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4.7 from 9 votes

How to Make Sugar Skulls (Calavera de Azúcar)

Traditional Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls are decorated with colored royal icing. These are for decoration and are not meant to be eaten.

Prep Time
30 mins
Resting
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 1
Calories: 774 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons meringue powder
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons water
  • Medium sugar skull mold
  • Cardboard squares
  • Royal Icing

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pour sugar into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add meringue powder.
  3. Mix dry ingredients well.
  4. Sprinkle sugar mixture with water
  5. Combine sugar, meringue powder, and water with hands until fully combined.
  6. Consistency should be similar to beach sand.
  7. Tightly pack mixture into mold.
  8. Scrape excess mixture and create a smooth, flat back of the mold.
  9. Press cardboard onto back of mold and flip over. You should be able to easily slide the mold off to reveal a perfectly shaped sugar skull.
  10. Set aside and allow to dry overnight.
  11. Once you’ve made all the front of the skulls, repeat steps to make the back of the skulls.
  12. Once all pieces have dried, spread a thin layer of royal icing on the back of the skulls, and attach the second piece to create the full shape.
  13. Remove excess icing
  14. Set aside 30 minutes, allowing the icing to dry and bind the two sugar skull pieces.
  15. Once dry, your sugar skulls are ready to decorate.

Notes

  • Makes 2 medium flat back sugar skulls and 1 large 2-sided skull mold.

Nutrition Information

Calories 774kcal (39%) Carbohydrates 200g (67%) Sodium 3mg (0%) Sugar 200g (400%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 774

% Daily Value*

Calories 774kcal 39%
Carbohydrates 200g 67%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Sugar 200g 400%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.