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Embracing my Mexican heritage and sharing all the wonderful flavors, colors and foods I grew up with. Join me on this journey as I also learn new foods and cooking techniques. Dedicated to my parents Ramiro and Blanca.

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Home » Pan Dulce~Sweet Bread » Elotes- Pan Dulce Mexicano

Elotes- Pan Dulce Mexicano

August 28, 201632 Comments

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I had been searching for this recipe for elotes for a long time. It is one of my favorites from la panadería (the bakery). One of the reasons I love searching for recipes on Pinterest, is that there are many recipes in Spanish as well. Some are a lot easier to translate than others. The other day as I was pinning away, I see this recipe pop up from one of the boards that I follow.

Try and try again! Stop Right Here!

Want a softer pan dulce? See updated and revised Elotes Recipe!

 Elotes-Pand Dulce Mexicano(Mexican Sweet Bread)

 It took me a little while to figure out the measurements exactly, but I just could not wait to test it out! I only added a few things to the recipe, such as anise, extra cinnamon and orange zest. It is a fun recipe to prepare for the upcoming fall harvest themed dinner, such as Thanksgiving, since the bread resembles an ear of corn. 

Elotes-Pan Dulce Mexicano

Enjoy the learning process!

When I take on a new recipe, there is a chance that it won’t turn out. That doesn’t stop me though. No matter the outcome, in the end I will have learned something new. That is my attitude and 9 out of 10 times the results are good. Have fun cooking!

Elotes Pan Dulce Mexicano #pandulce

Pictures speak a thousand words! 

Recipes like this require a visual! I was thankful that there were step by step pictures of the process. It was much easier for me to re-create the look of the pan dulce, elotes.

Elotes-Pan Dulce Mexicano

Elotes- Pan Dulce Mexicano

Notes: To the last 5 elotes, I added a little bit of blackberry filling. They baked up nicely, as long as the filling is thick and not runny, it should work with most fruit fillings.

Elotes Pan Dulce Mexicano #pandulce

Elotes Pan Dulce Mexicano #pandulce

Elotes Pan Dulce Mexicano

Elotes Pan de Dulce Mexicano ~Mexican Sweet Bread

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Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 15 Elotes

Ingredients

For Dough

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground anise optional
  • 1/2 cup shortening

For Filling

  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 orange optional
  • 2 drops of yellow food coloring optional
  • You will also need more sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • On a flat surface or large cutting board, add the 2 cups of flour. To the flour, add 1 teaspoon yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup sugar, mix with hands. Using your fingers, mix in the egg. Gradually mix in the water, the dough will be lumpy. Add in the cinnamon, anise and shortening. Knead the dough until smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
  • In another bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the filling. Mix with hands until dough forms. Make 15 small balls and roll them between the palms of your hands to form a skinny cigar shape, about 2 inches long. transfer to a plate, cover and set aside.
  • Make 15 equal dough balls with the reserved dough. Using a tortilla press lined with wax paper, press the dough ball out to about 3 inches. Using a knife or metal spatula, score straight lines across the flattened dough. Turn it and score it again so it crosses the other lines.
  • Carefully flip over and add filling down the center, fold in sides, press to seal. Pinch the end together and shape almost like an ear of corn.
  • Place seam side down onto lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning pan halfway through baking time. Bake until golden. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

Please remember that these are home-style recipes. You will never achieve the same results as a commercial Mexican Bakery. They have special ingredients and mixes that they use to mass produce their breads and pastries.
Tried this recipe?Mention @pinaenlacocina or tag #pinaenlacocina!

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Filed Under: Pan Dulce~Sweet Bread, Traditional Mexican Recipes Tagged With: Baking, Elotes, Pan Dulce, Sweet Bread

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcella Hall

    January 22, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing. This is my favorite sweet bread. Where I live in Oregon it is impossible to get without driving 3 or 4 hours. Now I can try making them myself.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      January 22, 2017 at 7:53 pm

      Marcella, I just want to let you know that the bread is not as light and airy as the real bakery version. The recipe does not call for too much proof time like other breads. I believe it’s because if it rises too much, it woould be hard to shape. I plan on preparing the recipe again soon and if I can figure hoe to improve on it, I will let you know what I did. I will add the info to the post when I do. Thanks for the question.

