Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Panettone French Toast Bake wafting through your kitchen—a delightful twist on a classic Italian bread that will make your breakfast feel like a festive celebration! This indulgent dish, featuring rich custard-soaked panettone topped with a crunchy crumb topping, is perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your brunch game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of panettone
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the panettone into 1-inch thick cubes. Arrange the cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, allowing some slight overlap.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the panettone cubes, ensuring all bread pieces are saturated. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if using) in a separate bowl. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked panettone, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The edges should be slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the French toast bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.
Tips
- Choose Quality Panettone: For the best flavor, use a high-quality panettone. Look for one that has a rich, buttery texture and is filled with fruits or chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare this dish the night before! Simply assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a delicious breakfast with minimal effort.
- Let It Soak: Allow the panettone to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bread absorbs all the delicious custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful bake.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to get creative with the crumb topping! Add spices like nutmeg or ginger, or mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve with Style: For an elegant presentation, dust the finished bake with powdered sugar and serve it with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
