Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

Have you ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your abuela? That’s capirotada for you. This Mexican bread pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a story on a plate, layered with history, culture, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re celebrating Lent, Easter, or just craving something sweet and comforting, this capirotada recipe is about to become your new favorite.

So, what makes capirotada mexicana so special? Let’s dive in and uncover the magic behind this beloved treat.

Table of Contents

What Is Capirotada?

Imagine a dessert that combines crusty bread, sweetened cinnamon milk, raisins, bananas, almonds, and melted cheese. Sounds unusual? Maybe. But trust me, it works. Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding often served during Lent and Easter. It’s a dish that varies from family to family, with each recipe carrying its own unique twist.

The beauty of capirotada lies in its versatility. Some versions include nuts, dried fruits, or even sprinkles (yes, sprinkles!). Others stick to the basics. No matter how you make it, one thing’s for sure: it’s a dessert that brings people together.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Capirotada Recipe

This isn’t just any capirotada recipe—it’s a tried-and-true version passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home, whether you grew up eating it or are discovering it for the first time.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Layers of flavor: From the crunchy bread to the gooey cheese and sweet milk, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Easy to make: Don’t let the layers intimidate you. This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
Customizable: Don’t have bolillo bread? Use French bread. Not a fan of bananas? Swap them for apples or pineapple. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this capirotada mexicana. Here’s your shopping list:

Bolillo bread: The star of the show. If you can’t find it, French bread or any crusty loaf will do.
Piloncillo: This unrefined cane sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. No piloncillo? Dark brown sugar works too.
Milk, cinnamon sticks, and cloves: These create the sweet, spiced milk that soaks into the bread.
Raisins, bananas, and almonds: For that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Shredded cheese: Yes, cheese! Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work beautifully.

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding): A Sweet Tradition for Lent and Easter

Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding made with layers of crusty bread, raisins, bananas, almonds, and cheese, all soaked in sweetened cinnamon milk. This dessert is typically served during Lent and Easter, offering a comforting and flavorful treat that combines sweet and savory elements.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Soaking Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 10

Calories 413 kcal

Ingredients

Oil or butter
4 large bolillo rolls sliced into 1-inch pieces (approximately 10–12 cups)
5 cups milk
1 8-ounce cone of piloncillo or 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves
3 large bananas cut into rounds
1 cup raisins
½ cup slivered almonds
2 cups grated Oaxaca cheese or any melty white cheese such as Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Mozzarella

Instructions

Toast the bread: Cut the bolillo bread into cubes and toast it in the oven for 5 minutes. This step keeps the bread from turning mushy.
Make the sweetened milk: Simmer milk, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pot until the sugar dissolves. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Layer it up: In a baking dish, layer the toasted bread, bananas, raisins, almonds, and cheese. Repeat for a second layer.
Soak and bake: Pour the sweetened milk over the layers, let it soak for 15 minutes, then bake until golden and bubbly.
Pro tip: Tilt the baking dish before popping it in the oven to make sure every piece of bread gets soaked in that delicious milk.

Notes

Bread Substitutions: If bolillo bread is unavailable, use French bread or any crusty loaf.
Cheese Options: Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Mozzarella work well.
Sweetener Alternatives: Replace piloncillo with 1 1/4 cups of dark brown sugar.
Optional Toppings: Add rainbow nonpareils sprinkles for a fun, colorful touch

Keyword 6-Ingredient Dessert, Capirotada, Easter Dessert, Mexican Bread Pudding, Sweet and Savory Dessert

Images Credit: Isabel Eats

Serving Suggestions

Here’s the fun part: deciding how to enjoy your capirotada. Do you like it warm and gooey straight out of the oven? Or do you prefer it chilled, with the flavors melding together overnight? Both ways are delicious, so why not try both?

And if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some rainbow nonpareils on top. It’s a fun, colorful twist that adds a little crunch.

Tips & Variations to Customize Your Mexican Bread Pudding

For a Healthier Option: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of sugar.
Add a Twist: Incorporate dried fruits like apricots or figs for extra sweetness.
Make It Ahead: Capirotada tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a gooey treat or chilled for a firmer texture.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar or Colby for a unique flavor profile.

This recipe is a delightful way to celebrate Mexican traditions and enjoy a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

This capirotada mexicana isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tradition, family, and the joy of sharing food. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks memories and creates new ones.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this capirotada recipe is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking.

Final Thoughts

Capirotada is more than just a bread pudding—it’s a taste of Mexican heritage. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and whip up a batch of capirotada. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

More Mexican Desserts to Try

Tried This Recipe?

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