Capirotada

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350° F.

Step 2

Put the piloncillo and water in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mix together the torn bread, raisins, peanuts, and coconut. Gently mix in the queso fresco and bananas.

Step 4

In another large bowl, whisk together the piloncillo syrup, cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until thoroughly mixed.

Step 5

Put the torn bread mixture into a deep 9" x 13" baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the bread mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the bread pudding is golden brown, an additional 25 minutes.

Step 6

Serve immediately with whipped cream, if desired. Leftover bread pudding can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325° F oven.