Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with this Pan de Muertos recipe

As Spanish cultures celebrate Dia de los Muertos, the traditional food is just as important as the carefully laid ofrendas. With this Pan de Muertos recipe from Andaz Mexico City Condesa, the delicious pastry will have all cultures celebrating the past, present, and future.

Within the Dia de los Muertos celebration, there are many traditional items. From the marigolds that fill the ofrenda to the colorful, sugar skulls, the visual is as important as the sentiment behind the celebration. While people celebrate their loved ones who have passed, that connection to the past is just as important continuing the traditions for future generations.

Although many families have their own food offerings, the Pan de Muertos recipe is a popular choice not only for its visual but also for its nuanced flavor. At first glance, the bone-shaped decoration represents the circle of life. While never meant to be scary, the idea is to bring that connection between the current lives and the past ones.

More importantly, the flavor is one that entices people to ask for a second serving. Usually flavored with honey, the sweetness is apparent, but not overpowering. Traditionally made with amaranth, which is a seed, the dessert is a combination of sweet and earthy.

Often the Pan de Muertos is served with Mexican Hot chocolate. Consider tearing off a piece, dipping it into the hot chocolate, and enjoying a combination bite. The slight spice from the hot chocolate with the sweetness of the honey is quite enjoyable.

While Derba Matcha Café in Andaz Mexico City Condesa will be serving their offering through November 5, not everyone can enjoy that taste in person. Luckily, the chefs have shared their recipe so that everyone can make a version at home.

Pan de Muertos recipe from Derba Matcha Café in Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Ingredients

• 2.2 lb. flour
• 9 oz Sugar
• 8 Eggs
• 9 oz Butter
• 3.5 oz Milk
• 0.5 oz Salt
• 1 oz Yeast
• Orange zest (from 1 orange)
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 0.5 oz Grounded Cinnamon
• 0.5 oz Orange blossom essence

Decoration

• 9 oz melted butter
• 18 oz of refined sugar

Procedure

• Mix all the ingredients except the butter, knead the ingredients for approximately 15 minutes, add the butter until the dough is smooth and let the dough rest at room temperature for an hour and a half.
• Portion the dough to make balls and little bones to make a decorative loaf in a layered dome shape. Let the dough ferment until it doubles in volume, then place it in a baking sheet and bake at 340°F for 18 minutes.
• completed, allow for a short time to cool, and create a final, sweet finish by brushing the bread with butter and covering it with sugar.