• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nashi Food!
  • Recipes
  • Panamanian Recipes
  • About
  • Español
  • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Panamanian Recipes
  • About
  • Español
  • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Panamanian Recipes
    • About
    • Español
    • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Mamallena Recipe (Panamanian Bread Pudding)

    Published: Oct 27, 2022 by Nadja Belgrave · This post may contain affiliate links

    43 shares
    Go to Recipe Rate Recipe

    Try this homemade mamallena recipe with leftover bread, milk, egg, cinnamon, and raisins. It's a traditional Panamanian dessert, easy to make. The perfect dessert for when you feel like something sweet.

    In Panama, the mamallena is eaten throughout the year, but it has given me the impression that it is no longer made so frequently. You can find it in some local restaurants.

    Three pieces of mamallena with condensed milk on top.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click to read my policy and more about affiliate links. 

    Mamallena is a bread pudding with raisins. In other countries, it is also known as "budín de pan" or "pudín de pan" in Spanish.

    It's a perfect recipe for using bread that is already a couple of days old or left over, and you don't know what to do with it.

    If you prefer to use leftover bread for breakfast, try this holiday French toast recipe.

    Some people make it by removing the crust from the bread, but I'm a bit lazy to do that.

    Some may not enjoy the texture because it's pudding-like and has raisins. This version has raisins, but the trick is to cut them so they spread out better in the batter.

    This recipe is low in sugar, and I suggest adding other things that make it a little sweeter when you eat it.

    📋 Ingredients for the recipe

    To prepare this recipe, you will need sliced day-old ​bread, milk, eggs, ground cinnamon, chopped raisins, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Preferably all ingredients are at room temperature.

    Portioned ingredients for mamallena recipe.

    In the recipe card below, you will find the complete measurements of each of these ingredients.

    💡 Tip: Stale bread is the star of this recipe, and you can even mix different types that you have on hand.

    Substitutions

    • Bread – You can use another type of bread. Make sure it is the approximate amount (2 to 3 cups). I've made it before with leftover hot dog buns.
    • Brown sugar – you can use white sugar.
    • Milk – use 2% cow's milk, I haven't tried another type, but it will probably work if you substitute another type.

    As for utensils, we will use a small and a large bowl, a spatula, and a square mold (it can be glass or aluminum).
    Now that you have all the ingredients and utensils let's start.

    📝 How to make the recipe? - Step by Step

    Preheat the oven to 350 F. In my case, with my gas oven, I use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is correct.

    Oven Thermometer

    This is the one I have at home, and it was super cheap.

    Buy Now

    In a large mixing bowl, add the pieces of bread and milk. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the bread gets super soft, which will help it get the texture we are looking for.

    After the time has passed, mash the mixture, you can use your hands, but make sure they are clean. Mash them until no large chunks remain to help with a fine texture.

    A large bowl with bread pieces and milk.
    A large bowl with bread and milk, mashed.

    In the small bowl, add the eggs and beat them lightly. This ensures that it is better incorporated into the mixture and there are no pieces of egg floating.

    Add the rest of the ingredients (beaten eggs, ground cinnamon, chopped raisins, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla) to the bread and milk mixture and mix everything until incorporated.

    A large bowl with all the ingredients before mixing.
    A large bowl with all the ingredients mixed.

    Now let it rest for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This is for the flavors to integrate.

    While you wait, grease the mold with butter and set aside. Pour the mixture into the greased mold and bake for 45-60 minutes, checking that the mixture dries. Use a toothpick to verify that it's ready and should come out dry.

    Homemade mamallena baked in a square mold.

    Remove from the oven and let the mamallena cool completely before cutting it. Once it is cool, cut it into the number of pieces you prefer. I cut it into 16 pieces, so I have several small pieces to enjoy longer.

    Serve with vanilla ice cream or add a little condensed milk and enjoy.

    Three pieces of mamallena with condensed milk on top.

    ✅ Tips

    Here are some tips to make the recipe:

    • If you keep the mixture in the fridge, take it out of the fridge a few minutes beforehand, so it comes to room temperature, and then bake it.
    • If you see that the mamallena rises when it is baking, don't worry; you have a little more liquid in the mixture. Before baking, check if you have a lot of liquid in the mixture, and you can add more bread to counteract. But if you don't add more, nothing will happen.
    • If you keep the raisins in the refrigerator, they dry out a bit, but once you leave the mixture to rest, they will hydrate.
    • You can avoid chopping the raisins, but I think it gives a better texture, and you don't have too big chunks.

    Storage Tips

    Once it's cold, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days if you don't finish it sooner 😀.

    Recipe Variations

    • If you are not a fan of raisins, you can use apple or peach.
    • If you want to give it another flavor, replace the milk with coconut milk, and you can even add grated coconut. This will give it more texture.

    FAQs

    Can I prepare the mamallena in advance?

    If you can prepare it in advance. I suggest preparing the mixture the day before, storing it in the fridge, and only baking it the day you use it in the morning.

    What kind of bread can I use to make mamallena?

    You can use any bread to make mamallena. I have even used hot dogs and hamburger buns. Make sure that any kind you use has a couple of days old or is slightly stale.

