Description
Rosca de Reyes, also known as Mexican King’s Bread or Three Kings Bread, is a traditional sweet bread enjoyed on January 6th to celebrate Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). This festive bread is rich with orange zest, cinnamon, and candied fruits, making it a delightful treat for Epiphany celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
Sugar Paste:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
Additional:
- 1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Candied fruits (such as figs, cherries, citrus peel)
- Guava paste or quince paste strips
- 2–3 small baby figurines (optional, for tradition)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flours, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest. Add softened butter, eggs, orange extract, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Rise the Dough: Let the dough rise until doubled, then shape into a ring on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Sugar Paste: Mix egg yolk, powdered sugar, flour, and butter. Roll into strips.
- Decorate and Bake: Brush dough with egg wash, lay sugar paste strips, add fruits and bake until golden.
- Final Touches: Cool the bread and insert optional figurines.
Notes
- Traditionally served on January 6th to celebrate Día de los Reyes.
- Whoever finds a figurine in their slice hosts a tamale party on February 2nd.
- Orange zest and candied fruit give this bread its festive flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
