day of dead bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best day of dead bread recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Day of the Dead Bread recipe. This traditional Mexican dish is a staple in our household, especially during the holiday season.

The aroma of the bread baking in the oven is just incredible, and the flavors are so rich and savory. I love making this bread for family gatherings, as it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. My kids love helping me shape the dough into little skulls and bones, which adds a fun touch to the recipe.

As for me, I appreciate how this bread can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for sandwiches or toast. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, yeast, and olive oil, making it a healthier option for our family.

The history behind this bread is also fascinating – it dates back to ancient times when people would offer bread to their loved ones who had passed away. Today, we continue this tradition by baking bread for our loved ones who are no longer with us.

I could go on and on about this recipe, but I want to get started with the ingredients and instructions so you can start baking your own Day of the Dead Bread.

Pan de Muerto

4.6 from 1226 votes

Pan de Muerto is a sweet, eggy bread traditionally made for the Day of the Dead celebrations. It is often decorated with bones and other symbols.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

500g all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp anise seeds
1/2 cup warm milk
2 tsp instant yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup sugar
6 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp orange juice

For the Bone Decorations

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup anise seeds
1 egg white, beaten

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and yeast.
3Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds.
5Add the yeast mixture, sugar, eggs, and melted butter.
6Mix on low speed until a dough forms.
7Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
8If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
9If it is too dry, add a bit more water.
10Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
11The dough should be puffy and pass the poke test.
12Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces.
13Shape each piece into a round loaf.
14You can make a small cross on the top of each loaf with a sharp knife.
15For the bone decorations, mix flour, sugar, and water in a small bowl.
16Add anise seeds and knead until smooth.
17Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into bone shapes.
18Brush with beaten egg white and place on the loaves.
19Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
20Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until almost doubled in size.
21Bake for 25-30 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
22Remove from the oven and let them cool.
23For the topping, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice in a small bowl.
24Drizzle over the cooled loaves.
25Serve and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Stand mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Add more anise seeds for a stronger flavor.

I love serving this Day of the Dead Bread at family gatherings because it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for snacking on while watching movies or playing games together.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to reheat when we need a quick snack or meal on-the-go. My kids love helping me shape the dough into little skulls and bones, which adds a fun touch to the recipe.

We often serve it with soups or stews during cold winter days or as a side dish during holiday meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pan de Muerto

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for this recipe. If you prefer a lighter texture, use all-purpose flour. If you prefer a nuttier flavor and denser texture, use whole wheat flour.

Q: Can I make this bread in a stand mixer?

A: Yes, you can make this bread in a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the mixing time and kneading process depending on your mixer’s power.

Q: How long does the dough need to rise?

A: The dough needs to rise for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your kitchen temperature and yeast activity.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?

A: Yes, you can freeze this bread for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: How do I reheat this bread?

A: To reheat this bread, simply slice it into thick slices and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy.

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