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Best Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze Recipe

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This Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze is a soft, slightly sweet bread with a fragrant floral glaze that makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for Dia de los Muertos gatherings or any fall celebration. It’s the bread that makes people stop mid-conversation and go back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Additional orange zest for garnish
  • Coarse sanding sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water.
  4. Form the dough: Add yeast mixture and wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with dough hook until shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes. Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing on medium-low after each addition.
  5. Knead the dough: Increase speed to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Dough should pass the windowpane test.
  6. First rise: Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the dough: Punch down dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two pieces—one larger piece (about two-thirds) for the base, one smaller for decorations.
  8. Form the base: Shape larger piece into a round loaf about 6-7 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall. Place on prepared baking sheet.
  9. Create decorations: Divide remaining dough into small pieces. Roll four pieces into ropes about 6 inches long for ‘bones’. Roll one piece into a small ball for the top knot. Press ends of ropes to flatten slightly.
  10. Assemble the bread: Arrange four bone pieces on top of loaf in a cross pattern with flattened ends meeting in center. Place small ball in center. Gently press into dough.
  11. Second rise: Cover shaped bread loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.
  12. Preheat oven: About 15 minutes before second rise is done, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack in center.
  13. Bake the bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Tent with foil after 15 minutes if browning too quickly.
  14. Cool the bread: Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  15. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange blossom water, and enough orange juice to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  16. Glaze and decorate: Once bread is completely cool, drizzle glaze over top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and fresh orange zest while glaze is wet. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patience is key with yeast doughs. Ensure yeast is fresh and liquids are at the right temperature (110°F/43°C for water, warm but not hot milk). Room temperature eggs and butter are essential for a smooth dough. Orange blossom water is potent; start with the amount listed and adjust to taste. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and plant-based milk. The unglazed bread can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and glaze fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pan de Muerto, Day of the Dead bread, orange blossom glaze, Mexican sweet bread, Dia de los Muertos recipe, fall bread, festive bread

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/best-pan-de-muerto-with-orange-blossom-glaze-recipe/