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Brownies in the baking dish sliced and three pieces on top
      Extra Fudgy Oat Flour Brownies
    • mini cheesecakes in a mason jar
      Instant Pot Mini Cheesecakes
    • pumpkin flan served on a plate
      Flan de Calabaza (Pumpkin Flan) - Easy Holiday Dessert
    • Two glasses with arroz con leche and a cinnamon stick as decoration.
      Arroz Con Leche: Easy Dessert To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

    If you have tried the Panamanian Mamallena recipe or any other recipe on Nashi Food, don't forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! We love to hear about your cooking experience.

    Mamallena Recipe (Panamanian Bread Pudding with raisins)

    Pedazos de mamallena cortados con leche condensada encima.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 31 votes
    Try this homemade mamallena, made with leftover bread, milk, egg, cinnamon, and raisins. It's a typical Panamanian dessert, easy to make.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time50 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Latin, Panamanian
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 146kcal
    Author: Nadja Belgrave
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups bread, day-old, cut into pieces
    • 2 cups milk
    • 3 large eggs
    • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup chopped raisins
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    Utensils

    • 1 Large mixing bowl
    • 1 Small bowl
    • 1 Spatula
    • 1 Square baking pan

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350º F.
    • In a large bowl add the bread and milk, let soak for about 30 minutes.
      2 cups bread, day-old, 2 cups milk
    • Mash the bread until there are no large pieces left, this will give it a smooth texture.
    • In a small bowl lightly beat the eggs.
      3 large eggs
    • Add the beaten eggs, ground cinnamon, chopped raisins, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla to the bread mixture and mix all ingredients together.
      ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅓ cup chopped raisins, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • Let the mixture rest for an additional 20 minutes. While waiting, grease the mold with butter.
    • Pour the mixture into the mold and bake for 45-60 minutes, checking that it is dry. Use a toothpick and if it comes out clean it's done.
    • Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting.
    • Once the mamallena is cold, cut it into as many pieces as you like.
    • Serve with vanilla ice cream, or with a drizzle of condensed milk and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Mamallena Recipe (Panamanian Bread Pudding with raisins)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 146 Calories from Fat 36
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 4g6%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 0.04g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 1g
    Cholesterol 36mg12%
    Sodium 171mg7%
    Potassium 132mg4%
    Carbohydrates 23g8%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 5g10%
    Vitamin A 117IU2%
    Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
    Calcium 85mg9%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Share it on Instagram mention @nashifood or tag it #nashifood!

    Easy Dessert Recipes

    • a collage of dessert recipes
      45 Easy Dessert Recipes for Valentine's Day
    • french toast served on a plate
      Eggnog French Toast Recipe - A Holiday Breakfast
    • Banana Oat Bread - Try this easy 12-ingredient banana oat bread, you will love it!
      Banana Oat Bread
    • Double Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies are chewy and made using only one bowl and 9 ingredients total | nashifood.com
      1-Bowl Double Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
    43 shares
    Headshot of Nadja with glasses.

    Hola! I'm Nadja

    I'm the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Nashi Food. I share Panamanian & Latin recipes made EASY, so you can fit them into your busy schedule ~ even when it's just 2 people!

    More about me here

    You May Also Like

    A plate with Spinach and Zucchini Crustless Quiche, an easy and simple recipe with a ton of flavor, made with eggs and cheese.

    Spinach and Zucchini Crustless Quiche

    two bowls served with rice and carrots

    Rice and carrots - simple side dish for everyday meals

    a bowl served with pork chorizo fred rice

    Pork Chorizo Fried Rice with Panamanian flavor

    a top view of a bowl with cod fish fritters and a couple over parchment paper.

    Saltfish Fritters (Codfish Fritters)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • EspañolEspañol
    Headshot of Nadja with glasses.

    Hola, I'm Nadja! I'm the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Nashi Food. I share Panamanian & Latin recipes made EASY, so you can fit them into your busy schedule ~ even when it's just 2 people! I will make sure that You can still enjoy the Latin food you love and connect with.

    More about me →

    As Seen On

    Get your Free Mini Cookbook 👇🏽

    Let's Connect

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • youtube

    Popular Posts

    • eye of round steak served on a plate with rice and broccoli
      Eye of round steak in peppercorn sauce (Instant Pot)
    • two mason jars with chicheme
      Easy Panamanian Chicheme Recipe
    • finished plantains in the frying pan
      Caramelized Plantains: sweet and easy comfort food
    • two glasses served with pineapple and rice drink
      Arroz con Piña Recipe (Pineapple and Rice Drink)

    Summer Recipes

    • Top view of a bowl with potato salad decorated with curly parsley.
      Simple Potato Salad, The Right Amount For Two Without Leftovers
    • Banana Oat Bread - Try this easy 12-ingredient banana oat bread, you will love it!
      Banana Oat Bread
    • fried sweet corn fritters in a small dish
      Sweet Corn Fritters
    • Need a refreshing drink for these hot days, try out my Lemon Wild Berry Cold brew Iced Tea. It is easy to make and a crowd pleaser | nashifood.com
      Lemon Wild Berry Cold brew Iced Tea

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    About

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign up for a free ebook and recipes!

    Browse

    Recipe Index

    Favorites

    Panamanian Foods

    Instant Pot

    Web Stories

    Nashi Food is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I appreciate your support!

    Copyright © 2016-2023 Nashi Food