Calaveras de Azúcar
Sugar Skulls
Decorative sugar skulls, a traditional edible folk art centerpiece for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) altars. These are primarily for decoration but can be eaten.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Granulated Sugar(Fine granulated sugar works best for a smoother texture.)
- 2 tsp Meringue Powder(This acts as a binder and helps the sugar harden.)
- 2 tbsp Water(Cold water is recommended.)
- as needed Royal Icing(For decorating. Can be homemade or store-bought. Use various colors.)
- as needed Food Coloring(Gel or liquid food coloring for tinting the royal icing.)
- as needed Edible Decorations (optional)(Such as edible glitter, sprinkles, or small pieces of colored foil.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sugar mixture: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and meringue powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the meringue powder is evenly distributed. Gradually add the water, mixing with your hands or a spoon until the sugar is just moistened and clumps together. The consistency should be similar to damp sand; it should hold its shape when squeezed in your hand but not be overly wet or sticky.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Mold the skulls: Lightly grease the inside of your sugar skull molds with a neutral oil or cooking spray. Fill each mold tightly with the moistened sugar mixture, pressing it down firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Level off the excess sugar from the top. Let the sugar sit in the molds for about 15-20 minutes to begin hardening.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Unmold the skulls: Carefully invert each mold onto a clean, dry surface (like a baking sheet lined with parchment paper). Gently tap the mold to release the sugar skull. If a skull doesn't release easily, let it sit in the mold for a few more minutes. Handle them with care as they can be fragile at this stage.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Dry the skulls: Allow the sugar skulls to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on humidity. They should feel hard and dry to the touch before decorating.
⏱️ 12-24 hours - 5
Decorate the skulls: Once completely dry, prepare your royal icing. Tint it with food coloring as desired. Use piping bags with small tips to draw intricate designs, flowers, swirls, and patterns on the skulls. You can also add the name of a deceased loved one on the forehead. Embellish with edible glitter or sprinkles if using.
⏱️ 30 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The sugar mixture should feel like damp sand – it should clump when squeezed but not be wet enough to form a paste.
- ✓Ensure the skulls are thoroughly dry before decorating to prevent the icing from melting or the sugar from becoming sticky.
- ✓Traditionally, sugar skulls are decorated with vibrant colors and often have the names of deceased loved ones written on them.
- ✓Work in a dry environment if possible, as high humidity can affect the drying time and the final texture of the sugar skulls.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different sizes and shapes of molds.
- Incorporate cocoa powder into the sugar mixture for chocolate-flavored skulls (adjust moisture slightly if needed).
- Experiment with different natural food colorings for the sugar mixture itself.