pieces. Roll these into thin strands that resemble the bones or the “X” shape on top of the bread. Traditionally, Pan de Muerto is topped with a symbolic bone-shaped decoration, representing the deceased.
- Arrange these strips on top of the round ball of dough in a cross or skull shape, pressing them gently into the dough.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Baking the Pan de Muerto:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat the egg and brush it over the shaped dough to give it a golden sheen while baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Depending on the size, it may take slightly more or less time, so keep an eye on it.
8. Coating with Sugar:
- While the bread is still warm, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the baked Pan de Muerto in the sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Pan de Muerto is typically enjoyed with hot chocolate or atole during the Día de los Muertos festivities.
Tips for Perfect Pan de Muerto:
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a light and tender texture, but you can experiment with adding a bit of whole wheat flour for a more rustic flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Some recipes add a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to the dough. Feel free to adjust these flavors to suit your taste.
- Yeast: If you don’t have orange blossom water, you can substitute it with a few extra drops of orange extract, although the authentic flavor is best achieved with the blossom water.
- Toppings: Traditionally, Pan de Muerto is covered with sugar after baking. You can make this more festive by adding colored sugar or even decorating with icing if desired.
This traditional bread not only brings a wonderful aroma to your kitchen but also celebrates the memory of loved ones during Día de los Muertos.