Gourmet Pan de Muerto
A delicious and festive twist on the traditional Pan de Muerto, perfect for Dia de los Muertos celebrations or any special occasion.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 3.25 cupsGluten-Free Bread Flour(Ensure it's certified gluten-free)
- 1.50 tspInstant Yeast(Active dry yeast can be substituted)
- 1.50 tspKosher Salt
- 0.50 cupAlmond Milk(For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk)
- 2.00 TbspOrange Essence
- 1.00 TbspOrange Flower Water
- 1.00 TbspOrange Zest(Finely grated)
- 3.00 largeEggs(Room temperature)
- 0.50 cupGranulated Sugar
- 15.00 TbspUnsalted Butter(Room temperature, divided)
- 0.50 cupConfectioners Sugar(For dusting)
Instructions
Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer. Add orange essence, orange flower water, orange zest, and eggs. Mix on low until just combined (1-2 minutes).
Estimated time: 5 minutes
Switch to the dough hook and mix on medium-low until the dough detaches from the bowl (6-8 minutes).
Estimated time: 8 minutes
Gradually add sugar and 7 tablespoons of butter while mixing on low. Increase speed to medium and mix until the dough is shiny and elastic (6-8 minutes).
Estimated time: 8 minutes
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until nearly doubled (1.5-2 hours).
Estimated time: 120 minutes
Divide 1/5 of the dough, roll into a ½-inch rope, cut into 16 pieces, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate.
Estimated time: 15 minutes
Divide the remaining dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, flatten slightly, and place on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise (1.5 hours).
Estimated time: 90 minutes
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll each dough log into a 6-inch length, pinch in 2-3 places, and arrange in an X shape on the dough rounds.
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Bake until puffed and lightly browned (18-20 minutes).
Estimated time: 20 minutes
Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Melt remaining butter and brush over the tops.
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Dust with confectioners sugar and serve.
Estimated time: 5 minutes