Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding served at Lent. Each of the ingredients in the pudding has some religious meaning, and they also happen to be delicious together. Spices, raisins, nuts, coconut, bananas, sugar, and cream go into a custard, which is poured over torn pieces of bolillo, a Mexican bread. Serve warm with a little whipped cream.
Editor’s note: Bolillo rolls are usually available at Latin American markets; if you’re unable to find them, use two baguettes or four demi-baguettes instead.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 12
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Step 2
Put the piloncillo and water in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mix together the torn bread, raisins, peanuts, and coconut. Gently mix in the queso fresco and bananas.
Step 4
In another large bowl, whisk together the piloncillo syrup, cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
Step 5
Put the torn bread mixture into a deep 9" x 13" baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the bread mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the bread pudding is golden brown, an additional 25 minutes.
Step 6
Serve immediately with whipped cream, if desired. Leftover bread pudding can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325° F oven.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
37 Breakfast Casseroles for Sleepy Mornings and Easy Brunches
Stop frying eggs to order. Instead, prep one of these easy breakfast casseroles the day before and sleep in for a change.53 Bright, Festive Easter Brunch Ideas
Our favorite Easter brunch recipes will have everyone hopping out of bed.61 Easter Desserts, Each One Better Than a Chocolate Egg
No Easter basket or pandering to bunnies required.31 Banana Recipes to Put That Ripe (Or Overripe) Bunch to Work
Start your morning with banana pancakes and end the day with a slice of chocolaty banana cake.37 Craveable Coconut Desserts
From creamy coconut pie to a moist and fluffy coconut-carrot cake, these are desserts you'll never flake out on.51 Mexican Recipes (and Mexican-Inspired Recipes) to Make Tonight
These are the Mexican recipes—and meals inspired by Mexican cuisine—that we keep coming back to.How Capirotada Went from Medieval Leftovers to Beloved Bread Pudding
Centuries ago, this dish was a way to drag one last meal out of old bread. Today, it’s a sweet treat served at Easter.
