Capirotada: Piloncillo & Cinnamon Bread Pudding
A warm, comforting Mexican bread pudding layered with bolillo rolls soaked in a fragrant piloncillo-cinnamon syrup, studded with raisins, walnuts, and melted cheese. This centuries-old Lenten tradition transforms stale bread into something magical, where each spoonful delivers caramel sweetness, warm spice, and a surprising savory note from the cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 bolillo rolls or 1 large French baguette, sliced into half-inch rounds
- 2 piloncillo cones (about 16 ounces total), or 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 3 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks (Mexican canela preferred)
+ 10 more ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the sliced bread on baking sheets and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until dried out and lightly golden. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the piloncillo, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the piloncillo dissolve. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until you have a thin syrup, similar to the consistency of maple syrup. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Layer half of the toasted bread slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle generously with half of the piloncillo syrup.
Scatter half of the raisins, walnuts, and banana and apple slices (if using) over the bread. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat with a second layer of bread, the remaining syrup, raisins, nuts, fruit, and cheese on top.
Dot the top with small pieces of butter. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
Let the capirotada rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream or a drizzle of crema, and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving • Estimated by Blinner AI