Day-of-the-Dead Bread Recipe

Name: Day-of-the-Dead Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4-1/2 cups flour, divided; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 env. active dry yeast; 1 Tbsp. anise seed; 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest Safeway 1 lb For $0.79 thru 02/09; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 tsp. salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter; 5 eggs, divided; 1 Tbsp. KOOL-AID Orange Flavor Sugar-Sweetened Drink Mix; 1 Tbsp. sugar; 1-1/2 tsp. water

Servings: persons

4-1/2 cups flour, divided
3/4 cup sugar
2 env. active dry yeast
1 Tbsp. anise seed
1 Tbsp. grated orange zest Safeway 1 lb For $0.79 thru 02/09
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
5 eggs, divided
1 Tbsp. KOOL-AID Orange Flavor Sugar-Sweetened Drink Mix
1 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. water

1
Mix 1-1/2 cups of the flour, the 3/4 cup sugar, yeast, anise seed, orange zest, cinnamon and salt in large bowl; set aside.
2
Place milk, 1/2 cup water and the butter in small saucepan.
3
Cook on low heat until mixture reaches 105F to 115F; stir.
4
Make a well in center of flour mixture.
5
Add milk mixture; stir until well blended.
6
Lightly beat 4 of the eggs.
7
Add to flour mixture; mix well.
8
Gradually add remaining 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until dough is smooth but not sticky.
9
Place dough on lightly floured surface; knead 20 min.
10
Place in large greased bowl; cover with greased sheet of plastic wrap and towel.
11
Let stand at room temperature 1-1/2 hours.
12
Remove 1/4 of the dough; shape into 3-inch pieces to resemble bones and tears.
13
Set aside.
14
Divide remaining dough in half; shape each piece into a ball.
15
Place on floured surface; knead 5 min.
16
Place on greased baking sheet.
17
Decorate balls of dough with dough pieces as desired; cover with greased plastic wrap and towel.
18
Let rise at room temperature 1-1/2 hours or until dough is doubled in volume.
19
Preheat oven to 350F.
20
Beat remaining egg.
21
Brush over dough.
22
Bake 40 min.
23
or until golden brown.
24
Mix drink mix, 1 Tbsp.
25
sugar and 1-1/2 tsp.
26
water; brush over warm bread.
27
Cool completely.

931

kcal

Calories

Fat

122

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4-1/2 cups flour, divided, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 env. active dry yeast, 1 Tbsp. anise seed, and more.

Yes, Day-of-the-Dead Bread falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Day-of-the-Dead Bread

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions