He bread of the dead It is much more than just bread: it is a symbol of connection during the feast of Day of the Deadso sharing it during the season is an essential part of the celebration.
Even for those who want to maintain a balanced diet, there are healthier options that allow you to continue participating in the tradition without giving up the characteristic flavor of the dessert.
Traditionally, bread of the dead is a bun enriched with butter, eggs and sugar, decorated with strips of dough that simulate bones, and flavored with orange and orange blossom essence.
In the low calorie version, Part of the butter is replaced with applesauce and the white flour with whole wheat, but without losing its essence or that characteristic touch. In addition, it can be prepared at home and accompanied with a pot coffee or a citrus infusion.
The low-calorie bread of the dead recipe is designed for those looking for healthier options without abandoning the delicious flavor and aroma of the traditional recipe, so the result is a tender, aromatic and spongy bread, ideal to share on the Day of the Dead.
Ingredients:
- 300 g whole wheat flour
- 90–120 g unsweetened applesauce
- 60 g light icing sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 120 ml skim milk or sugar-free vegetable drink
- 7 g dry yeast
- orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom essence (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Procedure:
- Heat the milk slightly without boiling and mix with the dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it foams.
- In a large bowl, place the whole wheat flour, sugar, sweetener (if you decide to use it), and a pinch of salt.
- Add the egg, white, applesauce, orange zest and orange blossom essence.
- Add the milk and yeast mixture and begin to knead until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough (8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a hook mixer).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size (60 to 90 minutes).
- Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal portions; Reserve small balls and strips to form the decoration (the “bones” and the central ball of each bread).
- Shape each piece into a bun and decorate with the strips and dough balls.
- Place the loaves on a tray covered with parchment paper and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cool on a rack and, if desired, sprinkle with a touch of erythritol or light icing sugar.
