Why is there cheese in a dessert? Does it really taste good?

Absolutely! The cheese in Capirotada isn't meant to make it savory - rather, it adds a subtle saltiness that beautifully balances the sweet syrup. The cheese also melts slightly, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the pudding. The sweet-salty combination is what makes this dessert so uniquely delicious and addictive.

Can I make Capirotada without the 2-hour steeping time?

While the long steeping time extracts maximum flavor from the spices, you can reduce it to 30 minutes if you're short on time. The syrup won't be quite as aromatic, but you'll still get a delicious result. Another option is making the syrup a day ahead and refrigerating it until needed.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the traditional liquor some recipes include?

This recipe doesn't include alcohol, but some traditional versions do call for a splash of rum or brandy. If you come across such a recipe, simply omit the alcohol or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for comparable depth of flavor.

What's the significance of Capirotada during Lent?

Capirotada is traditionally served during Lent in Mexico, with each ingredient having symbolic meaning in Catholic tradition. The bread represents the Body of Christ, the syrup His blood, the cloves the nails of the cross, and the cinnamon sticks the wood of the cross. The cheese is said to represent the Holy Shroud. This rich symbolism makes it a special dish during this religious observance.

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding) Recipe

Name: Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 16 min
Total time: 3 h 26 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 bolillo rolls or French rolls; 4 tablespoons butter or spray butter; 4 1/2 cups water; 12 ounces piloncillo or 1½ cups packed dark brown sugar; 4 cinnamon sticks; 6 whole cloves; 3 cups shredded cheese (Longhorn Cheddar, Colby, or cheese of your choice); 1 cup raisins

This traditional Mexican Bread Pudding, known as Capirotada, is a heartwarming dessert that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. With layers of toasted bread soaked in a fragrant cinnamon-piloncillo syrup, melted cheese, and plump raisins, this comforting treat is especially popular during Lent but delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Ready in just over an hour of active cooking time, it’s a fantastic way to experience authentic Mexican cuisine at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet syrup, melty cheese, and toasted bread creates an incredible flavor profile you won’t find in ordinary desserts.
Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples and a few special Mexican ingredients that are increasingly available in most grocery stores.
Make-Ahead Friendly: While there’s some waiting time involved, most of it is hands-off, allowing you to prepare other dishes or simply relax while the flavors develop.
Crowd-Pleaser: This unique dessert never fails to impress guests and spark conversations about its delicious sweet-savory combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bolillo Rolls or French Rolls: These form the foundation of the pudding. Their sturdy texture holds up well to soaking in the syrup without becoming mushy.
Piloncillo or Dark Brown Sugar: Piloncillo is traditional Mexican cone sugar with a deep molasses flavor. It gives the syrup its signature rich taste, but dark brown sugar works wonderfully too.
Cinnamon Sticks: These infuse the syrup with warm spice notes. Use Mexican cinnamon (canela) if you can find it for a more authentic flavor.
Whole Cloves: They add a subtle aromatic spice that elevates the entire dish.
Shredded Cheese: Traditionally Longhorn Cheddar or Colby is used, creating that distinctive sweet-savory contrast that makes Capirotada special.
Raisins: They plump up beautifully in the syrup, adding bursts of sweetness throughout the pudding.
Butter: Helps toast the bread slices to perfection, adding richness and preventing sogginess.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Regional Adaptations

Different regions in Mexico have their unique twists on Capirotada. Try adding:

Nuts: Sprinkle layers with chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch
Fruits: Add dried apples, apricots, or bananas between layers
Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles (chochitos) are traditional in some areas

Modern Twists

Chocolate Capirotada: Add chocolate chips between layers for a decadent variation
Coconut Version: Mix in shredded coconut with the cheese for tropical flavor
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground anise or star anise to the syrup for complexity

How to Make Capirotada

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice your bolillo or French rolls into ½-inch slices, butter both sides generously, and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast for about 3 minutes per side until lightly golden and dry. This creates the perfect base that will soak up the syrup without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

In a large saucepan, combine water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. You’ll notice it reducing slightly and becoming more fragrant. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 2 hours to extract maximum flavor from the spices. Strain the mixture to remove the cinnamon and cloves.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Spray an 8 x 10½” baking dish with non-stick spray. Create your first layer using a third of the toasted bread, followed by a third of the raisins and a third of the cheese. Pour 1½ cups of your prepared syrup evenly over this layer. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes so the bread can absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Complete the Layers

Repeat the layering process with another third of bread, raisins, and cheese, topped with another 1½ cups of syrup. After waiting another 15 minutes for absorption, add the final layer of bread, raisins, and cheese, pouring the remaining syrup over everything. Let it rest for a final 15 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil that’s been sprayed with nonstick spray (to prevent sticking to the cheese). Bake for 40 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bread Matters: For authentic flavor, seek out bolillos (Mexican rolls) at Latin grocery stores. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the syrup without becoming too soggy.
Syrup Consistency: The syrup should be the consistency of maple syrup – not too thick, not too thin. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of hot water.
Layering Technique: Press each layer down gently with a spatula to ensure even soaking, but don’t compact it too much.
Cheese Selection: While traditional recipes call for Longhorn Cheddar or Colby, feel free to experiment. Some families use queso fresco or Monterey Jack with excellent results.
Rest Time Matters: Don’t skip the 15-minute resting periods between layers – this ensures proper absorption and prevents a soupy pudding.

How to Serve

Traditional Pairings

Capirotada is typically served warm as a dessert, but many Mexican families enjoy it as a special breakfast treat as well. The contrast of the warm pudding with any of these accompaniments is divine:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or slightly sweetened whipped cream
A small cup of Mexican hot chocolate or café de olla (cinnamon coffee)
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top just before serving

Modern Servings

Individual ramekins for elegant dinner party presentations
Drizzle with a touch of sweetened condensed milk for extra decadence
Add a side of fresh berries to cut through the richness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Capirotada in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

While not ideal for freezing due to texture changes in the bread and cheese, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month if needed. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Capirotada is in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as good as oven reheating.

FAQs

Why is there cheese in a dessert? Does it really taste good?

Absolutely! The cheese in Capirotada isn’t meant to make it savory – rather, it adds a subtle saltiness that beautifully balances the sweet syrup. The cheese also melts slightly, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the pudding. The sweet-salty combination is what makes this dessert so uniquely delicious and addictive.
Can I make Capirotada without the 2-hour steeping time?

While the long steeping time extracts maximum flavor from the spices, you can reduce it to 30 minutes if you’re short on time. The syrup won’t be quite as aromatic, but you’ll still get a delicious result. Another option is making the syrup a day ahead and refrigerating it until needed.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the traditional liquor some recipes include?

This recipe doesn’t include alcohol, but some traditional versions do call for a splash of rum or brandy. If you come across such a recipe, simply omit the alcohol or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for comparable depth of flavor.
What’s the significance of Capirotada during Lent?

Capirotada is traditionally served during Lent in Mexico, with each ingredient having symbolic meaning in Catholic tradition. The bread represents the Body of Christ, the syrup His blood, the cloves the nails of the cross, and the cinnamon sticks the wood of the cross. The cheese is said to represent the Holy Shroud. This rich symbolism makes it a special dish during this religious observance.

Final Thoughts

Capirotada is much more than just a bread pudding – it’s a piece of Mexican culinary heritage that tells a story through its unique combination of flavors and textures. This sweet-savory dessert might seem unusual at first, but one bite will have you understanding why it has remained a beloved tradition for generations. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to try something new, this Capirotada recipe offers a delicious way to experience authentic Mexican cooking right in your own kitchen.