Capirotada – recipes

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding, often enjoyed during Lent, especially on Holy Week (Semana Santa). This dish combines the sweetness of cinnamon, brown sugar, and syrup with the richness of toasted bread, cheese, and nuts—creating a comforting and indulgent dessert. It’s a delicious fusion of flavors that makes for a perfect dessert or even a sweet breakfast treat!

Here’s how to make Capirotada from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

8 cups of bolillo bread (or any crusty bread, about 5-6 bolillos or Mexican rolls, cut into slices or cubes)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup grated cheese (Mexican cheeses like cotija or queso fresco work best)

For the Syrup:

2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons rum (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the bolillo bread (or any bread of your choice) into thick slices or cubes. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Toast the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the bread is golden brown and crisp but not too hard. Set aside.

2. Make the Syrup:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice (if using).
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rum (if using). Let the syrup cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Capirotada:

Butter a large baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish or similar size works well).
Start layering the toasted bread slices in the baking dish. Sprinkle each layer with some of the raisins, walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, and a small amount of grated cheese. You can layer the ingredients as you go, making sure to evenly distribute the nuts, fruits, and cheese.
Repeat until you’ve used all the bread, ending with a layer of nuts, fruits, and cheese on top.

4. Pour the Syrup:

Slowly pour the syrup evenly over the bread layers. Press down gently with a spoon or your hands to ensure the bread absorbs the syrup. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes.

5. Bake the Capirotada:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to get golden and slightly crispy.

6. Serve:

Let the Capirotada cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Top with extra cheese, a drizzle of syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips for Success:

Bread: Stale bread is ideal for capirotada because it absorbs the syrup better. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out to dry for a few hours or toast it, as mentioned.
Cheese: The addition of cheese is a distinctive feature of Capirotada. Cotija, queso fresco, or even Monterey Jack will melt nicely and balance the sweetness.
Customizations: Feel free to adjust the fruits and nuts based on your preferences. You can add dried apricots, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
Syrup sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store leftover Capirotada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven before serving.
Freezing: Capirotada can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven.

Capirotada Variations:

Some versions of Capirotada can include additional layers of sweetened condensed milk or milk for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or French bread, to give it a different texture and flavor.

Capirotada is a delicious, soul-warming dessert that combines a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Semana Santa or just craving a cozy dessert, this traditional Mexican treat is sure to please everyone at the table!