| Prep: 2 hours 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 22g | 13g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 2g | 10g | 0.40g |
About Pan Dulce
From the heart of Mexican bakeries, we bring you the sweet symphony of Pan Dulce. This sweet bread, traditionally savored with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, has charmed the taste buds of foodies from around the globe. As its name indicates, Pan Dulce offers a delightful mix of refined sweetness draped in a vibrant, colorful sugar crust. Far from your ordinary bread, it stands as a testament to Mexico’s vast and rich culinary landscape. If you’ve had the fortune of tasting the Conchas or Piggy Cookies, the taste and texture of Pan Dulce will resonate with familiar delight.
The Essence of Pan Dulce
Pan Dulce, translated as sweet bread, depends on a balance of flavors and technique to achieve its distinctive character. Its defining ingredients alone promise a treat — a medley of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a hint of vanilla. However, what truly sets this bread apart is the vibrant sugar crust topping, which often comes in many eye-catching colors thanks to a few drops of food coloring.
Though straddling the line between bread and pastry, Pan Dulce holds its own as a breakfast staple and a perfect accompaniment for daily moments of relaxation. Enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a rewarding afternoon snack.
Cultural Significance and Pairing Ideas
Going beyond its delightful flavor profile, Pan Dulce holds significant cultural importance for Mexico. Offered as a token of friendship and served during special occasions, this bread encompasses the warmth of Mexican hospitality. Its pairings, like a good story, are best when shared. Try it with a cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate or a slice of Queso Fresco to truly appreciate its versatile nature.
Digging into Pan Dulce
Creating your own Pan Dulce is an enticing venture. As the warm aroma of baking bread fills your kitchen, with an almost hypnotic swirl of sugar and yeast, you’ll find yourself immersed in the heart of a Mexican bakery. When the finished product emerges from the oven, charmingly golden and tempting to touch, the reward is twofold — the sheer joy of creation, and of course, the unforgettable taste that earns Pan Dulce its much-deserved fame.
What You’ll Need
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup water, warm (105-110 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1/2 cup milk, warm (105-110 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dusting
- Several drops of food coloring
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and foamy. Add warm milk, sugar, and softened unsalted butter to the bowl and stir well to combine.
Step Two
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add this dry mixture gradually into the yeast mixture, mixing well to combine.
Step Three
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to form a dough.
Step Four
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking.
Step Five
Place the kneaded dough in a large greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized pieces, around 16. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Step Seven
Brush each dough ball with melted unsalted butter, then sprinkle with granulated sugar. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Step Eight
While the dough balls are rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Nine
Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Ten
Dust with flour before serving if you desire.
Step Eleven
Enjoy your homemade Pan Dulce with a hot beverage of your choice.
