Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit
Traditional Mexican Rosca de Reyes bread enriched with orange blossom water and topped with colorful candied fruits, celebrating the Epiphany. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F) warm whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup, sliced candied fruit mix
- 1/4 cup, for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F) with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp orange zest.
- Step 3: Add 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 tsp orange blossom water, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Step 4: Mix and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough and form it into a large oval ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Step 7: Decorate the top with 1 cup sliced candied fruit, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Step 8: Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
- Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 10: Let cool completely, then dust with 1/4 cup powdered sugar before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sweet Rosca de Reyes Bread with Orange Blossom and Candied Fruit?
Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
