Guaguas de Pan or Bread Babies: An Ecuadorian Recipe for Day of the Dead

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This is an easy recipe for guaguas de pan or bread babies which are a traditional Day of the Dead food in Ecuador and other Andean countries. This bread shaped and decorated like a baby has a great symbolic significance.

Guaguas de pan Day of the Dead (Día De Los Muertos) recipe

Day of the Dead, known as Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration in Latin American culture that honors and remembers deceased loved ones. It’s a time when families come together to create colorful ofrendas (altars), offer traditional Day of the Food food and drinks, and celebrate life and death joyfully and meaningfully. 

In Ecuador, this cherished tradition is celebrated with a unique twist – the making and sharing of Guaguas de Pan, extraordinary bread figures shaped like babies, along with a traditional drink called Colada Morada. These delightful bread figures, Ecuador’s version of the Mexican pan de muerto, are more than just delicious treats; they symbolize love and remembrance. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating your own Guaguas de Pan, allowing you to participate in this beautiful tradition and pay tribute to your dearly departed in a meaningful and delectable way.

What are Guaguas de Pan or Bread Babies

Guaguas de pan, also known as “bread babies,” are sweet bread creations shaped like infants. They’re often decorated with sugar glaze. These unique treats have special cultural significance in Andean regions like Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Colombia. They’re a crucial part of ancient rituals, especially on November 2nd, commemorating All Souls’ Day, as offerings to honor the departed.

Guaguas and colada morada for Day of the Dead

What is Colada Morada

Colada Morada is a traditional Ecuadorian beverage made with purple corn flour, fruits, and spices. The ingredients vary by region but can include pineapple, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cinnamon, and cloves. To prepare Colada Morada, the ingredients are simmered in water for several hours until the liquid is infused with flavor and has thickened to the desired consistency. The drink is typically served hot and is often accompanied by Guaguas de Pan during the Day of the Dead celebration.

Colada morada and guaguas de pan

Honoring Loved Ones with Guaguas de Pan and Colada Morada

In Ecuador and other Andean regions of Peru, Argentina, and Colombia, the Day of the Dead is a time for families to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed away. One of the most cherished traditions during this holiday is the making and sharing of Guaguas de Pan and colada morada. These extraordinary bread figures are crafted in various shapes and sizes, but the most common are those shaped like infants. They are a delicious treat and a symbol of love and remembrance for the departed.

Colada Morada and guaguas de pan hold cultural significance in Ecuador, particularly during the Day of the Dead celebration. Colada morada, a traditional beverage, has its roots in pre-Hispanic times, representing the transition from life to death. Guagua de pan, or bread babies, began as squash-based representations of departed loved ones and later evolved into bread-like forms. These offerings are symbols of remembrance and communion with the deceased. The beverage, made with ingredients from different regions of Ecuador, embodies the connection between life and death in indigenous cosmology.

What do the guaguas de pan symbolize?

Guaguas de Pan, the delightful bread figures popular during Dia de los Muertos in Ecuador, hold rich symbolism within their doughy forms. These bread figurines are believed to represent several meaningful aspects of the holiday:

  • The Ancestors: Guaguas de Pan are often made in the shape of infants, symbolizing the deceased’s rebirth as angelic spirits or baby angels.
  • Nourishment and Remembrance: By offering these bread figures families remember their loved ones and provide them with sustenance for their spiritual journey.
  • Community and Sharing: Making and sharing Guaguas de Pan strengthens community bonds, emphasizing the importance of coming together during Dia de los Muertos.
  • Connection to Indigenous Roots: The tradition of crafting these bread figures has deep indigenous roots in Ecuador, honoring the country’s cultural heritage.
  • Artistic Expression: Elaborately decorated Guaguas de Pan serve as creative expressions of love and remembrance, celebrating the lives of the departed.

Ecuadorian guaguas de pan for Day of the Dead

Guaguas de Pan encapsulates the essence of Dia de los Muertos, fostering a connection between the living and the deceased through shared traditions and heartfelt symbolism.

Creating Your Own Guaguas de Pan

You can create your own Guaguas de Pan at home to participate in this heartwarming tradition. It’s a simple yet meaningful activity that allows you to pay tribute to your dearly departed while enjoying a delicious baked treat. In the following sections, we’ll provide a step-by-step recipe, instructions on making these remarkable bread figures, and tips on decorating them to add a personal touch. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced chef, making this traditional bread from Ecuador is a beautiful way to celebrate and remember your loved ones during Dia de los Muertos.

Easy bread babies or Guaguas de pan recipe for Dia de los Muertos

Easy Guaguas de Pan Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Bread Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange

For Decoration:

  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Colored sprinkles or candy for decoration
  • Toothpicks for attaching features

For the Cookie Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Food coloring (various colors)
  • Edible decorations (sprinkles, colored sugar, etc.)

guaguas de pan easy recipe

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
  • Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. Knead it on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
  • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Guaguas de Pan:

  • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a golf ball, and shape them into round or oval figures resembling babies or children.
  • Place the shaped dough figures on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Using the toothpicks, create facial features on the dough figures. You can use raisins or currants for eyes and mouths.
  • Brush the Guaguas de Pan with the egg wash to give them a shiny glaze.

Baking:

  • Bake the Guaguas de Pan in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  • Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Preparing the Cookie Glaze:

  • Combine the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
  • Divide the glaze into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create different colors.

