9 Creative Ways to Enjoy Panettone This Christmas

Ah Panettone – the Italian bread that’s the star of Christmas tables everywhere. While it’s perfect as a  simple, sweet treat on its own, there are so many fun and delicious ways to enjoy it. From creating a mouth-watering mascarpone topping to making French toast with a festive twist, we’ve got nine creative ways to enjoy this seasonal bread.

A Brief History of Panettone

The story of panettone begins in Milan, Italy, where, according to legend, a young nobleman baked the first panettone to impress the daughter of a baker. The recipe dates back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that panettone became the iconic Christmas treat we know today. Originally enjoyed by Milanese aristocrats, panettone is made from a sweet dough studded with dried fruit, citrus peel, and nuts.

Over time, it became synonymous with the Christmas season, especially in Italy. Today, panettone isn’t just a festive treat for the table; it’s also a thoughtful gift tradition. In many Italian households, it’s customary to bring a beautifully packaged panettone when visiting friends or family during the holidays. Whether it’s a traditional panettone or one filled with rich chocolate, gifting this beloved bread has become a delightful way to spread festive cheer.

Creative Recipe Ideas for Panettone

While panettone on its own is a delightful treat, it’s also an incredibly versatile base for a host of other scrumptious creations. Don’t have your panettone yet? Shop our selection of traditional and chocolate panettone here.

Get creative with our ways to jazz up your panettone: 

1. Homemade Mascarpone Cream

Mascarpone is to panettone what jam is to scones – a match made in heaven. Whipping up some mascarpone cream is an easy way to make your panettone even more indulgent. Rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible, it adds that little something extra.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup double cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Whisk together the mascarpone, double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Serve it alongside your panettone for an indulgent treat that will have your taste buds singing.

2. Rich Chocolate Sauce

Got a sweet tooth? Indulge with this rich chocolate sauce, the perfect topping to drizzle over your panettone or dip it for an extra luxurious treat. Simple, yet utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup double cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Heat the cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
• Add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over your panettone slices and enjoy the decadence.

3. Panettone Skewers with Chocolate Drizzle

Looking for fun, shareable party treats? Panettone skewers are the way to go. Perfect as nibbles or finger food for a buffet when you have a lot of guests, these skewers allow everyone to sample a bit of everything.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup dark or milk chocolate (melted)
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the panettone into bite-sized cubes.
• Toast the cubes in a preheated fan oven at 190°C for 8 minutes, or in a preheated static oven at 210°C for about 16 minutes, until golden.
• Thread the cubes onto skewers, alternating with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the skewers and serve. Perfect for sharing at parties.

4. Panettone French Toast

When you’ve got a slightly stale panettone hanging around, panettone French toast is the perfect way to repurpose it. The panettone’s airy, fluffy texture soaks up the egg mixture, making it the most decadent French toast you’ll ever have. Think of it as the best of both worlds – French toast, but with that festive Italian twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of panettone
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Butter for frying
• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

• Whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt a knob of butter.
• Dip each slice of panettone into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
• Fry each slice until golden and crispy on both sides.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Panettone Layer Cake

If you want to impress your guests with something truly spectacular, try making a panettone layer cake. Think of it as a twist on the classic Victoria sponge, but with the added charm of panettone.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into layers)
• Orange marmalade
• Whipped cream or mascarpone cream
• Fresh berries or fruit (optional)

Instructions:

• Slice the panettone horizontally into thick layers.
• Spread a generous layer of marmalade on each slice.
• Add a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone cream on top of the marmalade.
• Repeat the process with more layers, finishing with a dollop of cream and fresh berries on top.
• Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld together.

6. Panettone Bread Pudding

Transform your leftover panettone into a warm, comforting bread pudding. This classic dessert takes on a festive twist when made with panettone, and it’s perfect for a cosy night in.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed panettone
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup double cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C.
• Place the cubed panettone in a greased baking dish.
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Pour the mixture over the panettone cubes, pressing down to ensure they soak up the custard.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of custard.

7. Panettone Trifle

If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe new life into your panettone once it’s a little stale (or if you just want to impress your guests), why not try making a panettone trifle. This dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious, and it’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into cubes)
• 2 cups custard
• 2 cups whipped cream
• Fresh berries or fruit (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries work well)
• Shaved chocolate or nuts

Instructions:

• In a trifle dish, layer the panettone cubes, custard, whipped cream, and fruit.
• Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
• Garnish with shaved chocolate or nuts, if desired.
• Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

8. Panettone Ice Cream Sandwiches

For a fun and indulgent treat, use slices of panettone to make ice cream sandwiches. The soft, sweet bread pairs perfectly with creamy ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (sliced)
• Your favourite ice cream
• Chocolate chips or sprinkles for coating (optional)

Instructions:

• Take two slices of panettone and place a generous scoop of ice cream between them.
• Press gently to sandwich the ice cream.
• Roll the edges in chocolate chips or sprinkles, if desired.
• Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

9. Panettone Tiramisu

Give the classic tiramisu a festive twist by using panettone instead of ladyfingers. This panettone tiramisu is a rich, creamy dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into slices)
• 1 cup strong coffee (cooled)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

• In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
• Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
• Fold in the whipped cream.
• Dip the panettone slices in coffee and layer them in a dish.
• Spread the mascarpone mixture over the panettone.
• Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone.
• Dust with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

How to Care for Your Panettone

To make sure your panettone stays fresh and delicious long after you’ve brought it home, follow these simple care tips:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your panettone in its original packaging, ideally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or kitchen cupboard works perfectly.
• Avoid refrigerating: While it might seem tempting, don’t store panettone in the fridge as it can dry out the bread. Room temperature is ideal for preserving its fluffy texture.
• Keep it wrapped: If you’ve already opened your panettone, wrap it in wax paper or foil, and place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible. This helps retain the moisture and prevents it from getting stale.
• Panettone shelf life: A well-stored panettone can last for several weeks, but if you have leftover panettone, it also freezes well. Simply wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer, and it should last for up to three months.

Taking proper care of your panettone ensures you can enjoy it at its best, whether you’re indulging in a festive slice or repurposing it into one of our creative recipes.

Wrapping Up:

Panettone is a festive favourite that goes beyond just a simple slice. With so many creative ways to enjoy it, from mascarpone cream and French toast to decadent tiramisu, it’s a versatile treat that can be savoured in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying it with family, there’s no wrong way to indulge.

Ready to get your hands on the perfect panettone for your recipes? We’ve got both the classic traditional version and a rich, chocolate-filled panettone to choose from.