Public Recipe

Pan de Muerto 1 (Bread of the Dead)

Name: Pan de Muerto 1 (Bread of the Dead)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 500g (4 cups) bread flour; 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast; 120g (½ cup) sugar; 1 tsp salt; Zest of 1 orange; 180ml (¾ cup) warm milk; 4 large eggs; 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2 tsp orange blossom water optional; ½ tsp anise seed optional but traditional; For finishing; extra butter; sugar

Shared on 10/26/2025

This isn’t just bread. It’s remembrance. Every fall in Mexico, families bake Pan de Muerto to honor those who’ve passed. The aroma of orange and anise fills kitchens as the bread rises, its bone-shaped decorations symbolizing the circle of life. This version keeps it traditional but easy for home bakers. It’s tender, rich, and just sweet enough to make you pause before that first bite.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Bake Time

40 minutes

Difficulty

intermediate

Yield

yeast bread

Ingredients

500g (4 cups) bread flour

10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast

120g (½ cup) sugar

1 tsp salt

Zest of 1 orange

180ml (¾ cup) warm milk

4 large eggs

115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp orange blossom water optional

½ tsp anise seed optional but traditional

For finishing

extra butter

sugar

Instructions

1

Stir the yeast into the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. When it looks foamy, it’s ready.

2

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and anise seed if using. Add the eggs, yeast mixture, and softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms. It will look rough at first, and that’s fine.

3

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1½ to 2 hours.

4

Set aside a small handful of dough. Shape the rest into a round loaf. Roll the reserved dough into thin ropes and cross them over the top to form the “bones.” Cover and let it rise again for about an hour.

5

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.

6

While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter and dust it with sugar for a soft, sweet crust.

Equipment

Tips

•Orange blossom water adds a beautiful floral note. If you don’t have it, use more orange zest or a splash of vanilla.
•It’s best enjoyed the same day, but it also makes incredible toast the next morning.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Bread browning too quickly?
Solution: Cover it loosely with foil near the end of baking.

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