Panettone Bread Pudding with Spiced Orange Sauce: A Festive Holiday Treat

Panettone, that delightfully airy and subtly sweet Italian bread, is a holiday staple in many households. While delicious on its own, transforming leftover panettone into a decadent bread pudding elevates it to a whole new level. This recipe combines the rich texture of panettone with a creamy custard and a vibrant, spiced orange sauce, creating a warm and comforting dessert perfect for Christmas morning brunch, a holiday dinner party, or any special occasion during the festive season.

This Panettone Bread Pudding with Spiced Orange Sauce is surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests. The spiced orange sauce adds a bright and citrusy counterpoint to the rich bread pudding, making it a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to experience a taste of holiday magic!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Perfect for Using Leftover Panettone:** Instead of letting your leftover panettone go stale, this recipe provides a delicious and creative way to use it up.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to add your own favorite dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread pudding. You can also adjust the spices in the orange sauce to suit your taste.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. The orange sauce can also be made in advance.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The combination of the golden-brown bread pudding and the vibrant orange sauce makes for a visually stunning dessert.
* **Warm and Comforting:** The flavors and textures of this bread pudding are reminiscent of classic holiday desserts, making it a perfect way to celebrate the season.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Panettone Bread Pudding:

* **Panettone:** About 8 cups of cubed panettone, preferably slightly stale. This is the star of the show! Day-old or slightly stale panettone absorbs the custard better. If your panettone is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven before assembling the pudding.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs, providing richness and structure to the custard.
* **Milk:** 2 cups whole milk, for a creamy and decadent custard. You can substitute with 2% milk for a slightly lighter option, but whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream, adding extra richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the custard.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup granulated sugar, for sweetness and to help create a tender custard. Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your panettone.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread pudding.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, adding warmth and spice.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, complementing the cinnamon and adding a cozy, holiday flavor.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the baking dish and adding a touch of richness.

### For the Spiced Orange Sauce:

* **Orange Juice:** 1 cup fresh orange juice, providing the base for the sauce. Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** 1 tablespoon orange zest, adding a concentrated citrus flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup granulated sugar, for sweetness and to help thicken the sauce. Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the orange juice.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, adding richness and shine to the sauce.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon cornstarch, for thickening the sauce. Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, adding warmth and spice.
* **Ground Ginger:** ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, complementing the cinnamon and adding a touch of warmth.
* **Pinch of Cloves:** A pinch of ground cloves, adding a subtle, festive flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as cloves can be overpowering.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the bread pudding.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the custard ingredients together.
* **Saucepan:** For making the orange sauce.
* **Zester:** For zesting the orange.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Mixing Spoons** for combining the custard mix with the panettone cubes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Panettone

* Cut the panettone into 1-inch cubes. If the panettone is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dried out. This will help them absorb the custard better. Let the cubes cool completely before proceeding.

### Step 2: Make the Custard

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.

### Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking to the dish.
* Place the panettone cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. Try to distribute the candied fruit pieces evenly throughout the dish for a more balanced flavor.
* Pour the custard mixture evenly over the panettone cubes. Gently press down on the cubes with a spoon or spatula to ensure they are fully submerged in the custard. This will help the bread pudding bake evenly and prevent any dry spots.
* Let the bread pudding sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the panettone to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and tender bread pudding. If you have time, you can even refrigerate the bread pudding overnight for even better results.

### Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top of the bread pudding starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bread pudding.
* Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. The bread pudding will continue to set as it cools.

### Step 5: Make the Spiced Orange Sauce

* While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the spiced orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This will prevent the cornstarch from clumping when added to the sauce.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering orange juice mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it will become too thick.
* Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more orange juice to thin it out.

### Step 6: Serve

* Serve the warm panettone bread pudding with the spiced orange sauce drizzled over the top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Garnish with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an even more festive presentation.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Slightly Stale Panettone:** As mentioned earlier, slightly stale panettone absorbs the custard better than fresh panettone. If your panettone is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven before assembling the pudding.
* **Don’t Overbake the Bread Pudding:** Overbaking will result in a dry and rubbery bread pudding. Bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
* **Let the Bread Pudding Rest:** Allowing the bread pudding to rest for a few minutes after baking will help it set properly and make it easier to slice.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in both the bread pudding and the orange sauce to suit your personal preferences.
* **Add Other Dried Fruits or Nuts:** You can add other dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots, or nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, to the bread pudding for added texture and flavor. Add them along with the panettone cubes.
* **Use Good Quality Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed orange juice is always the best option for the orange sauce, as it will provide the most vibrant flavor. If you are using store-bought orange juice, choose a high-quality brand.
* **Make it Ahead:** The bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The orange sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before serving.

## Variations

* **Chocolate Chip Panettone Bread Pudding:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the bread pudding for a decadent twist.
* **Cranberry Orange Panettone Bread Pudding:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of another orange to the bread pudding for a festive flavor combination.
* **Rum Raisin Panettone Bread Pudding:** Soak ½ cup of raisins in ¼ cup of rum for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the bread pudding.
* **Maple Pecan Panettone Bread Pudding:** Substitute maple syrup for some of the granulated sugar in the bread pudding and add ½ cup of chopped pecans.
* **Lemon Sauce:** For a brighter and tangier sauce, substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange juice and zest in the sauce recipe.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Christmas Morning Brunch:** This Panettone Bread Pudding is a perfect centerpiece for a festive Christmas morning brunch. Serve it with other holiday favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad.
* **Holiday Dinner Dessert:** This bread pudding makes a show-stopping dessert for a holiday dinner party. Serve it after a traditional holiday meal with roasted turkey or ham.
* **Special Occasion Treat:** This bread pudding is also a great option for any special occasion during the holiday season, such as a New Year’s Eve celebration or a family gathering.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of warm panettone bread pudding with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Bread Pudding:** Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Orange Sauce:** Store leftover orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving, adding a little more orange juice if needed to thin it out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 8-10g

## Conclusion

This Panettone Bread Pudding with Spiced Orange Sauce is a delightful and festive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion during the holiday season. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this warm and comforting holiday treat!

Enjoy!