      Reply
    • Lizzetd Mendoza

      December 23, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Marcella, where in Oregon do hoy live? I know of 3 bakeries that make deliciouspan de elote.

      Reply
      • Diane Martinez

        January 16, 2018 at 10:25 pm

        I would love to know also…my so. Lives in Medford Oregon

        Reply
  2. Pan dulce lover

    May 5, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Just pulled mine out of the oven and really excited to try them. I didn’t have shortening for the dough so I used butter and I didn’t use the anise either.

    Have you considered a second rise before baking??this could make them lighter and airier.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      May 5, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Yes, Sarabeth, I have considered a second rise since then. I have experimented with sooo many Mexican-style dough recipes since I prepared those for the first time. My recipe for pan de huevo/conchas yields a soft and airy bread and I love it! I am going to try these again soon using that dough recipe. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  3. Cathy Ross

    July 9, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    I’m so excited to try this recipe out! I just moved to Virginia Beach from Central California (originally from East LA) and there is NO pan dulce!! Not even KINDA good mexican food!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      July 9, 2017 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Cathy! So happy you stopped by and found the recipe. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Lupita

    January 3, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    Hi,
    This recipe is not meant to be light and air or fluffly soft so don’t worry about this aspect. Elote relleno is a type of sweet bread that has an outer shell that’s not too sweet & it’s more on the crunchier side and the filling is softer & sweeter.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      January 3, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you Lupita. I am very happy with the recipe as is. I didn’t think it should be light and airy like a concha. Someone expressed to me once that the panaderia elotes were soft. I like the recipe as is. Thanks for your feedback.

      Reply
  5. Pam

    January 4, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Hi
    I can’t wait to try this recipe, I agree is bread is always a more dense not airy and fluffy. I moved to northern idaho and can’t find good mexican food or bakery around. I’ve mastered the food now onto desserts. These and the little pigs are my first attempt!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      January 4, 2018 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Pam! I love experimenting with the pan dulce recipes. It’s such a rewarding experience when it come hot out of the oven!

      Reply
  6. Jorge A Miranda Jr

    March 24, 2018 at 11:40 pm

    I can’t thank you enough for this easy and delicious recipe. This is my favorite pan dulce, so I’m very excited. I have made it twice now and I am getting the hang of it. I never used yeast before, so I overlooked the part about covering the dough while letting it sit…oops. But the second time around I let it sit in a covered bowl for 2 hours and the dough was easier to work with and much better. It came out a little softer, but still firm.

    My only problem is that the dough for the filling is still way too sticky to shape. I let that sit for longer in my second attempt (maybe 90 minutes), but it was sticky and impossible to shape into cigars. Any idea what I can do to make that part better?

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 25, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Jorge! I don’t think I have had a problem with the filling being too sticky before.You could add a little more flour and powdered sugar to tighten up the filling a little. Just add 1/2 a teaspoon of each at a time and mix really well after each time. Just add enough until it doesn’t feel so sticky and is easy to form. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  7. Jackie

    April 16, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    I loved this recipe! my family was raving about how good they were and how they tasted better than the store. I am definitely saving this recipe! thank you!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 16, 2018 at 11:19 pm

      That’s wonderful Jackie! I know the commercial bakeries have their secrets, but sometimes recipes prepared at home, fresh out of the oven are so much better. Thank you for the feedback!

      Reply
  8. Nina

    October 20, 2018 at 2:14 am

    I tried your reciepe and loved it!! They taste and have the same inner and outer texture as the elotes/gusanos from my hometown bakery!!!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      October 20, 2018 at 6:31 am

      Oh good!! I was just thinking the other day that I need to prepare these again! Thank you for the feedback!!

      Reply
  9. Donna

    November 18, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    Is it ok to use food coloring in the dough

    Reply
    • Sonia

      November 18, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      Oh, absolutely. Food coloring is used to color the candy paste for conchas and to color frosting for cakes.

