Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding: A Festive Twist On A Classic Dessert

As the festive season rolls in, there’s something magical about the aromas and flavors that fill our homes. One delightful dessert that encapsulates the essence of celebration is Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding. This delightful dish offers a festive twist on the classic bread and butter pudding, replacing the standard bread with the rich, fruit-studded Italian Christmas bread known as Panettone. This article will guide you through creating this sumptuous dessert, explaining the unique attributes of Panettone, and providing tips on how to make your pudding a family favorite this holiday season.

What is Panettone?

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Panettone is not just any bread; it's a holiday tradition from Italy. 🎄 Here’s what sets it apart:

• Cuisine: Originally from Milan, Panettone is a yeasted sweet bread.
• Ingredients: It's made with dough, candied fruits, raisins, and sometimes zest of citrus fruits, giving it a distinctive flavor and texture.
• Cultural Importance: It's traditionally enjoyed around Christmas, making it a symbol of celebration.

Ingredients for Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding

Before we dive into the preparation, let's gather our ingredients:

• Panettone: 500g, cut into slices or cubes
• Butter: 50g, unsalted, for greasing and spreading
• Eggs: 3 large, beaten
• Milk: 500ml, whole milk is best
• Heavy Cream: 150ml
• Caster Sugar: 100g plus extra for dusting
• Vanilla Extract: A few drops for flavor
• Ground Cinnamon: A pinch, for that festive touch
• Mixed Spices: Optional, to enhance the flavor profile
• Raisins: Optional, for extra texture and sweetness
• Almonds: Slivered, for topping

Step-by-Step Recipe

Let's transform the traditional bread and butter pudding into something special with Panettone:

Preparing the Dish

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or Gas Mark 4.

2. Grease Dish: Use some of the butter to grease a 1.5-litre oven-proof dish. 🧈

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3. Slice Panettone: Cut the Panettone into slices about 1 cm thick or cube it for a different texture.

Layering the Pudding

4. Layer: Arrange layers of Panettone slices or cubes in the dish. For a twist, you might spread some butter on each slice before layering.

5. Add Raisins: If using, sprinkle some raisins between the layers for added sweetness.

The Custard

6. Make Custard: In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and spices. Whisk until well combined.

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7. Pour Over: Pour this custard mixture over the layered Panettone, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.

Topping and Baking

8. Sprinkle Sugar: Dust with a little extra sugar and scatter almonds on top for crunch.

9. Bake: Bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the middle.

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<p class="pro-note">👨‍🍳 Note: For an even better texture, let the pudding soak for 15-20 minutes before baking to allow the Panettone to absorb the custard fully.</p>

Serving

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It's delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard.

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Enhancing Your Panettone Pudding

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or use chocolate panettone for a luxurious twist.

• Liqueur: Infuse the custard with a splash of Amaretto or Marsala wine for an adult-friendly version.

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• Fruits: Try dried apricots or cranberries for a change of pace.

Presentation

• Dust with Icing Sugar: For a snowy effect, dust with icing sugar before serving.

• Flambé: For drama, flambé with a liquor of your choice at the table.

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FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Assemble the pudding and refrigerate it overnight. Bake when ready to serve.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use leftover Panettone for this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Leftover Panettone is perfect for this pudding, ensuring no waste from the festive season.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I store leftover pudding?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Store it in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. It's also delicious cold, especially when topped with whipped cream.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

And there you have it, a festive delight that's sure to warm the hearts and stomachs of your loved ones. Using Panettone instead of regular bread not only elevates this classic dessert but also brings a bit of Italian holiday tradition to your table. Enjoy the process of creating this pudding as much as savoring it, and remember, the joy of the holiday season often comes from these shared culinary experiences.