Imagine a golden, aromatic loaf that’s bursting with festive colors and irresistible aromas—that’s Mexican King’s Bread. This tender, buttery treat is more than just bread; it’s a centerpiece for celebration! With its plush crumb, a wonderful citrus-cinnamon vibe, and vibrant candied fruits glistening on top, every slice is a bite of pure joy. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or just treating yourself, Mexican King’s Bread brings tradition, fun, and a touch of delicious magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mexican King’s Bread is crafted from simple pantry staples, but each ingredient has a special role in building its signature flavor and festive look. Gather these essentials to start your baking adventure—remember, quality ingredients really do make a difference!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the bread, giving it a soft yet structured crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the citrus and spice notes.
- Active dry yeast: Brings the bread to life, making it rise tall and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- Warm milk: Makes the dough rich and tender—be sure it’s not too hot, or it could harm the yeast.
- Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and combines with milk for the perfect hydration.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses every bite with luxurious flavor and softness.
- Eggs: Create a light, rich texture and contribute to the beautiful golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that makes the bread especially inviting.
- Orange zest: Gives the bread its signature burst of bright, sunny flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings gentle warmth and spicy-sweet complexity to the loaf.
- Candied fruits (figs, citron, cherries): Not only decorate beautifully but offer chewy, colorful bites in every slice.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on before baking to achieve a dazzling golden-brown finish.
- Powdered sugar: Mixed into a glaze, it adds that final festive drizzle.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the powdered sugar to make a smooth, pourable topping.
How to Make Mexican King’s Bread
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Let the butter come to room temperature for easy blending, and make sure your milk and water are warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast properly. Prepping everything ahead makes the baking process a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir everything together with a whisk or wooden spoon to ensure even distribution—this step gives your dough a perfect start!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, warm water, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. This mixture is where most of the flavor magic happens, layering the bread with richness, fragrance, and a hint of citrus.
Step 4: Make and Knead the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Take in the aroma as the orange and cinnamon blend with the butter—it’s irresistible!
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size—this is when Mexican King’s Bread starts to get its light, airy crumb.
Step 6: Shape and Fill
Punch down the dough to release excess air, then shape it into an oval or a ring. If you want to follow tradition, tuck a small plastic figurine or dried bean inside the dough. Transfer your creation onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for its second rise.
Step 7: Second Rise and Decoration
Let the shaped dough rise again, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes. This short second rise ensures the bread will be fluffy after baking. Then, brush the surface with the beaten egg and decorate with strips of candied fruit—be as creative as you like!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color and a glorious, fragrant kitchen. Let it cool on a rack so it stays perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 9: Add the Final Glaze
Mix powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze, then drizzle it lavishly over your cooled Mexican King’s Bread. You can add extra candied fruits or sprinkles for even more festive flair!
How to Serve Mexican King’s Bread
Garnishes
Mexican King’s Bread absolutely sparkles with garnishes. The classic is a dazzling array of candied fruits arranged in stripes or patterns across the top, but don’t stop there—sprinkle on toasted slivered almonds, pearl sugar, or even a finishing dusting of orange zest for extra flair. Each slice feels like unwrapping a present!
Side Dishes
Enjoying a fresh slice of Mexican King’s Bread pairs beautifully with a creamy cup of hot chocolate, Mexican atole, or even a simple coffee for a cozy, authentic experience. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside seasonal fruit, yogurt, or a bowl of fresh berries to balance out its sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Mexican King’s Bread into the star of any festive table by presenting it on a vibrant platter surrounded by extra candied fruits and flowers. For extra fun, serve each slice with a tiny flag or festive toothpick—perfect for parties! And if you’re hiding the traditional figurine inside, be sure to make the reveal part of your gathering’s excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Mexican King’s Bread (lucky you!), simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and flavorful for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long in our house.
Freezing
Want to save some of your celebration for later? Mexican King’s Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to two months; when you’re ready, just thaw it at room temperature for a fresh-tasting treat.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to its original warmth and softness, pop slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven wrapped loosely in foil for 5–8 minutes. The glaze will melt slightly and the aromas will come alive again!
FAQs
What is the figurine inside Mexican King’s Bread for?
Traditionally, a small figurine (often representing baby Jesus) or a bean is hidden in the bread. The lucky person who finds it is asked to host the next party, keeping the spirit of sharing and celebration alive.
Can I make Mexican King’s Bread without candied fruit?
Absolutely! While candied fruit is classic and beautifully decorative, you can use dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or even keep it plain if you prefer a simpler loaf—it will still be delicious and festive.
Is it possible to make Mexican King’s Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead, let it rise, then shape and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking, or freeze the fully baked (and glazed) bread for later enjoyment.
Does this bread work with alternative flours or dairy-free substitutions?
You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free version and use a dairy-free butter and plant-based milk. The texture may vary slightly, but it still makes a very tasty bread.
What makes Mexican King’s Bread unique compared to other holiday breads?
The combination of pillowy texture, aromatic orange zest and cinnamon, and the playful tradition of hiding a figurine inside makes Mexican King’s Bread a warm, meaningful centerpiece for gatherings. It truly brings people together with every slice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a baking project that feels like a celebration in every step, you simply have to try making Mexican King’s Bread at home. There’s something magical about the colors, aromas, and shared traditions wrapped up in this sweet, festive loaf—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Mexican King’s Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Mexican King’s Bread, known as Rosca de Reyes, is a festive sweet bread typically enjoyed during Epiphany celebrations. This recipe yields a delicious, slightly sweet bread adorned with candied fruits and a hidden trinket inside for luck.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Decoration and Glaze:
- Candied fruits (such as figs, citron, and cherries)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, water, butter, eggs, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix into a dough. Knead for 8–10 minutes. Let rise for 1–1.5 hours. Shape and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Baking: Brush with beaten egg, decorate with candied fruit. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Glazing: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- This bread is traditionally served during Epiphany on January 6th and may contain a hidden figurine. The person who finds it hosts the next celebration.
- Candied fruit can be substituted with dried fruit or omitted for a simpler version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
