Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead) Recipe

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Mix well.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the warm milk, orange juice, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round loaf.

Transfer the loaves to the prepared baking sheet and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake the pan de muertos for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the bread is still warm, brush the tops with orange juice, then sprinkle sugar generously over the loaves.

Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serve and enjoy!