Ah, Capirotada Mexicana! This delightful dish brings back warm memories of slumber parties at my abuela’s house, where she would whip this up on chilly evenings. You know the feeling; the aroma would waft through the house, making us all gather in the kitchen, butterflies in our stomachs in anticipation of that sweet, gooey goodness. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form! Every time I make it, I smile remembering the little traditions that come with it – the laughter, the stories we shared, and of course, the deliciousness we all knew was coming.
What I love about Capirotada is how it’s not just a dessert but a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. That crispy bread, the luscious syrup, and the melty cheese all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s super adaptable! You can switch out the dried fruits, or even the nuts depending on what you have at home.
What’s in Capirotada Mexicana?
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to create this delectable dish!
Bolillos or French bread: The star of the dish, these bread rolls are slightly toasted to create a crispy layer that prevents mushiness. Bolillos are classic for authenticity, but French bread works like a charm too.
Brown sugar: This sweet ingredient adds depth and that cozy, caramel-like flavor we love. I usually grab the organic kind if I can find it, but any brown sugar works.
Water: Combined with brown sugar, it forms a gooey syrup that soaks into the bread.
Cinnamon powder: Oh, sweet cinnamon, how I adore you! It infuses the whole dish with a wonderful aroma and warmth, perfect for those cozy evenings.
Vanilla extract: Just a dash adds a lovely complexity to the syrup that takes things up a notch!
Shredded cheese: Ideally, you want queso fresco or cotija, which gives a creamy, salty contrast to the sweetness. A perfect balance!
Crushed peanuts: Crunch time! These add another layer of texture and a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish.
Raisins: Sweet and chewy, they offer little pockets of sweetness that are oh-so-delish.
Dried cranberries or other dried fruits: Totally optional but highly recommended if you’re looking to mix it up!
Sprinkles: For that fun, festive touch, and some sweetness on the top!
Ground cinnamon for garnish: Because we can never have too much cinnamon, right?
Is Capirotada Mexicana Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health! While Capirotada is definitely a treat, there are some ingredients that bring a little goodness to the table.
Peanuts: These little nuggets are packed with healthy fats and protein. They can help keep you satisfied longer and are a great little nutrient booster.
Dried fruits: With their natural sweetness, they come loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, be cautious as they can also contain added sugars, depending on the brand.
That said, it might be wise to enjoy this dish in moderation since it does have lots of sugar and carbs from the bread. So, maybe not every day—but definitely for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself!
Ingredients
– 8 bolillos (Mexican bread rolls) or French bread, sliced
– 1 ½ cups brown sugar
– 1 ½ cups water
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded cheese (like queso fresco or cotija)
– 1 cup crushed peanuts
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries or other dried fruits (optional)
– Sprinkles (for garnish)
– Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 8-10 people—perfect for a gathering or just for yourself to enjoy throughout the week!
How to Make Capirotada Mexicana?
Ready to dive in? Let’s turn this dreamy dessert into reality:
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly toast the sliced bolillos or French bread in the oven until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This helps to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
2. **Make the Syrup:** In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. **Mix in Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool slightly.
4. **Layer the Ingredients:** In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of toasted bread slices. Pour some of the syrup over the bread to soak it. Sprinkle a layer of cheese, crushed peanuts, raisins, and cranberries on top.
5. **Repeat the Layers:** Continue layering the bread, syrup, cheese, peanuts, and dried fruits until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese and nuts on top.
6. **Bake:** Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the top brown slightly.
7. **Garnish:** Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with additional crushed peanuts, sprinkles, and ground cinnamon if desired.
8. **Serve:** Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Capirotada Mexicana!
Sweet Tips and Serving Suggestions!
Here are a few tidbits I’ve learned over the years:
– If you want a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of rum to the syrup for a little adult twist.
– Feeling adventurous? Try adding different spices like nutmeg or allspice to the syrup!
– If you have leftover Capirotada, it’s great for breakfast the next day. Just pop it in the microwave for a quick, sweet start to your day.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own warm memories with Capirotada! Gather your loved ones, pour a few cups of coffee, and dig into this delicious dish. Trust me, it won’t last long—enjoy every scrumptious bite! Let me know how it turned out; I always love hearing from you!
