How to Make Traditional PAN DE MUERTO Easy Recipe for SOFT & FLUFFY Mexican Bread of the Dead!

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while maintaining moisture.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener with a unique flavor.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: egg substitute

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds ingredients.

Add flour, sugar, salt, ground anise, and orange extract to the stand mixer.

Stir the dry ingredients briefly.

Add Mexican vanilla blend, orange blossom water, and eggs one at a time.

Slowly pour in warm milk to hydrate the flour while mixing.

Mix for 3 minutes until dough forms, adding more milk if needed.

Add room temperature butter and knead at medium speed for 10 minutes.

Check if dough is ready by stretching it to see through it.

Shape dough into a ball and transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel.

Let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Remove dough from bowl and deflate it.

Divide dough into four pieces for loaves and cut small pieces for decoration.

Shape small pieces into balls for decorative bones.

Cover shaped dough and let rest for 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare egg wash with 1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt, whisk together.

Roll small pieces of dough into bone shapes and place them on top of the loaves.

Brush loaves with egg wash and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Allow bread to cool for a few minutes, then brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens