Chilean Christmas Bread recipe (Pan de Pascua)

by Marcy Gansler | published on Dec 18, 2014

One staple of Christmas in Chile is Pan de Pascua, or literally, Christmas bread.

Since Chileans use both the words “Navidad” and “Pascua” interchangeably for Christmas, this bread might literally translate to “Easter bread” but it is eaten at Christmas time.

Chileans enjoy eating this bread every year during Christmas time. Chile’s Pan de Pascua is a family favorite and enjoyed by all.

Pan de Pascua (Chilean Christmas Cake)

INGREDIENTS:
125 g butter
1½ cups castor sugar
6 eggs
4 cups plain flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
½ teaspoon freshly grounded nutmeg
8 tablespoons brandy (Optional: may use water and 1 tablespoon of vanilla instead)
2 cups mixture of sultanas, raisins, good quality walnuts and a variety of dried fruits i.e. apricots, pears, figs, plums, peaches, etc (equal parts, all diced)

METHOD:
1. Beat butter and sugar in bowl, add eggs, one by one.
2. Sift all dry ingredients into mixture alternating with the brandy.
3. Mix in equal parts of sultanas, raisins, walnuts and dried fruits.
4. Pour onto greased tin. Bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour approximately.
5. Turn out and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Adapted from http://absolutelyyummy.wordpress.com/2005/11/22/pan-de-pascua-chilean-christmas-cake/