Description
Panettone trifle or gâteau is a festive, layered dessert made with the classic Italian holiday bread, rich cream, fruit, and a splash of citrus or liqueur. It’s an elegant way to repurpose panettone into a showstopping treat.
Ingredients
- 1 panettone (store-bought or homemade), cubed or sliced
- 1–2 cups fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries) or fruit compote
- 1 tbsp orange or lemon zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice, sweet syrup, or liqueur (Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Marsala)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: crushed amaretti or biscotti, chocolate shavings, toasted almonds or pistachios, whipped cream, cocoa powder, cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut panettone into cubes or thin slices, depending on whether you’re making a trifle or gâteau.
- In a small bowl, combine orange juice or liqueur with citrus zest and set aside for soaking.
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
- For trifle: layer panettone in the bottom of a trifle bowl and drizzle with citrus mixture. Add a layer of cream, then fruit. Repeat until bowl is full, ending with cream.
- For gâteau: layer slices of panettone like cake layers, brushing each with citrus mixture and adding cream and fruit between each layer.
- Finish with a final layer of cream and garnish with toppings like berries, nuts, or chocolate.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use flavored panettone (chocolate chip, lemon, etc.) for extra flavor.
- Substitute cream cheese or a yogurt-whipped cream blend for mascarpone.
- Skip alcohol and use juice for a kid-friendly version.
- Best made ahead—chilling enhances flavor and texture.
- Lightly toast panettone for added texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or trifle portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
