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

Description

Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding featuring layers of toasted bolillo or French bread, raisins, cheese, and a rich spiced syrup made from piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves. Baked until golden and fragrant, this comforting dessert is perfect for celebrations or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread

4 bolillo rolls or French rolls
4 tablespoons butter or spray butter

Syrup

4 1/2 cups water
12 ounces piloncillo or 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves

Layering & Topping

3 cups shredded cheese (Longhorn Cheddar, Colby, or cheese of your choice)
1 cup raisins

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the bolillo or French rolls into ½ inch slices and butter both sides of each slice. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly toasted and dry. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Make the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to create a thick syrup. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 2 hours. Afterwards, strain the syrup to remove spices and set aside.
Layer the Ingredients: Spray an 8 x 10½-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Layer a third of the toasted bread, then a third of the raisins, followed by a third of the cheese. Drizzle 1½ cups of the prepared syrup evenly over the cheese. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
Add More Layers: Repeat the layering process with another third of bread, raisins, cheese, and 1½ cups syrup. Let soak for another 15 minutes.
Finish Layering: Top with the remaining bread, raisins, cheese, and the rest of the syrup. Allow to set for a final 15 minutes before baking.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Capirotada!

Notes

Piloncillo gives the most authentic flavor, but dark brown sugar can be substituted if unavailable.
Feel free to use your favorite melting cheese; traditionally, Longhorn Cheddar or Colby are used.
Letting each layer soak allows the syrup to fully absorb for a moist and flavorful pudding.
This dessert is often enjoyed during Lent and Easter in Mexico.
Optional toppings: nuts, bananas, or coconut.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 10 servings)
Calories: 325
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 37mg