Pan De Muerto

What is Pan Muerto?

Pan de Muerto is a kind of Mexican sweet bread.  It’s also an offering that’s placed at a loved one’s altar or tombstone every November 1st and 2nd for Dia de Los Muertos, honoring their departure.  When your loved one’s spirits arrive on Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), they can feast on the bread and any other foods you placed at the site while you rejoice in each other’s company.

Simple Ingredients

Pan de Muerto may look fancy, but the ingredients are quite simple. You probably have most of them already!

Make the Dough

Make the dough for your pan de muerto. It's a simple recipe flavored with orange zest & orange blossom water.

Let it Rise

The dough will double in size during the rising time. 

Shape the Dough

Divide the dough and shape some of it into 8 buns. Reserve some of the dough to make the bones.

Make the "Bones"

Shape the rest of the dough into "skull" and "bone" shapes.

Assemble

Add the bones to the buns, then brush with egg wash and bake until golden.

Add Sugar

Dip the baked buns into melted butter, then dip them into sugar and let the bread cool. 

Dig In

Take a big bite! This fluffy pan de muerto goes perfectly with hot chocolate.