Description
Celebrate Epiphany in style with this classic Mexican King’s Bread, a sweet and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. This traditional bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with a hint of orange zest and a rich, buttery crumb. Enjoy the excitement of finding the hidden figurines while savoring each slice of this delicious bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For decoration:
- candied fruits (such as figs, cherries, or citron)
- egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk)
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Main Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, butter, orange zest, and vanilla. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. Let rise for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until a crumbly paste forms. Set aside.
- Shaping and Baking: Shape the risen dough into a large oval ring. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the bread with egg wash, add the topping, decorate with candied fruits, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Traditionally served on Epiphany (Día de Reyes).
- May contain hidden figurines representing baby Jesus.
- Whoever finds a figurine hosts a party on Día de la Candelaria (Feb 2).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
