Leftover Panettone recipe ideas

Panettone, the classic Italian Christmas dessert, is a holiday favorite across Italy and beyond. Its fluffy, sweet dough studded with candied fruits and raisins makes it irresistible during the festive season. But what happens when the holidays are over and you still have a leftover panettone sitting on the kitchen counter? Instead of letting it go stale, there are plenty of creative ways to transform it into delicious treats.

1. Panettone French Toast

One of the easiest and most indulgent ways to use leftover panettone is to make French toast. Simply slice the cake into thick pieces, dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla, and cook them on a buttered pan until golden brown. Top with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate or honey for a luxurious breakfast or brunch treat.

2. Panettone Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert, and panettone makes it even better. Cut the cake into cubes and soak them in a custard made from eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla or citrus zest. Bake until golden and set, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This is a great way to turn a leftover panettone into a show-stopping dessert for family and friends.

3. Panettone Trifle

Layered desserts like trifles are perfect for using up leftover cakes. Cube your panettone and alternate layers with mascarpone cream, custard, or even chocolate mousse. Add fresh berries or roasted nuts between layers for extra texture. Chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving, it’s visually impressive and incredibly tasty.

4. Panettone Croutons or Toasted Snacks

For a simpler, crunchy option, cut panettone into small cubes and toast them in the oven until crisp. These sweet croutons are perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, ice cream, or fruit salad. They also make a charming addition to holiday-inspired salads or can be enjoyed simply as a snack with coffee or tea.

5. Panettone Truffles

Panettone can also be turned into decadent bite-sized treats. Crumble the cake, mix it with cream cheese, nut butter, or chocolate ganache, then roll into balls and coat with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or crushed nuts. Panettone truffles are fun to make, easy to share, and a perfect way to repurpose leftover slices.

Leftover panettone doesn’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity, it can be transformed into breakfast delights, comforting desserts, or sweet snacks.