Strawberry Conchas

Strawberry Conchas are a delightful twist on the traditional Mexican sweet bread, known as pan dulce. These soft, fluffy buns are topped with a crunchy, strawberry-flavored cookie crust, offering a perfect balance of textures and a burst of fruity flavor. The natural pink hue from freeze-dried strawberries adds a charming touch, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Natural Strawberry Flavor: Incorporates freeze-dried strawberries for authentic taste and color.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The enriched dough yields a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Crunchy Topping: The cookie-like crust provides a satisfying contrast to the soft bread.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and topping can be prepared in advance for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• Warm water
• Warm whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• All-purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• Large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten
• Vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Large egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Freeze-dried strawberries, processed into powder

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
   • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until combined.
   • Add egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix until incorporated.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, a portion of the sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
   • Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
   • Increase speed to medium-low and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 7–8 minutes.
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Assemble the Conchas:
   • Punch down the risen dough and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
   • Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
   • Place the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart.
4. Add the Topping:
   • Divide the chilled strawberry topping into equal portions.
   • Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into a circle large enough to cover a dough ball.
   • Place a topping circle over each dough ball, gently pressing to adhere.
   • Using a sharp knife, score the topping with a shell-like pattern.
5. Final Rise and Bake:
   • Cover the assembled conchas and let them rise in a warm place until puffed, about 30 minutes.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the conchas until the topping is just beginning to brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers at least 190°F (88°C), about 12 minutes.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 14 conchas
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

• Different Fruit Flavors: Substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Topping: Add cocoa powder to the topping mixture for a chocolate-flavored crust.
• Spiced Dough: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store conchas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked conchas without the topping for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh topping before serving.
• Reheating: Warm conchas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

What are conchas?

Conchas are a traditional Mexican sweet bread known for their soft, fluffy texture and distinctive shell-like, crunchy topping.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries have a high moisture content and may alter the texture of the topping. Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and dry texture.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

While a stand mixer makes the process easier, the dough can be kneaded by hand. It will require more time and effort to achieve the desired elasticity.

How do I know if the dough has been kneaded enough?

Perform the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, the gluten is well-developed.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why is my topping cracking during baking?

Cracking can occur if the topping is too dry or thick. Ensure the topping is the right consistency and rolled evenly before applying.

Can I use food coloring to enhance the pink hue?

Yes, a small amount of red or pink food coloring can be added to the topping for a more vibrant color.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberries are available in most grocery stores or online. If unavailable, consider using strawberry-flavored powder as a substitute.

How do I prevent the topping from sliding off during baking?

Ensure the topping adheres well by gently pressing it onto the dough and scoring it to allow expansion during baking.

Are conchas suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, conchas are typically vegetarian, but always check ingredient labels to confirm.

Conclusion

Strawberry Conchas offer a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican pan dulce with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. Their soft, airy bread paired with a crunchy, strawberry-infused topping makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone dessert, these conchas are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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