Capirotada

c
@cocinero44

A traditional Mexican dessert and one of the oldest sweet preparations in the country, capirotada was traditionally made during Lent. It is a dish made with bread, syrup, cinnamon, raisins, cheese, and peanuts—a delicious combination that originated in ancient Rome. Over time, additional ingredients were incorporated into the original recipe,...

Capirotada recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
40min

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = 1 square of capirotada)
  • bread
    bread
    4piece
  • tortillas from the previous day
    tortillas from the previous day
    5piece
  • walnuts
    walnuts
    150g
  • dried prunes
    dried prunes
    50g
  • seedless black raisins
    seedless black raisins
    100g
  • dried apricots
    dried apricots
    100g
  • peanuts
    peanuts
    200g
  • apple, peeled and cut into small pieces
    apple, peeled and cut into small pieces
    1piece
  • banana, sliced
    banana, sliced
    1piece
  • hard, dry white cheese
    hard, dry white cheese
    100g
  • orange peel
    orange peel
    1piece
  • orange zest
    orange zest
    1tbsp
  • piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar)
    piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar)
    3piece
  • water
    water
    3cup
  • cinnamon sticks
    cinnamon sticks
    2piece
  • salt
    salt
    1dash
  • lard (or butter)
    lard (or butter)
    1

How to make Capirotada

Prepare the bread

  1. Step 1

    Slice the bread into medium-thick slices, toast them, and spread lard (or butter) on each slice.

Line the mold

  1. Step 1

    Place the tortillas on the bottom and sides of a rectangular baking dish.

Make the syrup

  1. Step 1

    In a pot, boil the piloncillo with three cups of water, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and a pinch of salt to create a syrup.

Layer the ingredients

  1. Step 1

    Arrange the bread slices slightly apart in the baking dish.

  2. Step 2

    Add a layer of walnuts, prunes, raisins, peanuts, and dried apricots.

  3. Step 3

    For the final layer, distribute the cheese, orange zest, and pour the syrup evenly over the layers to moisten everything.

  4. Step 4

    Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Step 2

    Bake the capirotada for 10 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

562.5kcal (28.13%)

Protein

15.0g (30%)

Carbs

75.0g (27.27%)

Sugars

37.5g (75%)

Healthy Fat

14.0g

Unhealthy Fat

3.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use stale bread for better texture and absorption of the syrup.

  2. You can substitute lard with butter for a lighter option.

  3. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less piloncillo according to your preference.

  4. Ensure the syrup is evenly distributed to avoid dry spots in the dish.

FAQS

  1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

    Stale bread is recommended because it absorbs the syrup better and holds its texture during baking. Fresh bread may become too soggy.

  2. What can I use instead of piloncillo?

    You can substitute piloncillo with brown sugar or molasses, though the flavor may differ slightly.

  3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

    Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

  4. How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftover capirotada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

  5. Can I add other fruits or nuts?

    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits or nuts to customize the flavor.

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