Pan de Muerto, or “Bread of the Dead,” is not your everyday bread; it is a sweet offering that embodies the tradition of honoring the dead. Its origins come from the Aztecs: they made flatbreads made from amaranth seeds, offering various foods to the dead, much like today’s Day of the Dead altars. Ancient civilizations weren’t squeamish when it came to death, what with all the human sacrifices and such. The Romans, for example, turned death into a grand spectacle with their gladiator fights, while spectators devoured the Roman version of hot dogs and popcorn. The Aztecs, who were also known for sacrificing a few people here and there, sometimes performed this ritual atop their pyramids with large obsidian knives.
The reasons behind these sacrifices, as explained by Spanish accounts, need to be treated with caution. The Spanish did not speak the local language fluently, and they could describe the local population as “murderous savages” to justify conquest. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, the Aztec Empire was at its peak, and they had many prisoners of war. The mass sacrifices that the Spanish witnessed may have been more of a practical way of dealing with enemies than simply a religious ritual to appease the gods.
Back to bread! The Spanish brought wheat, and it was slowly adapted by the local population. Pan de Muerto also gets its signature flavor from orange peel, which is meant to symbolize the spirit of life — yes, even after you’re long gone, there’s still room for a little citrus flavor. The sugar on top reminds of the sweetness of life and death. If you want to go to the afterlife, you might as well go with a sweet smile.
During Dia de Muertos, Pan de Muerto is placed on altars (ofrendas) alongside candles, marigolds, and tequila (because even the dead deserve a good time). As you munch on this rich, sweet bread, remember: this is a delicious glimpse into the past, where offering snacks was preferable to, for example, offering them to your neighbors. Enjoy – life, death and bread have never tasted so good.
Dead Man’s Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
For Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange peel
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instruction:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Leave it for about 10 minutes until it foams.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the warm milk and active yeast mixture.
- Shape the Dough: Make a hole in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the wet ingredients. Add the softened butter little by little, stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First Awakening: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let sit in a warm place for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough, then divide it into two parts—one large part for the base, and a small part for decoration. Shape the larger pieces into round patties. With the smaller piece, roll the dough into pressed pieces in the shape of a peace symbol to get two thinner pieces and three fatter pieces. Boom, you’ve made bone-shaped dough. Place it decoratively on top.
- Second Awakening: Place the formed bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap or cloth, and let rise again for approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen a second time, bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Add Toppings: Let the bread cool slightly, then brush with melted butter. Sprinkle enough granulated sugar (mixed with cinnamon, if using) on top.
Enjoy your Pan de Muerto: Serve your Pan de Muerto with hot chocolate or café de olla as part of your Dia de Muertos celebration. Enjoy this treat while honoring your loved ones!
Stephen Randallhas lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He is an enthusiastic amateur chef and takes inspiration from a variety of different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean. The recipe can also be found atYouTube.