Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead).

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

2. Step 2

   In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts completely.

3. Step 3

   Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the warm water, aiming for a cozy temperature of around 110°F (43°C).

4. Step 4

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, anise seed, yeast, and salt.

5. Step 5

   Pour in the warm milk mixture, then add the beaten eggs and fragrant orange zest.

6. Step 6

   Mix everything together until it’s well blended.

7. Step 7

   Gradually add in 1/2 cup of flour, stirring until the dough becomes soft and easy to handle.

8. Step 8

   Now, it’s time to get your hands a little floury! Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, which should take just a few minutes.

9. Step 9

   Once you’ve achieved that perfect texture, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

10. Step 10

    Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 2 hours.

11. Step 11

    After the dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release the air.

12. Step 12

    Shape it into a large round loaf, adding a smaller round knob on top for a charming touch.

13. Step 13

    Place your shaped dough onto a baking sheet and loosely cover it with plastic wrap.

14. Step 14

    Allow it to rise again in a warm area until it’s nearly doubled in size, which should take about an hour.

15. Step 15

    While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

16. Step 16

    Once the dough has puffed up, pop it into the preheated oven and bake until it turns a lovely golden brown, which will take around 35 to 45 minutes.

17. Step 17

    When it’s done, let it cool slightly before adding the glaze.

18. Step 18

    To make the glaze, combine 1/4 cup of sugar, fresh orange juice, and more orange zest in a small saucepan.

19. Step 19

    Bring this delightful mixture to a boil over medium heat and let it bubble for 2 minutes.

20. Step 20

    Once your bread has cooled a bit, brush the warm glaze generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of an additional 2 tablespoons of sugar for that perfect sweet touch.

21. Step 21

    Enjoy the delightful aroma and the joy of sharing this delicious bread with family and friends!.