How to Make Capirotada with Extra Pecans and Raisins
Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding, especially popular during Lent. It’s a deliciously sweet, spiced dessert featuring layers of toasted bread, melty cheese, and crunchy nuts, all soaked in a rich, syrupy mixture of piloncillo and cinnamon. This recipe adds extra pecans and raisins for an irresistible twist on the classic!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cone)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (cut into slices and toasted)
- Mozzarella cheese (for a gooey, mild layer)
- Mild cheddar cheese (adds a touch of sharpness)
- Coconut flakes (optional, for tropical flavor)
- Raisins (because more is better!)
- Walnuts (for crunch)
- Pecans (extra, for that nutty goodness)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the piloncillo, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and brown sugar with 2 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the piloncillo melts and the syrup thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, create layers of toasted bread slices, sprinkling each layer with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, coconut flakes (optional), raisins, walnuts, and pecans.
- Repeat this layering process until you use up all the ingredients, finishing with extra pecans and raisins on top for added crunch and sweetness.
3️⃣ Add the Syrup
- Slowly and evenly pour the syrup over the layered ingredients, ensuring the bread is well-soaked.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so the bread absorbs all the delicious syrup.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the syrup is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! 🍨🤩
Pro Tips
- Make It Ahead: Capirotada tastes even better the next day! Just reheat it in the oven.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of ground cloves or nutmeg to the syrup for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
- Add Fruits: Dried fruits like apricots or cranberries can add a unique twist.
This Capirotada with Extra Pecans and Raisins is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. A perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, and chewy textures that will leave you wanting more! 😍🎉
Who’s ready to try it? Let me know if you’d like any changes to the recipe! 🍞🍫🍮