Name: Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup milk; 0.25 cup margarine; 0.25 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup white sugar; 2 teaspoons anise seed; 1.25 teaspoons active dry yeast; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 0.25 cup white sugar; 0.25 cup orange juice; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons white sugar

Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

4.6

(161)

127 Reviews

11 Photos

This pan de muerto is a version of the bread made for the November 2 celebration known as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico. You can also mold the bread into different shapes like angels and animals.

Recipe by Lorna

Updated on July 6, 2022

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

45 mins

Additional Time:

2 hrs

Total Time:

3 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 large round loaf

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

Bread:

¼ cup milk
¼ cup margarine
¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons anise seed
1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon orange zest

Glaze:

¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

Make bread: Heat milk and margarine in a medium saucepan over low heat until margarine melts. Remove from heat and add warm water. Mixture should be around 110 degrees F (43 degrees C).
Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, anise seed, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Beat in warm milk mixture, then add eggs and orange zest; beat until well combined. Stir in 1/2 cup flour and continue adding more flour until dough is soft.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
Punch dough down and shape into a large round loaf with a round knob on top. Place dough onto a baking sheet; loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until just about doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool slightly before brushing with glaze.
Make glaze: Combine 1/4 cup sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 2 minutes. Brush glaze over top of warm bread. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar.

Tips

You may substitute 1/2 teaspoon anise extract for the anise seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

208	Calories
5g	Fat
36g	Carbs
5g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 208
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g	7%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 156mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate 36g	13%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 4mg	19%
Calcium 21mg	2%
Iron 2mg	10%
Potassium 80mg	2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.