Description
This Panettone Baked French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic French toast using the festive and airy Italian holiday bread, Panettone. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this dish combines the rich flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, baked to a golden brown and served with maple syrup for a comforting and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (26.2 oz) Panettone or similar holiday cake/bread
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Serving
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a serrated knife, slice the Panettone loaf into long sections on a cutting board. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then arrange the bread pieces evenly in the dish.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined to form a custard mixture.
- Soak Bread and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the pieces of Panettone in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 38 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, until the bread is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the baked French toast rest for about 5 minutes to set further. Serve immediately with your favorite maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to prevent squashing the soft Panettone when slicing.
- For extra indulgence, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh berries on top before serving.
- Make sure the custard fully saturates the bread for a moist bake.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
