Ah, Capirotada de Leche – the dish that takes me back to the warm kitchen of my abuela during the holidays! I can still picture her bustling around with flour dusted on her apron, infusing our home with the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. There’s something truly magical about this traditional Mexican bread pudding. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that evokes cherished memories and festive gatherings. So, whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert to serve at a family dinner or a delightful treat to wow your friends, this recipe is a must-try!
Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate. I love how the creamy milk melds perfectly with the warmth of ground cinnamon and the sweetness of apricots. Oh, and don’t get me started on the combination of nuts and cheese! This dish is a celebration in itself, and I can guarantee it will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What’s in Capirotada de Leche?
Now, let’s break down the star players in this mouthwatering dessert:
Bolillo or French Bread: The backbone of this dish, I always prefer using bolillo bread for its airy texture, but French bread works just as well. Just make sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes so it soaks up all that delicious custard!
Whole Milk: Rich and creamy whole milk is an essential base for the custard, giving our capirotada a lovely smooth texture. Feel free to use almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option; it may change the flavor slightly but can be just as delightful.
Sugar: A little sugar is all you need to add sweetness to this dish. You could substitute with your favorite sweetener if you like keeping it healthier.
Eggs: These guys are the magical binding agents that keep everything together and give the custard that perfect consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of this heavenly scent uplifts all the other flavors, making it a key ingredient for any great dessert.
Ground Cinnamon: The aroma of cinnamon warming up in the oven is absolutely divine! Use this generously for that cozy holiday feel.
Raisins: Sweet and chewy, raisins add a lovely texture contrast. If you’re not a fan, go ahead and omit them; no hard feelings here!
Pecans or Walnuts: I love the crunch these nuts provide, plus their deeper flavor adds another layer of richness to the dish.
Apricot Preserves or Dried Apricots: These sweet, fruity notes balance out the richness of the cheese and nuts, making every bite exciting.
Shredded Cheese: Trust me on this one! A little cheese adds complexity and creaminess that elevates Capirotada to another level. I love using queso fresco, but Monterey Jack works wonderfully too!
Butter: A drizzle of melted butter on top creates that golden crust we all adore. It’s like icing on the cake – or in this case, the pudding!
Is Capirotada de Leche Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health. While Capirotada de Leche is undeniably delicious, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a rich dessert packed with calories. But hey, it’s all about balance, am I right?
Bread: Using whole grain bread can boost fiber content. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep those carbs in check.
Eggs: They are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making this dish a tad more filling.
Nuts: The pecans or walnuts deliver healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Just watch the portions if you’re trying to be calorie-conscious, as nuts are calorie-dense.
Overall, if you indulge every now and then, your taste buds (and heart) will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 loaf of bolillo or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups whole milk
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 cup apricot preserves or dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., queso fresco or Monterey Jack)
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
*Serves 8*
How to Make Capirotada de Leche?
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and enjoy the magic that happens when all these ingredients come together:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the excitement begin!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until it’s all well blended and bubbly.
3. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes. Feel free to channel your inner artist here!
4. Sprinkle half of the raisins, nuts, apricot preserves, and shredded cheese over the bread layer.
5. Pour half of the milk mixture over the layered goodness.
6. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes, raisins, nuts, apricot preserves, and cheese, then pour over the rest of the milk mixture.
7. Then, like a cherry on top, drizzle the melted butter over the whole dish.
8. Bake in that preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Your kitchen will smell like a heavenly bakery!
9. Let the capirotada cool slightly before diving in. Enjoy it warm, and garnished with extra cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!
A Little Extra Spice
Here are a few tips and variations to take your Capirotada de Leche to the next level:
– **Fruit Variations**: Feel free to get creative! Instead of apricot preserves, you can use other fruit preserves like peach or plum for a twist.
– **Cheese Options**: Experiment with cheese! A sharp white cheddar adds a nice contrast if you want to try something different.
– **Spice it Up**: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth, especially during the colder months.
Remember, this dish is meant to be shared and enjoyed! So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful Capirotada de Leche, and create some beautiful memories around the table.
I hope you dive into this recipe and find just as much joy in it as I do. Let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures!
