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Traditional Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze

Traditional Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze - featured image
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A soft, buttery yeasted bread infused with orange blossom and citrus, topped with a floral glaze. This easy homemade version of the classic Día de Muertos bread is forgiving for beginners but tastes like it came from a panadería.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
  • Zest of 2 medium oranges
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F), 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl), whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, orange zest, and salt. Make a well in the center. Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, orange blossom water, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
  3. Knead the dough: Increase mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn onto a floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes. The dough should pass the windowpane test.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough gently. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two pieces: one larger piece (about two-thirds) for the base, and one smaller piece for decorations. Shape the larger piece into a round loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Divide the smaller piece into parts: roll small ropes to form four ‘bones’ (strips placed crosswise on top) and a small ball for the top center. Press decorations gently into the surface.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy but not doubled.
  7. Preheat and egg wash: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Gently brush the risen loaf with the egg wash.
  8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The bread should be deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil if decorations brown too quickly.
  9. Make the glaze: While the bread bakes, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, orange blossom water, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until thick but pourable.
  10. Glaze and serve: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. While still warm, brush the glaze generously over the top. Let soak in for a few minutes, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and sesame seeds if using.

Notes

Temperature is key: warm milk (110°F) for yeast activation, and a warm draft-free spot for rising. The dough can be made ahead through the first rise and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Freeze unglazed baked bread for up to 3 months; glaze fresh after thawing. The orange blossom flavor deepens overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pan de Muerto, Day of the Dead bread, orange blossom bread, Mexican sweet bread, traditional bread, Día de Muertos recipe, homemade bread

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/traditional-pan-de-muerto-with-orange-blossom-glaze-easy-homemade-recipe/