Capirotada Mexican Bread Pudding Recipe

Ever had a craving for something sweet, spicy, and utterly comforting that feels like a warm hug from Abuelita? Let me introduce you to a dessert that’s a little crispy, a little gooey, and totally soul-satisfying: my take on Capirotada, a traditional Mexican bread pudding that’s about to become your new favorite indulgence!

My passion for making Capirotada, a traditional Mexican bread pudding, knows no limits. This delightful dessert, made with bolillo bread, brown sugar, and warm spices, fills my kitchen with the most intoxicating aroma.

Raisins, walnuts, and butter make it almost too rich to eat. Almost.

And when you think you’re done with this dessert, you find you’ve also got to make a Capirotada sandwich with the melted-cheese leftovers. It’s one of those delicious recipes that feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients

• Bolillo Bread or Baguette: Provides carbohydrates; forms the pudding’s base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness; offers a rich, molasses-like flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses warm, aromatic spice; antioxidant properties.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit; adds fiber and natural sweetness.
• Nuts (Walnuts/Pecans): Add crunch; provide healthy fats and protein.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess; source of protein and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf of bolillo bread or French baguette, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
• 4 cups of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack)
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup of chopped or sliced fresh fruits (such as apples or bananas) (optional)
• 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk (optional)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place the bolillo or baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brown them in the oven. Then set aside.

3. In a 3-quart saucepan, mix the brown sugar with the water. Add a cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens just slightly. Remove the spices and save them for another use.

4. Butter a baking dish with some of the melted butter. Place a single layer of toasted bread on the bottom.

5. Sprinkle a portion of the raisins, nuts, and shredded cheese over the bread layer. Repeat layering with the remaining bread, raisins, nuts, and cheese until all ingredients are used, and finish with a topping of cheese.

6. Syrup should be evenly distributed over the bread layers poured with care. The bread should be allowed to rest and soak in the syrup for about 10 minutes.

7. Melted butter should be drizzled over the layers of bread.

8. If arranging, lay the fresh fruits out evenly over the top as part of the final layer.

9. Put foil on top of the baking dish, and then put it in the oven. Set the timer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the foil, put the dish back in the oven, and set the timer for 15 more minutes. When the top of whatever is in the dish looks golden brown, it’s time to take it out of the oven.

10. You can drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top before serving if you want to add a little more sweetness and richness. Enjoy your Capirotada warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. 3-quart saucepan
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Butter knife
8. Baking dish
9. Foil
10. Timer

FAQ

• What type of bread is traditionally used for Capirotada?Breads such as bolillo or French baguette are ideal because of their crispy crusts and because they hold up well to the syrup.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, cheeses such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack are classic choices, but feel free to dabble with whatever mild cheese you like.
• Is the sweetened condensed milk necessary?No, the optional sweetened condensed milk can be left out if you want a dish that’s not as sweet.
• How do I know when the syrup is ready?When the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid has thickened a bit, the syrup is ready.
• Can nuts be omitted?Yes. If you have nut allergies or would rather not use them, it is fine to leave out the nuts without compromising the essence of the recipe.
• What fruits work best as optional toppings?Fruits such as apples or bananas make excellent choices, providing a fresh and sweet contrast to the dish.
• Is it necessary to use both cloves and cinnamon?Traditional flavor profiles consist of both cloves and cinnamon, but you can adjust to your own personal taste.

Capirotada Mexican Bread Pudding Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Challah bread or brioche can be used in place of sliced bolillo or French baguette for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Piloncillo can be used in place of brown sugar to impart a more traditional flavor to Mexican confections.
Ground cloves can be used in place of whole cloves, using roughly 1/4 teaspoon to reach the same level of spiciness.
Almonds or pine nuts can take the place of chopped walnuts or pecans, providing a different texture and taste. They can be included in the recipe in the same amount as you would use walnuts or pecans.
Mild cheddar or mozzarella can be used instead of queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese. The substitution yields a similar creamy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Bread Toasting For an optimal texture and flavor, toast the bread slices until they’re golden brown before layering them. This prevents the final dish from becoming too soggy and adds a pleasant crunch.

2. Flavor Infusion Consider leaving the cinnamon stick and cloves in the syrup for a few extra minutes off the heat to infuse more flavor before removing them. This will intensify the spiciness without overpowering the dessert.

3. Nut Toasting Lightly toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the layers. This enhances their nutty aroma and gives them a better crunch.

4. Syrup Soaking Allow the bread to soak in the syrup for a bit longer if you prefer a softer texture. A longer soak ensures the syrup penetrates deeply, giving each bite more flavor.

5. Cheese Variation Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar for a unique flavor contrast. The slight sharpness pairs well with the sweetness of the raisins and syrup.