Magical Panettone Trifle Recipe: A Festive Dessert Twist

When crafting a delightful panettone trifle, Italian holiday magic meets dessert innovation in the most spectacular way.

Layers of soft, sweet bread create a luxurious foundation for creamy textures.

Seasonal fruits and rich custard dance between delicate panettone slices, promising an unforgettable experience.

Traditional Christmas flavors merge with elegant presentation, surprising everyone at the table.

Each spoonful brings comfort and excitement, blending nostalgic memories with contemporary dessert artistry.

Delicate amaretto-soaked crumbs and velvety mascarpone cream invite you to indulge in this magnificent festive treat.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates culinary creativity and seasonal joy.

Creative Twists on Panettone Trifle

• Gluten-Free Panettone Trifle: Replace traditional panettone with gluten-free panettone or alternative bread, ensuring same texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap mascarpone with coconut cream, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace coffee liqueur with almond milk mixed with espresso.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce liqueur amount, and use dark chocolate with minimal added sugars.
• Fruit-Enhanced Variation: Add fresh raspberries or orange segments between layers for extra brightness and natural sweetness.

What to Serve with Nigella Panettone Trifle

• Pair Espresso Martini: Create a complementary cocktail using espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur that echoes the trifle's rich coffee and chocolate notes.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold scoop alongside the trifle to balance the intense chocolate and mascarpone flavors with a smooth, neutral sweetness.
• Match Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, robust coffee that amplifies the espresso powder and chocolate undertones in the dessert, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Select Italian Red Wine: Choose a sweet Vin Santo or Moscato d'Asti to harmonize with the panettone's fruity essence and provide a delicate, complementary wine pairing.

Keeping Panettone Trifle Fresh

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use an airtight container or plastic wrap to prevent moisture and absorb other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the delicate mascarpone and chocolate layers which may separate or become grainy when thawed.
• Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator. Do not microwave, as the layers will lose their texture and become runny.
• Keep chilled until serving. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften the mascarpone slightly and enhance flavor.

Nigella Panettone Trifle FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this Panettone Trifle?

The trifle combines rich chocolate, creamy mascarpone, espresso, and coffee liqueur, creating a decadent Italian-inspired dessert with deep, luxurious flavor profiles.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this trifle up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually allows the flavors to meld together more intensely.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dessert?

No special equipment is required – just individual serving glasses, a whisk, and basic mixing tools are all you need to create this elegant dessert.

• Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, using mascarpone cheese, chocolate, and panettone as the primary components.

Why Nigella Panettone Trifle Is a Holiday Showstopper

• Elevate Dessert Game: Transform traditional panettone into a luxurious, layered trifle that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings or spontaneous dinner parties, this recipe requires no baking and comes together in simple steps.
• Indulgent Flavor Combo: Blend rich chocolate, creamy mascarpone, and coffee liqueur for a decadent dessert that satisfies sophisticated taste buds.
• Flexible Serving Option: Enjoy immediately or chill ahead of time, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining and advance preparation.

What You Need for Nigella Panettone Trifle

• Panettone: A traditional Italian sweet bread that provides a soft and flavorful base for the trifle.
• Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious texture.
• Chocolate: Adds depth of flavor and creates a decadent chocolate component to the dessert.

• Coffee Liqueur, Espresso Powder: Bring a deep, sophisticated coffee flavor to the trifle.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the other flavors in the dessert.

• Chocolate Shavings: Adds a decorative and delicious garnish to the top of the trifle.

Instructions for Assembling Panettone Trifle

Step 1: Gently Melt Chocolate

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy. Allow chocolate to cool slightly at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Chocolate Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cooled melted chocolate, granulated sugar, and espresso powder. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes light, airy, and completely smooth.

Step 3: Create First Layer of Panettone

Slice panettone into cubes and carefully distribute half the cubes evenly among 6 serving glasses, creating a solid foundation for the trifle.

Step 4: Drizzle With Coffee Liqueur

Pour half of the coffee liqueur over the panettone cubes, allowing the bread to absorb the rich, aromatic liquid.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Mascarpone Layer

Spoon half of the prepared mascarpone chocolate mixture over the liqueur-soaked panettone, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 6: Repeat Layering Process

• Panettone cubes
• Coffee liqueur
• Mascarpone chocolate mixture

Step 7: Garnish With Chocolate

Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously across the top of the trifle for an elegant and delicious finishing touch.

Step 8: Chill or Serve

Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for a quick and decadent dessert.

Pro Tips for Nigella Panettone Trifle

• Gentle Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for smooth chocolate.
• Whisk with Care: Beat mascarpone mixture gently to maintain a light, airy texture without overworking the ingredients.
• Liqueur Distribution: Drizzle coffee liqueur evenly to ensure each layer gets a balanced flavor and moisture.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and create a firmer, more cohesive dessert.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different chocolate shavings or add fresh berries for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Panettone Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic meets Italian tradition in this Panettone Trifle, where layers of sweet bread, creamy custard, and rich mascarpone create a stunning dessert. Guests will delight in each spoonful of this luxurious Christmas treat that brings warmth and joy to the table.

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Ingredients

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Panettone Trifle Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) panettone, cubed
• 1 pound (454 grams) mascarpone cheese

Chocolate and Liqueur Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) coffee liqueur
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Sweetening and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners sugar
• Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, allowing it to cool slightly to prevent seizing.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip mascarpone with melted chocolate, sugar, and espresso powder until the mixture becomes silky and aerated.
3. Create the first layer by placing chunks of panettone at the bottom of each serving glass, ensuring even distribution.
4. Delicately drizzle coffee liqueur over the panettone, allowing it to soak into the bread for enhanced flavor.
5. Carefully spread a generous layer of the chocolate-mascarpone mixture over the soaked panettone, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining panettone, creating a second bread layer.
7. Pour the remaining coffee liqueur over the second panettone layer to add moisture and depth.
8. Top the second layer with the remaining chocolate-mascarpone mixture, creating a smooth and even surface.
9. Garnish the trifle with delicate chocolate shavings, sprinkled evenly across the top for visual appeal.
10. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, or serve immediately for a softer dessert.

Notes

• Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
• Use room temperature mascarpone for easier whisking and a more uniform mixture that blends seamlessly with chocolate.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed coffee or chocolate syrup to maintain depth of flavor.
• Layer ingredients carefully to create visually appealing and evenly distributed flavors in each spoonful of the trifle.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 517 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 63 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg