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Cozy Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze

Pan de Muerto with Orange Blossom Glaze - featured image
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A soft, pillowy bread infused with orange zest and orange blossom water, topped with a delicate orange blossom glaze. Perfect for Dia de los Muertos or any cozy evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Orange zest strips (optional, for decoration)
  • Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) with 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. Make a well in the center.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and orange blossom water. Pour into the flour well along with yeast mixture and softened butter.
  4. Knead dough: Using dough hook, mix on low until dough comes together, then increase to medium and knead 6-8 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
  5. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5-2 hours until doubled.
  6. Shape bread: Punch down dough. Divide into two pieces (two-thirds for base, one-third for decorations). Shape large piece into a round loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Make bone decorations: Divide smaller piece into 4-6 pieces, roll each into a 6-inch rope, and place in a crisscross pattern on top of loaf. Add a small ball in the center. Press gently to adhere.
  8. Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange blossom water, orange juice, and pinch of salt until thick but pourable.
  11. Glaze while warm: Let bread cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Brush generously with glaze. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and orange zest strips if desired.
  12. Cool completely: Let bread cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If you don’t have orange blossom water, you can use vanilla extract instead. For a dairy-free version, swap milk for oat milk and use vegan butter. The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pan de Muerto, orange blossom, Dia de los Muertos, Mexican bread, sweet bread, orange glaze

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-pan-de-muerto-with-orange-blossom-glaze-easy-recipe/