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Classic Pan De Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze

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A traditional Day of the Dead sweet bread featuring soft, pillowy dough infused with orange blossom water and anise, topped with coarse sugar and a floral orange blossom glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast or instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tsp ground anise seeds (optional)
  • 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) coarse sugar, for rolling
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp warm water (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, and anise seeds. Make a well in the center.
  3. Add eggs, orange blossom water, and activated yeast mixture to the well. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed. Gradually add softened butter.
  4. Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes or in a mixer on medium-low for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour or water as needed to adjust consistency.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into four equal parts. Roll one part into a ball. Roll the other three into long ropes. Place the ball in the center of a baking sheet, arrange ropes in a circle around it, cross two ropes over the top to form a cross, and place a small rope on top to represent a bone.
  7. Cover shaped bread loosely and let rise again for 45-60 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush bread with beaten egg white and roll in coarse sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. While bread bakes, mix powdered sugar, warm water, orange blossom water, and lemon juice to make the glaze. Brush glaze over the warm bread once out of the oven.

Notes

Ensure yeast is fresh and foams before proceeding. If kitchen is cold, turn on oven light to create a warm rising environment. Do not over-knead to avoid tough bread. If bread browns too quickly, cover with foil halfway through baking. Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan de muerto, day of the dead, mexican bread, orange blossom glaze, sweet bread, holiday baking, traditional recipe

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/classic-pan-de-muerto-with-orange-blossom-glaze/