Pan De Meurete (Bread of the Dead) or Sugar Skull Cake

Jun 05, 2023June 5, 20230 2
Traditional Mexican Pan De Meurete Bread of the Dead Recipe for Dia de los Muertos
in Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

2 hr 10 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter , melted and cooled
6 eggs , lightly beaten
2 tablespoons anise water
2 tablespoons orange blossom water
1 tablespoon grated fresh orange zest
1 1/2 cups confectioners ' sugar ( icing sugar )
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
milk , as needed
pink sugar crystals , for decoration
fondant , skulls and bones for decoration

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
507
Sugar
33g
Fat
23g
Pan De Meurete, also known as Bread of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican bread that is commonly made for Dia de los Muertos, a holiday that honors deceased loved ones. This bread is shaped into skulls and bones, representing death and the afterlife. It is believed that the spirits of the dead return to the living world on Dia de los Muertos, and the bread is left as an offering. Though it has a somber purpose, this bread is delicious and festive. Its sweet and aromatic flavors make it a wonderful dessert or breakfast option, and its cultural significance makes it a unique addition to any celebration.

Instructions

1.Add yeast and warm water to a mixing bowl and let stand for 5 minutes.
2.In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar together.
3.Add melted butter, beaten eggs, anise water, orange blossom water, and orange zest to the bowl with yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
4.Gradually add in the flour mixture until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
5.Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6.Preheat your oven to 350°F.
7.Shape the dough into a large, round loaf, then use a knife to create skull and bone shapes on the top of the loaf.
8.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
9.Once cool, mix together confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl with enough milk to form a glaze.
10.Spread the glaze over the bread and decorate with pink sugar crystals, fondant skulls, and bones.

PROS

Pan De Meurete is a flavorful bread that is traditionally made for Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday celebrating deceased loved ones.

The sugar and orange zest give this bread a hint of sweetness and citrus, while the anise and orange blossom water add unique and delicious flavors.

This bread is a festive and cultural addition to any meal or celebration.

CONS

This bread is high in sugar and butter, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is also time-consuming to make, so be prepared to spend several hours in the kitchen.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this bread is not the healthiest food option, it does have some potential health benefits.
Anise has been linked to improving digestion and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while orange blossom water can improve mood and help with sleep.

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