If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover panettone and wondered how to repurpose it into something delightful, this recipe is the perfect solution. Our take on the classic bread and butter pudding transforms the Italian sweet bread into a sumptuous dessert, enhanced with mascarpone, fresh fruits, and crunchy almonds. This easy yet luxurious treat is sure to please and can be prepared in under an hour.
Servings: 4
Time: 45 min
Diet: Veg
Ingredients
50g softened butter
250g mini panettone
2 eggs
140ml double cream
225ml milk (your choice)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp caster sugar
4 tbsp mascarpone
50g flaked almonds (optional)
Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Fresh forest fruits (optional)
Method
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (140°C fan/gas mark 3). Grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish with a small amount of butter to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick.
Slice and Butter the Panettone: Cut the mini panettone into wedges. Generously butter each wedge, then slice them in half and arrange them in the prepared dish with the buttered side facing upwards. Tip: For those with a sweet tooth, spreading a thin layer of your favourite jam on the slices before buttering can add an extra dimension of flavour.
Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, double cream, milk, vanilla extract, and caster sugar until well combined. This mixture will soak into the panettone, creating a rich custard that contrasts beautifully with the light bread.
Assemble the Pudding: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the buttered panettone slices, ensuring they are well soaked. Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top if you are using them. The almonds add a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the pudding.
Create a Water Bath: Place the baking dish into a larger roasting tin. Carefully fill the roasting tin with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath helps to cook the pudding gently and evenly.
Bake the Pudding: Place the water bath with the pudding into the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The pudding is ready when it has set; it should have a golden-brown top and a custardy, yellow interior.
Serve: Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm with a dusting of icing sugar, a dollop of mascarpone, and a few fresh forest fruits on the side. The combination of the creamy mascarpone and the sweet-tart berries provides a perfect balance to the rich pudding.
Serving Suggestions
In Italy, panettone is often enjoyed with sweet, creamy accompaniments. The mascarpone is a traditional choice, but high-quality vanilla ice cream is an excellent alternative, especially if you prefer a cold contrast to the warm pudding. Dairy-free ice cream can also be used for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. For a truly indulgent experience, enjoy this dessert with a glass of fruity wine on a warm summer’s evening.
Discovering Panettone
Origins and Characteristics
Panettone, a beloved Italian sweet bread, originates from Milan. Recognisable by its tall, dome-like shape, panettone is a staple during the Christmas season but is enjoyed year-round. Its texture is similar to that of brioche, featuring a delicate crumb and moist, cake-like consistency. The bread is studded with dried and candied fruits, which add a burst of sweetness.
The Art of Making Panettone
The process of making authentic panettone is a time-honoured tradition in Italy, steeped in meticulous craftsmanship. To be considered genuine, panettone must be made with "lievito madre," a natural yeast starter that gives the bread its distinctive tangy flavour and soft texture. This natural yeast also extends the shelf life of the bread. The production process is lengthy, often taking around three days from start to finish.
The dough itself is unique: bright yellow, soft, and highly elastic. This elasticity is crucial as it allows the dough to rise significantly without tearing, resulting in the bread’s characteristic height and airy texture. After baking, the panettone is hung upside down to cool, a technique that prevents it from collapsing and maintains its fluffy structure.
Interesting Panettonne Facts
Despite its sweet, cake-like appearance, panettone is technically a type of sourdough bread. This is due to the natural yeast used in its preparation. Panettone's intricate baking process and rich flavour profile make it a popular gift, symbolising thoughtfulness and care.
Easy Panettone Pudding Recipe: A Delectable Transformation
Transforming panettone into a pudding is a wonderful way to enjoy this bread beyond its traditional uses. This recipe not only repurposes leftover panettone but elevates it into a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.
Detailed Steps and Tips
Setting the Stage: Ensure your oven is correctly preheated to 160°C (140°C fan/gas mark 3). Proper greasing of the baking dish is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Perfectly Buttered Panettone: Buttering each slice of panettone generously is key to achieving a rich, moist pudding. The butter adds flavour and helps to crisp the top slightly during baking. Experiment with different jams to add a personalised twist.
Creating the Custard: Whisking the custard mixture thoroughly ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well integrated. The custard should be smooth and homogenous, which will soak into the panettone and create a creamy texture.
Water Bath Precision: The water bath method, or bain-marie, is essential for this recipe. It ensures even cooking by surrounding the baking dish with gentle heat. This technique prevents the custard from curdling and gives the pudding a silky consistency.
Baking and Serving: Baking for 35 minutes should result in a perfectly set pudding with a golden-brown top. Letting the pudding cool slightly before serving allows the flavours to meld and the texture to firm up.
Panettone: More Than Just Christmas Bread
While panettone is traditionally associated with Christmas, its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions. Its ability to be enjoyed in different forms—from breakfast toast to luxurious desserts—speaks to its universal appeal.
Preservation and Enjoyment
Thanks to the natural yeast, panettone has a longer shelf life than many other breads. This makes it an excellent choice for gifts, as it remains fresh and delicious for an extended period. Whether gifted or enjoyed at home, panettone's rich history and complex flavours make it a delight any time of year.
Conclusion
This simple panettone bread and butter pudding recipe is a delightful way to experience the unique qualities of this Italian bread in a new form. Whether served as a comforting dessert or an indulgent treat, it brings a touch of elegance to your table. Try this recipe and discover the joy of transforming leftover panettone into a luxurious pudding that everyone will love. Enjoy it with a glass of wine and savour the harmonious blend of flavours and textures that make this dish truly special.