Panettone Bread Pudding

5 from 1 vote

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Panettone Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert recipe made with the popular Italian fruit cake bread. A great dessert for Christmas and winter with a creamy custard.
A full dish of Panettone Bread Pudding after baking

This Panettone Bread Pudding is an amazing dessert recipe using the popular Italian fruitcake brioche in a custard sauce. A great recipe idea for Christmas and winter!

A portion of Panettone Bread Pudding on a white plate

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This amazing dessert recipe is inspired by the popular Italian Panettone.

Using panettone brings wonderful buttery characteristics with the chewy, candied fruit pieces.

A delicious way to enjoy a popular Southern dessert recipe with an Italian twist. Perfect for the holidays and entertaining a party!

A full dish of Panettone Bread Pudding after baking

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need to make the bread pudding:

  • Panettone (about 1.5 pounds)
  • Eggs
  • Whole Milk
  • Heavy Cream
  • Orange (zest and juice)
  • Bourbon (optional)
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Pecans
  • Salt

All ingredients labeled and on a counter

What is Panettone?

Panettone is a slightly sweet bread with an airy texture.

Filled with candied fruits, it is almost like the Italian version of the fruitcake but much, much better!

The bread has a buttery flavor and when paired with the flaky and airy texture, you will see why they love it so much!

A whole and sliced panettone

Equipment

This is the equipment you need to make the recipe:

  • Large Bowl
  • Serrated Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Large Baking Dish
  • Non-Stick Spray

Instruction Overview

Cut the panettone into thick slices and then cubes, about 1.5 inches wide.

You will have a little panettone from the loaf leftover. Perfect for Panettone French Toast!

Whisk the other ingredients together in a large bowl.

Mixing the wet ingredients in a large bowl

Spray a large baking dish with non-stick spray.

Add the bread into the dish with the liquid mixture. Stir to combine.

The bread being added to the wet ingredients

Let it sit 20 minutes to absorb.

THe mixture in a dish before baking

Bake until the dish has a very soft giggle in the middle, similar to cheesecake, about 50 minutes.

Let set 20 minutes before serving.

Modifications and Substitutions

Skip the nuts if you do not want them.

Walnuts are a great substitute for pecans.

This recipe can easily be halved. Just reduce all ingredients by half and completely skip the extra egg yolk.

Pieces of Panettone Bread Pudding on white plates with pecans

Kim’s Tips

The bread pudding will shrink back some as it cools and everything settles. This is normal.

Serve with a vanilla ice cream (or gelato!), or a cream dessert sauce.

FAQs

Why is panettone so special?

Panettone is a popular Italian Christmas dessert. Tink of it as a delicious fruitcake cousin!

How do Italians eat their panettone?

They eat it plain typically with coffees. But in this recipe we blend it with another favorite to make a unique dessert!

How do you serve panettone as a dessert?

Sliced up with wine! Or as this bread pudding!

What is bread pudding sauce made of?

The base is made with cream, vanilla, eggs, and milk.

Is bread pudding made from old bread?

It can be!
If the bread is very light, it is best for it to be dried out or toasted to better absorb the liquid and hold its shape.
This fruitcake does a great job of absorbing liquid, so no toasting is needed here.

Close view of a portion of Panettone Bread Pudding
Pin of Panettone Bread Pudding servings on white plates with pecans and title at top
A full dish of Panettone Bread Pudding after baking

Panettone Bread Pudding

Panettone Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert recipe made with the popular Italian fruit cake bread. A great dessert for Christmas and winter with a creamy custard.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, International, Italian
Keyword: Christmas, Holiday, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Resting Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 635kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the bread into 1.5 inch cubes. Set aside.
    8 cups panettone
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the bread and toss to coat.
    4 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 Tablespoon orange zest, 2 Tablespoons orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, ½ cup pecans
  • Coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the dish. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Bake the pudding on the lower middle rack until it is golden brown and puffing up around the edges, with a slight jiggle in the middle, approximately 45-50 minutes.
  • Let cool for 30-45 minutes before serving warm. This pudding is great served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

You can let the bread soak in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if needed.
Easily halve the recipe for a smaller crowd! Just cut everything in half and skip the extra egg yolk completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 635kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 1399IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 3mg

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By on January 11th, 2023

About Kim

Kim has grown up with a passion for cooking good food! You can find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, making dog treats, and eating Italian food!

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