There’s something incredibly special about Capirotada, a traditional Mexican bread pudding that fills my heart (and my kitchen) with warm memories. Growing up, I remember my abuela making this sweet, comforting dish during Lent. It was the perfect way to repurpose leftover bread, and the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and orange zest wafting through the house was unbeatable. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a delicious reminder of family traditions and the simple joys of gathering around the table together.
What I love about Capirotada is not just its rich flavor but its versatility. You can play around with different fillings or add in your favorite fruits and nuts. It’s a dish that tells a story – every bite is packed with history and love. So, if you’re looking to impress friends or simply indulge your sweet tooth with something unique, let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
What’s in Authentic Mexican Capirotada?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make our Capirotada so delicious!
Bolillo bread (or French bread): The bread is the star of this dish! Cut into cubes, it absorbs all the sweet flavors beautifully. Bolillo is traditional in Mexican households, but any crusty bread will work.
Milk: This creamy base helps create that luscious pudding texture. I prefer whole milk for added richness, but feel free to swap it out for a non-dairy option if desired.
Water: A bit of water helps to balance the richness of the milk and keeps the pudding moist.
Brown sugar: This adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the other spices perfectly.
Piloncillo: This is a type of unrefined brown sugar native to Mexico. If you can’t find it, light brown sugar is an acceptable substitute – just shred it a bit to mimic its texture.
Unsalted butter: Melting this butter to combine with the cubes of bread gives them a wonderful richness and flavor.
Raisins: These plump little gems add a lovely sweetness and chewiness that is essential to the dish.
Sliced almonds: They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them slightly before adding for an extra depth of flavor!
Ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg: These aromatic spices take the Capirotada to another level, creating that warm, cozy feel.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
Zest of 1 orange (optional): I love adding orange zest for a refreshing citrus note – it brightens up the dish magnificently!
Additional raisins and almonds for garnish: A little sprinkle on top makes for a beautiful presentation.
Is Capirotada Good for You?
Capirotada is more of a comforting indulgence than a health food, but it does offer some unique benefits!
Whole-wheat bread: If you choose to use whole-wheat bolillo, it brings more fiber to the party, which is always a plus!
Almonds: These crunchy nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making them a heart-healthy addition to the recipe.
Now, while this treat does contain sugar and butter, it’s all about moderation. If you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a small portion after a meal, it can definitely fit in a balanced diet. Just remember, it is a dessert after all!
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of bolillo bread (or French bread), cut into cubes
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup piloncillo (or light brown sugar, shredded)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange (optional)
– Additional raisins and almonds for garnish
Serves about 8.
How to Make Authentic Mexican Capirotada?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, brown sugar, and piloncillo. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bolillo (or French bread) with the melted butter. Make sure the bread is evenly coated.
4. Add the raisins, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using) to the bread mixture. Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and gently stir until all the ingredients are combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with additional raisins and almond slices on top before serving if desired. Serve warm. Enjoy your Capirotada!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Capirotada
– Feel free to add in other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots or cranberries for an extra flavor twist.
– It’s divine topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
– You can also switch up the nuts – walnuts or pecans can give a different yet delicious texture and taste.
– If you find you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), warm it up in the microwave the next day for an even more comforting treat.
I genuinely hope you give this Authentic Mexican Capirotada a try! It’s a dish packed with flavor, nostalgia, and love. If you decide to make it, please let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy cooking!
