Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe

The Golden Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe Everyone Loves

Nestled within Italian culinary traditions, panettone bread and butter pudding offers a delightful twist on classic comfort desserts.

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance through this simple yet luxurious treat.

Soft, pillowy panettone becomes the perfect canvas for a rich custard bath.

Rich egg mixture soaks into every delicate slice, creating layers of decadent flavor.

Fragrant vanilla and subtle citrus notes peek through each heavenly bite.

Warm spices and creamy textures combine in a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that turns leftover panettone into a magical winter indulgence.

Savor each spoonful and let the magic of this dessert transport you to cozy Italian kitchens.

Why James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Is So Cozy

  • Savor Holiday Transformation: Turn traditional panettone into a luxurious dessert that celebrates festive flavors with a delightful twist.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple steps and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Impressive Entertaining Dessert: Creates a stunning finale for holiday gatherings or special dinner parties that looks more complicated than it actually is.
  • Comfort Food Elegance: Combines the nostalgic warmth of bread pudding with sophisticated Italian panettone, delivering a rich and indulgent dessert experience.

James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Panettone: A traditional Italian sweet bread enriched with candied fruits and raisins, perfect for creating a luxurious dessert.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base of the pudding.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the custard.
  • Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the pudding.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Pod: Offers a deep, natural vanilla flavor to enhance the custard's taste.
  • Citrus Zest: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note to complement the sweet panettone.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Butter, Icing Sugar: Sugar sweetens the custard, butter helps prevent sticking, and icing sugar provides a beautiful finishing touch for serving.

Easy Steps To Make James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding

Step 1: Infuse Creamy Liquid Base

Combine milk, cream, vanilla pod, and zest in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture until it reaches a just-boiling point, creating a rich, aromatic liquid. Remove from heat and let the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Whip Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk eggs and sugar until the color transforms to a pale, creamy yellow. Slowly stream the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky custard.

Step 3: Layer Panettone Slices

Generously butter panettone slices and carefully dip each piece into the prepared custard. Arrange the soaked slices in a buttered baking dish, creating beautiful overlapping layers that will absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Soak and Rest

Pour the remaining custard evenly over the layered panettone. Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the luscious custard mixture completely.

Step 5: Bake in Water Bath

Position the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water. Carefully transfer to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F). Bake for 45 minutes, creating a perfectly set, custardy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the pudding to set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Dust the top generously with icing sugar, creating a beautiful white blanket over the golden pudding. Serve warm, inviting everyone to enjoy this decadent dessert straight from the oven.

Baking Tips For James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding

  • Prevent Curdling: Temper eggs slowly by adding warm milk mixture gradually to avoid scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky custard.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Scrape vanilla pod seeds into milk for an intense, rich vanilla essence that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Master Soaking Technique: Let panettone slices absorb custard for exactly 10 minutes to achieve perfect moisture without becoming soggy.
  • Water Bath Magic: Use a water bath (bain-marie) to create gentle, even heat distribution, preventing custard from cracking or overcooking.
  • Serve with Flair: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate, sweet finish and professional bakery-style presentation.

Ways To Change James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding

  • Gluten-Free Panettone Version: Replace traditional panettone with gluten-free panettone or brioche, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Adaptable Pudding: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut cream, replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer, and use vegan butter alternative.
  • Chocolate Orange Variation: Add dark chocolate chips between panettone layers and increase orange zest for deeper citrus and chocolate flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, select low-sugar panettone, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining dessert's rich texture.

Perfect Pairings With James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding

  • Elevate Sweet Harmony: Moscato d'Asti wine perfectly complements the rich, custardy panettone pudding with its light, sweet bubbles and delicate fruit notes.
  • Pair with Vanilla Gelato: Creamy, cold vanilla gelato creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the warm, soft bread pudding.
  • Caramel Drizzle Companion: A subtle caramel sauce adds depth and enhances the dessert's natural sweetness, bringing out the panettone's candied fruit flavors.
  • Coffee Accompaniment: A smooth espresso or cappuccino cuts through the pudding's richness, providing a balanced and refreshing finish to this decadent dessert.

Store James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Well

  • Store leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, keeping for maximum 1 month, ensuring complete seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm single servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature and moisture level to avoid drying out.
  • Place pudding in preheated 150C (300F) oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent edges from burning.

FAQs On James Martin Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding

  • What is panettone and why is it used in this recipe?

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread typically enjoyed during Christmas, rich with candied fruits and raisins. Its soft, airy texture and sweet flavor make it perfect for transforming into a decadent bread pudding.

  • Can I make this recipe without a water bath?

No, the water bath helps create a gentle, even heat that prevents the custard from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Skipping this step might result in a less consistent pudding.

  • How do I know when the bread pudding is perfectly cooked?

The pudding is done when it’s set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The custard should be golden on top and jiggle slightly when gently shaken, indicating a creamy, not overcooked, consistency.

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Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe

Panettone Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Festive Italian panettone bread and butter pudding brings classic Christmas comfort to your dessert table. Rich custard and sweet fruit-studded bread create a luxurious finale that delights taste buds and warms hearts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium eggs
  • 170g (6 ounces) caster sugar
  • Thick slices of panettone, buttered

Dairy and Liquid Base:

  • 575 milliliters (19.4 fluid ounces) whole milk
  • 575 milliliters (19.4 fluid ounces) double cream

Flavoring and Garnish:

  • 1 vanilla pod
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Icing sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Infuse milk, cream, vanilla pod, and citrus zest over gentle heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges, then remove from stovetop.
  2. Vigorously whisk egg yolks and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, silky texture, then gradually incorporate the warm dairy mixture, stirring continuously.
  3. Generously butter panettone slices and delicately immerse each piece into the luxurious custard, arranging them in an overlapping pattern within a prepared baking vessel.
  4. Cascade the remaining custard evenly across the layered panettone, allowing the bread to absorb the creamy mixture for approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Position the baking dish within a larger pan filled with hot water, creating a protective water bath that ensures gentle, even cooking.
  6. Transfer to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden, slightly puffed surface and a slight wobble in the center.
  7. Allow the pudding to rest and settle for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar before serving while still warm.

Notes

  • Slice panettone evenly to ensure uniform custard absorption and consistent texture throughout the pudding.
  • Allow pudding to rest before baking, enabling bread to soak up rich custard and develop deeper flavors.
  • Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Experiment with additional mix-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to customize the dessert and add exciting flavor layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 682
  • Sugar: 52g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 47g
  • Saturated Fat: 29g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 215mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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