Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to dessert heaven! This isn't just another bread pudding - it's a luxurious Italian-inspired masterpiece that combines the rich, festive flavors of panettone with the irresistible allure of chocolate chips and a sinfully delicious bourbon butter sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary dessert, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and create a memorable dining experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf panettone, cubed
- 4 cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut the panettone into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the cubed panettone into the milk and egg mixture, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly throughout the soaked bread mixture, ensuring they are distributed thoroughly.
- Transfer the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to compact.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the bourbon butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add bourbon to the melted butter, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to combine and slightly reduce.
- Remove bread pudding from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle warm bourbon butter sauce over each serving and garnish with additional chocolate chips if desired.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality panettone for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or slightly stale bread works perfectly.
- Allow the bread to soak in the milk and egg mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard mixture.
- Don't overmix when folding chocolate chips into the bread pudding to maintain a light texture.
- Check the pudding at the 45-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve warm and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or additional chocolate chips.
- The bourbon butter sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the pudding's moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 527kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