      Reply
  10. Kathlena

    August 2, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    I have questions about this recipe. I made it today; but the dough was so dry. I had to add extra water. Not nearly enough yeast or rise time. The dough was so dense. Secondly the center dough I mixed exact as well and it was literal paste. I had to add 1/2 cup more of flour for it to even be able to be molded. I don’t know if you accidentally didn’t add the right quantity’s on the site. The taste was good, don’t get me wrong. But I never would have gotten there without the changes I made. Also were you suppose to freeze have room temp cold or melted shortening?

    Reply
    • Sonia

      August 3, 2019 at 5:47 pm

      Kathlena, this recipe was adapted from a recipe in Spanish. I myself had to adjust some of the measurements, but tried to follow as closely as possible to the instructions as I read them. I believe the bread is meant to be dense and the original recipe only calls for letting the dough rest for 10 minutes. I work with a lot of yeast dough regularly and thought the same thing when I read it. As far as the filling is concerned, I find that working with flour is never an exact amount all the time. In my experience, sometimes more flour is required and sometimes less. Depends on the humidity levels, climate, lol! My friend who is a baker tells me this anyway. I just adjust as needed. Here is the link to the recipe in Spanish that I used as a guide. https://www.rusttica.com/2013/09/elotes-pan-dulce-mexicano.html

      Reply
  11. Delia Ramirez

    April 10, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    I just made your recipe. It is really good. Next time I would let the Elotes proof in a warm space longer. And bake it for 25 minutes. Once out of the oven coat each in sugar while hot. So yummy ( I’m a retired baker and I’ve always wanted to learn how to bake Pan Dulce) So I’m always searching for formulas. Thank you

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 10, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      Your welcome Delia. The recipe was adapted from a Mexican recipe and I tried to follow it as close as possible as far as the proof time. I have done my share of baking since I first posted that recipe. I would agree now that they need to proof a little longer. But my concern was that I would not be able to make the elote marks on the dough if it proofed too much. I will have to attempt it soon. Thanks for your input.

      Reply
  12. Sonya

    April 30, 2020 at 1:01 am

    Hi Sonia, thanks for the recipe , my favorite, growing up in El Paso, Tx, these had cherry gel type filling and I miss the filling, I live in Phoenix and have a good bakery near just don’t do cherry fill. I’ll try this!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 30, 2020 at 6:42 am

      Hi Sonya, I must prepare these again soon too! Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Arcie

    June 9, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    Sonia,I have been learning how to make the different Mexican sweet breads and I bake a lot with yeast and when I saw the yeast with salt I knew it wouldn’t rise as it needs the sugar to help the yeast grow. I tweaked your recipe and they came out great. I used your first recipe and then found your revised one. My son loved these Elotes. Sweet but not too sweet. I will continue to try all your recipes. Great job.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      June 9, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      Thank you Arcie! I am constantly learning new techniques and methods to improve some of the older recipes when I was not as experienced.

      Reply
  14. Jessica

    January 4, 2021 at 7:53 pm

    Thank you so much for this I don’t buy from panaderias because of my sons nut allergies so now that we’re home i cant sneak off during work to eat it lol! So i tried your recipe last night the filling was really sticky and then i started to second guess if i had put flour so just added it and it was perfect. They ended up being really small maybe i will make only 12 next time – my son was like umm are they supposed to be mini?! Lol oh well they were good and he finally got to try pan dulce!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      January 5, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Jessica, did you use the original recipe or the revised version? The size really depends on you, of course. I just give a suggested amount to prepare. The revised Elote recipe has more yeast and doubles in size compared to the first. But, some people enjoy the original version.

      Reply
  15. Amber

    December 16, 2023 at 7:10 am

    I’m terrible at breads, but this seemed simple enough. I forgot that the filling called for powdered sugar, so it might turn out grainy. On the second rest now, fingers crossed.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      December 17, 2023 at 3:28 pm

      fingers crossed!

      Reply

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Welcome!

Hi, my name is Sonia Mendez Garcia. My parents Ramiro and Blanca Mendez moved to the United States from Monterrey, Mexico in 1963. I am first generation Mexican American born in Los Angeles, California. Cooking has always been one of my passions in life. This is my journey and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Read More…

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