Mexican Style Capirotada (Bread Pudding) Recipe
This traditional Mexican-style Capirotada, or bread pudding, offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Unlike typical bread puddings that rely on milk and eggs, this version uses jaggery syrup to create a rich and fragrant sweetness, complemented by the depth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Dried fruits and cashew nuts add a delightful texture, while the toasted whole wheat bread soaks up all the flavors, making this dish both hearty and satisfying. Perfect as a warm dessert for cozy evenings or a cool treat to enjoy at any time.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 8 slices, torn into small pieces |
| Cashew Nuts | 10 nuts |
| Sultana Raisins | 15 raisins |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 50 grams |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ripe Bananas | 2, sliced |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. -
Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:
In a saucepan, heat the jaggery with 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 15 minutes until the jaggery melts completely and the syrup thickens slightly. -
Assemble the Pudding:
Tear the whole wheat brown bread into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a baking dish. Add the sliced bananas, cashew nuts, and sultana raisins for an added burst of flavor and texture. -
Pour the Jaggery Syrup:
Once the jaggery syrup is ready, pour it generously over the bread mixture, ensuring everything is well-soaked. Gently mix to coat the bread and fruits evenly with the syrup. -
Add Cream:
Top the bread mixture with a dollop of fresh cream. Spread it out evenly over the top to add a rich and smooth finish. -
Bake the Capirotada:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 120°C (250°F) for about 10 minutes. The bread should be toasted and the pudding should have absorbed all the syrup and cream. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the Capirotada from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This bread pudding can be enjoyed warm or cold. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with custard, a scoop of homemade ice cream, or an eggless vanilla custard pudding.
Tips for the Best Capirotada:
- Bananas: Ensure the bananas are ripe for a naturally sweet flavor. They will soften beautifully as the pudding bakes, enhancing the overall texture.
- Nuts & Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other nuts or dried fruits such as almonds, walnuts, or dried apricots for different textures and flavors.
- Make Ahead: This pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick dessert.
This Mexican Style Capirotada offers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and texture. Whether enjoyed with custard, ice cream, or on its own, it’s a fantastic dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or family meal.