Decorating with Glaze:

  • Once the Guaguas de Pan has cooled, place the colored cookie glaze in piping bags with a small round tip. 
  • Use the glaze to make eyes, a nose, a mouth, and maybe even hair.
  • Decorate the body of your Guaguas de Pan with different geometric shapes, lines, and dots using the glaze and combining various colors. 
  • Allow the glaze to set and harden on the Guaguas de Pan.

How to decorate guaguas de pan

Your Guaguas de Pan with colorful cookie glaze decorations are now ready to be enjoyed as part of your Dia de los Muertos celebration! These delightful bread figures carry cultural significance and add a vibrant and artistic touch to your Day of the Dead festivities.

Can I Substitute Ingredients When Making Guaguas de Pan Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in the Guaguas de Pan recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some possible substitutions:

1. Flour:

  • Substitute: You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you want to make the recipe healthier or gluten-free. However, note that the texture may vary slightly with these options.

2. Sugar:

  • Substitute: You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind that using alternative sweeteners may affect the color and taste.

3. Milk:

  • Substitute: You can replace whole milk with any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. This is a great option if you’re lactose intolerant or want a dairy-free version.

4. Butter:

  • Substitute: You can use margarine, coconut oil, or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version. This will provide a similar texture.

5. Eggs:

  • Substitute: You can replace eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.

6. Powdered Sugar (Glaze):

  • Substitute: You can make a glaze using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of powdered sugar. Another option is using sugar-free powdered sweeteners for a low-sugar glaze.

Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to suit your dietary preferences while still enjoying the flavor and tradition of Guaguas de Pan!

How to freeze guaguas de pan

Gluten Free Guaguas de Pan

To make a gluten-free version of Guaguas de Pan, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. Here are some tips for creating a gluten-free version:

1. Use a Gluten-Free Flour Blend:

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that contains a mix of gluten-free flours like rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum (which helps bind the ingredients and mimic the texture of gluten).
  • Tip: Some gluten-free flours don’t have xanthan gum or a binding agent. If your flour blend doesn’t include it, you may need to add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for every cup of gluten-free flour used.

2. Adjust the Liquid:

  • Gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid, so you may need to slightly increase the liquid content in the dough (e.g., adding a bit more milk) to achieve the right consistency.

3. Kneading:

  • Gluten-free doughs are often stickier and more delicate than wheat-based doughs. Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it.

4. Resting the Dough:

  • Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes after mixing to allow the flour to hydrate properly. This will help improve the texture and make it easier to shape.

5. Baking Time:

  • Gluten-free breads sometimes require a bit more time in the oven. Keep an eye on the guaguas while baking and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

By following these adjustments, you can create a gluten-free version of Guaguas de Pan that still maintains the traditional flavor and texture. Enjoy your gluten-free Day of the Dead treat!

Can I Freeze Guaguas de Pan Dough?

Yes, you can freeze the Guaguas de Pan dough! Freezing the dough is a great option if you want to prepare it in advance. Here’s how you can do it:

How to Freeze the Dough:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where the dough has risen and is ready to be shaped.
  2. Shape the Dough: You can either shape the dough into the desired guagua figures or freeze the dough in its unshaped form.
  3. Wrap the Dough: Wrap each portion of the dough (or the whole dough) tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
  4. Freeze: Place the wrapped dough in the freezer. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw the Dough:

  1. Thaw in the Refrigerator: When you’re ready to use the dough, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
  2. Let it Rise: Once thawed, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise again if needed. This may take about an hour.
  3. Bake: Shape the dough into the guaguas, let them rise again if necessary, and then bake according to the original recipe instructions.

Freezing the dough preserves the flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked Guaguas de Pan whenever you want!

Ecuadorian guaguas de pan for Day of the Dead

Guaguas de Pan or Bread Babies: An Ecuadorian Recipe for Day of the Dead

Yield: 12 small guaguas

Ingredients

  • FOR THE BREAD DOOUGH
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • FOR DECORATION
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Colored sprinkles or candy for decoration
  • Toothpicks for attaching features
  • FOR THE COOKIE GLAZE
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Food coloring (various colors)
  • Edible decorations (sprinkles, colored sugar, etc.)

Instructions

PREPARING THE DOUGH:

    • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
    • Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
    • Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. Knead it on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
    • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

SHAPING THE GUAGUAS DE PAN

  • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a golf ball, and shape them into round or oval figures resembling babies or children.
    Place the shaped dough figures on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Using the toothpicks, create facial features on the dough figures. You can use raisins or currants for eyes and mouths.
    Brush the Guaguas de Pan with the egg wash to give them a shiny glaze.

BAKING:

  • Bake the Guaguas de Pan in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
    Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.


PREPARING THE GLAZE

  • Combine the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
  • Divide the glaze into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create different colors.

DECORATING WITH GLAZE:

  • Once the Guaguas de Pan has cooled, place the colored cookie glaze in piping bags with a small round tip. 
  • Use the glaze to make eyes, a nose, a mouth, and maybe even hair.
  • Decorate the body of your Guaguas de Pan with different geometric shapes, lines, and dots using the glaze and combining various colors.
  • Allow the glaze to set and harden on the Guaguas de Pan.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 small Guagua
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 5.4gCarbohydrates: 47.2gSugar: 14.2gProtein: 6.2g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

A Great Activity to Do with Kids

Making these traditional Guaguas de Pan or bread babies is a great Day of the Dead activity for kids. They provide a great hands-on way to learn about Day of the Dead traditions across Latin America.  As most people are more familiar with Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico this recipe of Guaguas de Pan or bread babies from the Andean region in South America is a great way to introduce kids to other Day of the Dead traditions. 

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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