Here’s a rich, traditional-style Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding) with extra pecans and raisins for more texture and sweetness.
🥖 Capirotada with Extra Pecans & Raisins
🛒 Ingredients
For the syrup:
-
2 cups water
-
1 ½ cups piloncillo (or dark brown sugar, packed)
-
1 cinnamon stick
-
2 whole cloves (optional)
-
1 small piece orange peel (optional but traditional)
For the pudding:
-
1 large loaf bolillo or French bread (about 12–14 oz), sliced and dried
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
-
1 cup raisins (extra generous!)
-
1 cup chopped pecans (extra generous!)
-
¼ cup additional raisins (for top layer)
-
¼ cup additional pecans (for top layer)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bread
-
Slice bread into ½-inch thick rounds.
-
Let dry overnight or toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until dry but not overly browned.
2️⃣ Make the Syrup
-
In a saucepan, combine water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Strain and set aside.
3️⃣ Assemble
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer in this order:
-
Bread slices (slightly overlapping)
-
Drizzle melted butter
-
Sprinkle raisins and pecans generously
-
Add cheese
-
Pour some syrup over the layer
Repeat layers until ingredients are used. Finish with extra raisins, pecans, cheese, and syrup on top.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the syrup.
4️⃣ Bake
-
Cover loosely with foil.
-
Bake 30 minutes covered.
-
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
✨ Tips for Extra Richness
-
Add ½ cup sweetened condensed milk drizzled between layers.
-
Mix in shredded coconut for texture.
-
Some families add sliced bananas for a softer sweetness.
⏲️ Rest Before Serving
Let sit 15–20 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
Serve warm. It’s even better the next day!
If you’d like, I can also give you a smaller batch version, a slow cooker version, or a more traditional Lenten-style version.