Chilean Pan de Pascua, also known as Easter Bread, is a cherished traditional sweet bread enjoyed in Chile, particularly during the Christmas holiday season, despite its name suggesting an Easter association. This delightful bread has become an integral part of Chilean Christmas celebrations, symbolizing festivity and family gatherings. Its origins can be traced back to European influences, particularly the German stollen and Italian panettone, which were adapted over time to create this uniquely Chilean version.
Pan de Pascua is characterized by its rich, moist texture, and its distinct flavor profile, achieved through a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. The preparation of this bread often involves soaking the dried fruits in brandy or rum, infusing the bread with a deeper, more complex taste. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- 1/2 cup chopped candied citron
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Method
1. Soak Fruits: In a large bowl, mix the raisins, dried apricots, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, candied citron, and brandy or rum. Cover with plastic wrap and let soak for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt.
4. Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
5. Form Dough: Gradually add in the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. First Rise: Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
8. Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Incorporate Fruit: Add the melted butter to the soaked fruit and mix well. Punch down the dough and knead in the fruit mixture until evenly distributed.
10. Shape Loaves: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a round loaf. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
11. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush over the top of the loaves.
12. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Cool and Dust: Remove from the oven, let cool on a wire rack, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Fruit Variations: Customize the dried fruit mix with dates, figs, or cranberries.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute brandy or rum with orange juice or apple juice.
- Storage: Best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent staleness.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 1/2 cups raisins
- Calories: 651
- Carbohydrates: 154 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 18 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, B vitamins
- Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Raisins are a good source of energy, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and digestion.
2. 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- Calories: 313
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
- Minerals: Potassium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Dried apricots are rich in fiber and antioxidants, promoting healthy digestion and eye health.
3. 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Candied orange peel provides a source of fiber and vitamin C, supporting immune health.
4. 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Candied lemon peel is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, contributing to immune and digestive health.
5. 1/2 cup chopped candied citron
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Candied citron offers fiber and vitamin C, aiding in digestive health and immune function.
6. 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides flavor; alcohol evaporates during cooking.
7. 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Milk provides calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
8. 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Calories: 21
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Yeast adds B vitamins and helps dough rise.
9. 1/2 cup sugar
- Calories: 387
- Carbohydrates: 100 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy.
10. 3 eggs
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Cholesterol: 555 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, supporting muscle and brain health.
11. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0.9 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
12. 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Nutmeg contains antioxidants and supports digestion.
13. 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cloves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
14. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0.5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Allspice contains antioxidants and supports digestion.
15. 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor.
16. 5 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 2280
- Carbohydrates: 480 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates and protein, supporting energy and muscle function.
17. 1/2 cup melted butter
- Calories: 814
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fat: 92 g
- Sodium: 726 mg
- Cholesterol: 244 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin E
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and richness; source of fat-soluble vitamins.
18. 1 egg yolk
- Calories: 55
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 2.7 g
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Cholesterol: 184 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.
19. 1 tablespoon milk
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a small amount of essential nutrients.
20. Powdered sugar for dusting
- Calories: Varies (approximately 120 calories per 1/4 cup)
- Carbohydrates: Varies (approximately 30 g per 1/4 cup)
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and a decorative touch.
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