As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and coziness of freshly baked treats to bring festive cheer into your home. This Mexican Christmas baking recipe for Pan De Nata, also known as Clotted Cream Bread, is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and traditional ingredients that will surely become a beloved addition to your holiday menu. The heavenly aroma of this sweet bread wafting through your kitchen is like a hug in food form, inviting everyone to gather around and indulge in the magic of the season.
Pan De Nata Clotted Cream Bread
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup Mexican clotted cream (nata)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the egg yolks to the butter, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gently fold in the Mexican clotted cream (nata) and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together.
8. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each piece into a ball or desired shape.
9. Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion while baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the Pan De Nata from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, dust the top of the bread with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch.
Enjoy the delightful aroma and flavors of this Pan De Nata Clotted Cream Bread with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite festive drink. This recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or any special occasion when you want to infuse your home with the spirit of Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Warm, buttery, and with a hint of cinnamon, each bite of this sweet bread is a taste of joy that will surely become a cherished treat in your household. Gather your family and friends, and savor the magic of the season with this delicious Mexican-inspired recipe.
