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Recipes
Comfort Food
Soft and Fragrant Pan de Muerto (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

12 INGREDIENTS • 9 STEPS • 3HRS 25MINS

Soft and Fragrant Pan de Muerto (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

Recipe
Pan de Muerto is a soft, buttery bread traditionally enjoyed during Día de Muertos. Flavored with orange blossom water or fresh orange zest and topped with sugar, it features bone-shaped decorations that symbolize the celebration of life and remembrance. This classic Mexican bread is perfect for honoring loved ones with every sweet, citrusy bite and is a beautiful centerpiece on any altar or holiday table.
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Pan de Muerto is a soft, buttery bread traditionally enjoyed during Día de Muertos. Flavored with orange blossom water or fresh orange zest and topped with sugar, it features bone-shaped decorations that symbolize the celebration of life and remembrance. This classic Mexican bread is perfect for honoring loved ones with every sweet, citrusy bite and is a beautiful centerpiece on any altar or holiday table.
author_avatar
Sergio at SideChef
Content Operations Manager at SideChef. Gourmand, Home Cook, Cookie Enthusiast 🥳
https://www.sidechef.com

3HRS 25MINS

Total Time

$1.46

Cost Per Serving

Ingredients

Servings
8
us / metric
All-Purpose Flour
3 1/2 cups
All-Purpose Flour
plus more for dusting
Granulated Sugar
3/4 cup
Granulated Sugar
Active Dry Yeast
2 tsp
Active Dry Yeast
Salt
1/2 tsp
Salt
Whole Milk
1/2 cup
Whole Milk, warmed
not hot
Large Egg
4

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Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs, room temperature
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter, softened
Orange Blossom Water
1 Tbsp
Orange Blossom Water
or Orange Zest
Vanilla Extract
1 tsp
Vanilla Extract
Orange
1
Orange, zest only
for extra flavor
optional
Granulated Sugar
4 Tbsp
Granulated Sugar
for dusting
Butter
2 Tbsp
Melted Butter
for brushing

Nutrition Per Serving

VIEW ALL
Calories
488
Fat
17.9 g
Protein
10.2 g
Carbs
71.0 g
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Soft and Fragrant Pan de Muerto (Mexican Bread of the Dead)
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author_avatar
Sergio at SideChef
Content Operations Manager at SideChef. Gourmand, Home Cook, Cookie Enthusiast 🥳
https://www.sidechef.com

Author's Notes

Slice and toast lightly with a bit of butter for a delicious breakfast treat.
Serve as part of a Día de Muertos altar or centerpiece to honor loved ones.
Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven to refresh.

Cooking Instructions

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step 1
In a small bowl, mix the warm Whole Milk (1/2 cup) with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the Active Dry Yeast (2 tsp). Let sit for 10–15 minutes until foamy.
step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the All-Purpose Flour (3 1/2 cups), remaining Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup), and Salt (1/2 tsp). Add the Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs (4), yeast mixture, softened Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup), Orange Blossom Water (1 Tbsp) (or zest), Vanilla Extract (1 tsp), and optional extra Orange (1) zest.
step 3
Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 10–12 minutes, or around 30 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly sticky—avoid adding too much flour.
step 4
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
step 5
Divide the dough in half. From each half, set aside a small portion to form the bone decorations and a small ball. Shape the large portion into a round loaf. Roll the reserved dough into thin "bones" and place them in a cross over the loaf, then top with a small round dough ball in the center.
step 6
Place shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for another 45–60 minutes until puffy.
step 7
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
step 8
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. A thermometer inserted should read 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) internally.
step 9
While still warm, brush the loaves with melted Butter (2 Tbsp) and generously sprinkle with Granulated Sugar (4 Tbsp). Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with hot chocolate, café de olla, or atole for a traditional pairing.
step 9 While still warm, brush the loaves with melted Butter (2 Tbsp) and generously sprinkle with Granulated Sugar (4 Tbsp). Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with hot chocolate, café de olla, or atole for a traditional pairing.

Tags

Comfort Food
Snack
Shellfish-Free
Kid-Friendly
Dessert
Fall
Vegetarian
Popular
Halloween
Latin American
Mexican
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