Pan de Muerto (sweet bread)

Instructions

• Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. If the mixture bubbles, the yeast is “alive” and you can continue with the recipe.
• Make the Dough: Place the flour on a clean work surface and create a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, the rest of the sugar, eggs, orange blossom water (or vanilla), orange zest, and salt into the well.
• Combine Ingredients: Start mixing the ingredients in the center with your hands, then incorporate the flour until it forms a cohesive dough.
• Add Butter: Add the room-temperature butter and continue kneading until fully integrated. The dough will be sticky, so you may need to sprinkle a little flour on the work surface/hands while kneading for about 20 minutes. (If you have a stand mixer, you can use that for kneading.)
• Let it Rise: Once the dough is ready, place it in a bowl with a bit of oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (this can take about an hour).
• Shape the Bread: Prepare a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle some flour on the work surface. Once the dough has risen, place it on the work surface and flatten it into a rectangle.
• Cut and Shape: Roll the rectangle from the long side and cut it into four equal pieces, reserving one for the “bones” of the bread. Divide the other three pieces in half to create 6 Pan de Muerto.
• Form the Breads: Shape the 6 pieces into balls and place them on the baking sheet, slightly flattening them and ensuring there’s space between them as they will rise.
• Make the “Bones”: For the reserved dough, add a tablespoon of flour and knead well. Form a rectangle and cut it into four, reserving one for the balls on top. Divide the remaining three into 12 pieces for the bones. Shape the pieces with your fingers and place them on top of the bread.
• Divide the reserved dough into 6 for the small balls and place them in the center of each Pan de Muerto.
• Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a kitchen towel and let the bread rise for another hour in a warm place.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Finish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Melt the butter and brush it over the bread, then sprinkle with sugar. Repeat until finished.
• Serve: You can add whipped cream, strawberry jam, and strawberries to one, or whipped cream with caramel to another, but feel free to get creative with your toppings! ❤️