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Capirotada

Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding with layers of toasted bread, sweet syrup, and various ingredients, creating a comforting dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Syrup
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar, divided 1/4 cup used at the end
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
For the Capirotada
  • 2 loaves bolillo bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick, toasted
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened for spreading on the bread
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 2 cups peanuts
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste for sprinkling on the bread
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or to taste for sprinkling on the bread
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, or to taste for sprinkling on the bread

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a saucepan, combine the 3 cups of water, 2 cups of brown sugar, and the cinnamon sticks. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the liquid thickens into syrup. Remove the cinnamon sticks afterward.
  3. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each toasted bread slice. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the buttered sides.
Layering
  1. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the buttered bread slices in two rows, overlapping slightly with the buttered side facing up.
  2. Sprinkle shredded Oaxaca cheese, raisins, peanuts, and a touch more cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the bread. Finally, scatter the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly across the dish.
Baking
  1. Pour the cinnamon syrup generously over the entire dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  2. Bake for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Once baked, allow Capirotada to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve portions warm, optionally with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of light honey. Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen.