Mexican King’s Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s both a feast for the eyes and a delight for your taste buds, look no further than Mexican King’s Bread. This sweet, citrus-scented loaf, bejeweled with candied fruit and almonds, is steeped in tradition and brings families together for a meaningful celebration. Whether you’re honoring Día de Reyes or simply craving a show-stopping dessert, Mexican King’s Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a golden, pillowy bread that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mexican King’s Bread lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from creating the soft, tender crumb to infusing the bread with bright flavor and beautiful color. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its soft, sturdy structure—perfect for holding all those delicious mix-ins.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the citrus and fruit.
- Active dry yeast: The key to that irresistible, fluffy rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of richness.
- Warm water: Works with the milk to create the ideal dough texture.
- Large eggs: Give the bread its tender crumb and beautiful color.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Orange zest: Brightens the bread with a fragrant citrus aroma.
- Lemon zest: Adds a tart, fresh note that pairs beautifully with the orange.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the loaf with a warm, comforting spice.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet, floral undertone that ties everything together.
- Candied fruit (chopped): Delivers pops of color and sweetness throughout the bread.
- Sliced almonds: Offer crunch and a nutty finish on top.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a snowy finish just before serving.
- Optional dried figs, cherries, or additional candied fruit: Perfect for extra flair and a personalized touch.
How to Make Mexican King’s Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, warm milk, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it turns foamy and fragrant. This step is crucial for a lofty, airy Mexican King’s Bread, so make sure your liquids are warm—not hot—to keep the yeast happy.
Step 2: Build Your Dough
Add the sugar, salt, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. Gradually work in the flour and softened butter, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together. Don’t worry if it looks a little shaggy—it will smooth out with kneading!
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, filling your kitchen with the scent of citrus and spice.
Step 4: Add Fruit and Shape
Punch down the dough to release the air, then knead in the candied fruit until it’s evenly distributed. Shape the dough into an oval or a classic ring, depending on your tradition or style. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. This second rise creates that pillowy, tender crumb Mexican King’s Bread is famous for.
Step 5: Decorate and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen dough with beaten egg for a shiny finish, then top with sliced almonds and extra candied fruit, dried figs, or cherries for a festive look. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Mexican King’s Bread
Garnishes
The finishing flourishes really make Mexican King’s Bread special. After baking, a thick snowfall of powdered sugar brings a touch of magic. For even more sparkle, scatter extra candied fruit, cherries, or sliced almonds over the top. If you’re following tradition, you can also nestle a small figurine into the loaf before baking—whoever finds it wins a fun prize!
Side Dishes
This bread begs to be served with something warm and comforting. Classic choices include a steaming mug of Mexican hot chocolate or café con leche. The subtle bitterness of coffee or the creamy sweetness of chocolate perfectly balances the fruity, fragrant bread, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Mexican King’s Bread to the next level by arranging it on a festive platter, surrounded by colorful citrus slices or a scattering of edible flowers. For parties, slice it into individual servings and wrap each in parchment with a ribbon. Or set up a DIY toppings bar with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh berries so guests can customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Mexican King’s Bread fresh and soft, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your home is particularly dry, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make Mexican King’s Bread ahead of time or save some for later, it freezes beautifully. Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices of Mexican King’s Bread in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until just warmed through. You can also toast slices lightly in a toaster oven. If you like, add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works great in this recipe! You can skip the proofing step and add it directly with the dry ingredients. Your Mexican King’s Bread will still turn out light and fluffy.
What if I don’t have candied fruit?
No worries! You can substitute with dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots. The flavor will be a little different, but your bread will still be delicious and colorful.
How do I hide the figurine safely in the bread?
If you want to follow tradition and hide a figurine, make sure it’s heat-safe and food-safe. Tuck it into the dough before the second rise, and let your guests know to look out for it when serving!
Can I make Mexican King’s Bread dairy free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk. The bread’s texture and flavor will still be wonderfully indulgent.
Is this bread only for Día de Reyes?
While Mexican King’s Bread is traditional for Día de Reyes, there’s no need to limit yourself! It makes a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table, brunch, or family celebration throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing Mexican King’s Bread with loved ones. It’s a recipe that’s rich in tradition, flavor, and joy—perfect for making memories that last long after the last crumb is gone. If you’ve never tried it before, now’s your moment. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every step of this festive, irresistible bake!
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Mexican King’s Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mexican King’s Bread, also known as Rosca de Reyes, is a traditional holiday bread enjoyed on January 6th for Día de Reyes. This sweet, fragrant bread is studded with colorful candied fruits and almonds, flavored with citrus zest and cinnamon, and baked to a golden perfection. Often decorated with additional dried fruits, it is perfect for festive celebrations and pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate or café con leche.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup candied fruit, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: dried figs, cherries, or additional candied fruit for decoration
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add flour and butter: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and the softened unsalted butter to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Add candied fruit: Punch down the risen dough gently and knead in the chopped candied fruit evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough: Shape the dough into an oval or ring shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Decorate and egg wash: Brush the surface of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden crust. Decorate with sliced almonds and optional dried figs, cherries, or additional candied fruit.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and dust: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar.
Notes
- This bread is traditionally served on January 6th in celebration of Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day).
- You can hide a small, heat-safe figurine inside the dough before baking to follow the traditional custom.
- Serve the Mexican King’s Bread warm or at room temperature with hot chocolate or café con leche for an authentic experience.
- Ensure the yeast is fresh and water/milk temperatures are warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- The dough may feel slightly sticky; do not add too much extra flour during kneading to keep the bread soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
