Panettone was something I had never heard of before until I met the half-German boyfriend. Panettone is essentially a loaf of yeasted sweet bread that is fluffy with an almost cake-like texture and is filled with candied orange, lemon zest, and raisins. In some versions it may also contain chocolate and/or have a cream center. I like to refer to it as a nut-free alternative to fruitcake that actually tastes good. 
Though, I do admittedly love homemade fruitcake, too.
Most Panettone loafs are pretty large and even though the boyfriend and I both love it, we can’t eat a whole loaf before it goes stale. I’ve never really been that fond of bread pudding, so my mind immediately went to making french toast with the leftovers. Lets just say that panettone makes such yummy french toast that I make sure to buy at least 1 loaf a year just for the french toast. So, if you love french toast and happen to be out shopping and see some panettones marked down for clearance (less than $5), you’ll be in for quite the treat! My favorite way to have it is with real maple syrup and butter and a side of bacon.
Pantettone French Toast Recipe
Have leftover panettone and no idea what do with it? Even if you've never had panettone before, you'll love making french toast with it!
Ingredients
1/2 loaf of panettone
2 Tablespoons white granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
3 eggs (large)
3/4 cup cream (you could also use milk but I make this on Christmas or New Years and use cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Butter for your griddle/pan and serving
Maple syrup for serving
Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Slice panettone into pieces for french toast. Some like to make horizontal cuts, cutting off the top and bottom crusts and using the center. I like to keep a bit of crust for stability, so I cut the panettone in half and then slice the half into 3 cake-like pieces. Each cake piece then gets sliced in half - resulting in 6 slices of french toast.
- Heat griddle (love using my Cuisinart Griddler for this as it is large enough to accommodate all the slices at once) to 350° or heat cast iron or non-stick pan over medium to medium-high heat.
- In a medium bowl or small casserole for easy dipping add sugar, salt, and cinnamon and nutmeg, if using, whisking until thoroughly combined. See the notes below for why you want to do this before adding eggs or cream.
- Break 3 eggs into the sugar mixture and add the cream/milk and vanilla, if using.
- Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. Custard will be thicker than milk, but should be liquid enough to thoroughly dip panettone in. If it's not, add a touch more cream or milk.
- Place 1-2 slices of panettone into custard cut side down. Allow to soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Turn panettone in custard allowing the other cut side to soak about 30 seconds.
- In the mean time, butter your heated griddle or pan, if desired.
- Place panettone on hot griddle/pan and cook for 5-10 minutes per side until desired brownness is reached. Repeat with the remaining slices of panettone.
- Serve french toast warm with softened butter and warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
Cinnamon and nutmeg are optional for this recipe, but I love the slight touch of spice that they add. If using them, be sure to whisk into the sugar before adding your wet ingredients or you'll have dry cinnamon at the top of your custard that won't really mix in no matter how much you stir.
What’s your favorite way to eat french toast?
About Money Savvy Michelle
My kids request french toast on a daily basis. I think this would be a great change-up from the norm. Thank you for sharing ~ V
Thanks, Victoria. I love it as something different from the norm once or twice a year.
This looks delicious! I have to try this! Thanks =D
Oh my heavens, that looks absolutely amazing!!!!
French toast is one of our favorite foods! That looks delicious!
That looks so good!