Ohhh yes 🍞🍯 Capirotada—the iconic Mexican bread pudding traditionally served during Lent, bursting with layers of bread, cheese, nuts, and a sweet-spicy syrup. It’s sweet, gooey, and full of flavor. Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe:
🍞 Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
Bread Layer
- 6–8 slices of bolillo or French bread, stale or lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup piloncillo (or dark brown sugar)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
- Optional: 1 tbsp orange juice
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
- 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
- Optional: shredded coconut, candied fruit
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves; add orange juice if using.
2️⃣ Prepare the bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Lightly brush or toss bread cubes with melted butter.
3️⃣ Layer the casserole
- In a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of bread cubes.
- Sprinkle with a portion of cheese, nuts, and raisins.
- Drizzle a little syrup over the layer.
- Repeat layers until all bread and add-ins are used, finishing with syrup on top.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until top is golden and slightly crispy.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: drizzle extra syrup on top when serving.
Pro Tips
- Stale bread: perfect for soaking up the syrup without becoming mushy.
- Cheese layer: use a slightly salty cheese for contrast against the sweet syrup.
- Nuts and fruits: customize to taste; more raisins, coconut, or candied fruit for extra richness.
- Make-ahead: assemble in advance; bake right before serving.
🔥 Variations
- 🌰 Nutty Capirotada: add toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds
- 🍫 Chocolate Twist: drizzle melted chocolate over the top before baking
- 🥭 Tropical Capirotada: include diced dried mango or pineapple
- 🍎 Apple-Cinnamon: add small chunks of apple with cinnamon for a fruit-forward version
I can also give a “ultra-rich, gooey, restaurant-style capirotada” version with layers of caramelized syrup, multiple cheeses, and a perfect crunchy top 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
