Pan Dulce

Pan Dulce Recipe from Mexico | Ingredients: yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, cinnamon

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 18

Introduction

Pan Dulce, also known as Mexican sweet bread, is a traditional pastry that is popular in Mexican cuisine. This sweet and fluffy bread is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast or as a snack. The bread is typically topped with a sweet and crumbly topping that adds a delicious crunch to each bite.

History

Pan Dulce has its origins in Spain, where it was influenced by the Moorish and Jewish cultures. The recipe was brought to Mexico during the Spanish colonization and has since become a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine. The bread is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Christmas.

Ingredients

The Bread

1 package dry yeast
0.75 cup warm water (105°F (41°C) to 115°F)
0.75 cup sugar
3 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs, beaten
0.5 tsp salt
3.5 cups all-purpose flour

The Topping

1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp salt
0.5 cup butter or margarine
1 egg yolk

How to prepare

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl; let the yeast mixture stand for 5 minutes.
Add 0.75 cup of sugar, melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and 0.5 tsp of salt to the yeast mixture, and beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until the ingredients are well blended.
Gradually add 3.5 cups of flour, beating until the mixture is smooth (the dough will be sticky).
Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place (85°F), free from drafts, for 1.5 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Punch the dough down; turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (2 to 3 minutes).
Shape the dough into 18 balls and place them 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
Flatten each ball slightly.
Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, ground cinnamon, and 0.13 tsp of salt in a medium mixing bowl; cut in 0.5 cup of butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Stir in the egg yolk.
Shape the mixture into 18 balls; roll each ball to a 3-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Using a metal spatula, place one circle on top of each roll (the circles should completely cover the top of each roll).
Score through the topping and halfway through the roll with a sharp knife, forming a swirl or a crisscross design.
Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Variations

Add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use different spices in the topping, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.
Experiment with different shapes and designs for the rolls to create a visually appealing presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to create a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to flatten each ball of dough slightly before adding the topping to ensure even baking.

- Score the topping with a sharp knife to create a decorative design on top of the rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Pan Dulce is best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the dough rise until doubled in size to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to create a tender crumb.

- Score the topping with a sharp knife to create decorative designs on top of the rolls.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. Let the rolls come to room temperature before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pan Dulce on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also arrange the rolls in a basket lined with a colorful cloth for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pan Dulce pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or Mexican hot chocolate. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a fruity agua fresca.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Pan Dulce in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pan Dulce contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pan Dulce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Pan Dulce contains approximately 10 grams of fat. Fat is important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of Pan Dulce contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Pan Dulce is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, it does contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Pan Dulce contains wheat, eggs, and dairy (margarine), which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this bread.

Summary

Pan Dulce is a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content. It is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and is perfect for special occasions or holidays.

Summary

Pan Dulce is a delicious and indulgent sweet bread that is perfect for special occasions or holidays. With a sweet and crumbly topping and a fluffy interior, this bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy a taste of Mexico with this traditional recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. My abuelita had invited me into the kitchen one afternoon to help her bake a special treat – Pan Dulce.

I watched with wide eyes as she pulled out all the ingredients from the pantry – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and yeast. She explained each step of the process to me, showing me how to knead the dough until it was soft and smooth. As the sweet aroma of the freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, I knew that this recipe was something special.

Over the years, I have made Pan Dulce many times, perfecting the recipe with each batch. But the true magic of this sweet bread lies not in the ingredients or the technique, but in the memories it brings back of my abuelita and the time we spent together in the kitchen.

The secret to making the perfect Pan Dulce, as my abuelita taught me, is to let the dough rise slowly and patiently. This allows the flavors to develop and the bread to become light and airy. I remember her telling me that the key to a good Pan Dulce is to put love and care into every step of the process.

As I mix the ingredients together in a large bowl, I can almost hear my abuelita’s voice guiding me through the recipe. She always said that the most important ingredient in any dish is love, and I can feel that love flowing through me as I shape the dough into small rounds and place them on a baking sheet.

As the Pan Dulce bakes in the oven, the familiar scent fills the air and brings a smile to my face. I can almost see my abuelita standing beside me, her hands covered in flour and her face glowing with pride. She taught me not only how to make Pan Dulce, but also the importance of family, tradition, and love.

When the bread is finally ready, I take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The golden crust and soft, fluffy interior are a testament to the care and dedication that went into making it. I can’t wait to share this special treat with my own family, passing down the recipe and the memories that come with it.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of Pan Dulce with a cup of hot chocolate, I close my eyes and savor the flavors that transport me back to that small kitchen in Mexico. I can almost hear the laughter of my abuelita and feel her warm embrace. In that moment, I realize that the recipe for Pan Dulce is not just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage, and a reminder of the love that binds us together.

And so, as I continue to bake Pan Dulce for my family and friends, I carry on the tradition that was passed down to me by my abuelita. I will always cherish the memories of our time in the kitchen, and the joy that comes from sharing a homemade treat with the ones we love. For me, Pan Dulce is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of love, family, and tradition that will always hold a special place in my heart.