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Mexican King’s Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Mexican King’s Bread, or Rosca de Reyes, is a traditional festive bread characterized by its soft, sweet dough and colorful toppings. This recipe yields a beautifully braided oval ring topped with candied fruit and colored sugar, perfect for celebrations or sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 packets active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Toppings

  • Colored sugar
  • Candied fruit slices
  • 1 reserved egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients for the wet mixture.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (reserve one for the egg wash), melted butter, vanilla extract, and the proofed yeast mixture. Pour this mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into an oval ring by rolling and pinching the ends together securely.
  7. Second rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Decorate and egg wash: Brush the dough with the reserved egg to create a shiny glaze. Decorate the top with colored sugar and candied fruit slices as desired.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Use warm milk (about 100-110°F) to properly activate the yeast.
  • If the dough is too sticky during kneading, sprinkle flour incrementally but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
  • The second rise is crucial for a fluffy texture and to allow the dough to relax before shaping.
  • Decorate with traditional candied fruits such as figs, cherries, or citron to enhance authenticity.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/mexican-kings-bread-recipe-2/