For many, the scent of fresh pine, the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, and the joyous melodies of carols signal the start of the festive season. But in our home, the true spirit of Christmas only fully awakens with the first delightful bite of panettone. This traditional Italian sweet bread, rich in flavor and light in texture, has a magical way of making any moment feel special, especially during the holidays.

While panettone is wonderful enjoyed simply sliced with a cup of coffee or tea, its unique characteristics make it an extraordinary candidate for French toast. The airy, buttery crumb of panettone is perfect for soaking up a rich, custardy batter, transforming into an even more decadent and comforting dish. This year, elevate your Christmas morning with our signature Baked Panettone French Toast, beautifully complemented by a bright, citrus-infused maple butter.

Why Baked Panettone French Toast is a Holiday Must-Have

Christmas morning is often a whirlwind of excitement, especially with children eagerly discovering what Santa has brought. The last thing you want is to be stuck at the stove, individually flipping slices of French toast. This is where the brilliance of a baked French toast casserole shines. Our recipe is designed for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss: you can assemble it entirely on Christmas Eve, allowing the panettone to soak up the luxurious custard overnight. The next morning, simply pop it into the oven, and within minutes, your home will be filled with the most inviting aromas, signaling a truly festive start to the day.

The overnight soak is a game-changer. It allows the sweet, cinnamon-scented custard to fully permeate the panettone slices, resulting in a French toast with an incredibly tender, almost bread pudding-like consistency. Imagine waking up to that delightful aroma, without any last-minute kitchen scramble. This baked version ensures everyone gets to enjoy a warm, gourmet breakfast simultaneously, leaving you more precious moments to spend unwrapping gifts and creating cherished family memories under the tree.

The Star Ingredient: Panettone

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread, typically cylindrical in shape, characterized by its tall, domed top and soft, airy interior. Originating from Milan, it’s traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year. Classic panettone is generously studded with candied orange peel, citron, and raisins, offering bursts of sweet and tangy flavor. Its brioche-like texture and subtle sweetness make it an exceptional foundation for French toast, providing a richness that elevates the dish far beyond what ordinary bread can achieve.

When selecting your panettone for this recipe, almost any good quality brand will do. However, for an unparalleled experience, I often reach for my favorite from Pasticceria Scarpato in Verona, Italy. Their panettone, available through retailers like Williams-Sonoma, boasts a rich vanilla essence and an exceptionally light, tender crumb. What makes Scarpato’s particular version truly special is its unique twist: instead of traditional citron, it features generous chunks of marrons glacés (candied chestnuts). These soft, subtly sweet glazed chestnuts infuse the bread with an exquisite flavor and an elegant touch that my family eagerly anticipates every holiday season.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different panettone varieties to discover your family’s preferred choice. Whether it’s one with classic candied fruits, chocolate chips, or even the subtle sophistication of candied chestnuts, each will bring its own wonderful character to this baked French toast. Just be mindful of cream-filled varieties, as their filling might not hold up as well during the soaking and baking process, potentially leading to a less satisfying result.

Crafting the Perfect Baked Panettone French Toast

Creating this festive baked French toast is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will ensure a spectacular outcome. From preparing the rich custard to perfectly soaking the panettone, each step contributes to the irresistible final product. Here’s a detailed look at how to achieve this holiday masterpiece:

Baked Panettone French Toast with Orange Maple Butter

By Amanda Biddle

Baked Panettone French Toast is an easy and delicious breakfast to celebrate the holiday season. Prep the night before and bake on Christmas morning! French Toast base adapted from “Baked French Toast,” Joy of Cooking.

Rating: 5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

French Toast

• 2 cups whole milk or half and half
• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed*
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 pound panettone, quartered and cut into 10, 1-inch slices, dark crusts removed (you might not use the entire loaf)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Orange Maple Butter

• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Prepare the French Toast

1. Generously butter a 13x9x2 baking dish to prevent sticking (don’t be shy!). Arrange the panettone slices snugly in the dish, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk (or half and half), eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
3. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the panettone slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly saturated. Gently press the slices down with your hands or a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
4. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, or ideally, overnight (up to 8 hours). This crucial step allows the panettone to fully absorb the flavors and achieve that desirable bread pudding-like texture.
5. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) with an oven rack positioned in the middle. If using, sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the panettone casserole.
6. Lightly spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and use it to cover the baking dish, sprayed side down over the French toast. Place the covered baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 25 minutes.
7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the center of the French toast is hot, puffed, and golden brown.
8. Let the baked French toast stand for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve immediately with a generous drizzle of the warm Orange Maple Butter.

Make the Orange Maple Butter

1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the pure maple syrup over low heat until it’s just simmering.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the orange zest and the pieces of unsalted butter until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
3. Keep the Orange Maple Butter warm until you are ready to serve it with your French toast.

Notes on the Recipe

*The panettone I use is very sweet, so I only incorporate 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in the custard. If you’re using a panettone that isn’t quite as sweet, or prefer a notably sweeter French toast, feel free to increase the brown sugar to ¼ cup. Remember, the orange maple butter will add an additional layer of sweetness when served.

**For a sophisticated touch, particularly for adult palates, consider stirring 1-2 teaspoons of Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored liqueur) into the warm Orange Maple Butter just before serving. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

The Secret Sauce: Orange Maple Butter

While the Baked Panettone French Toast is a star on its own, the homemade Orange Maple Butter is its perfect companion, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich, custardy bread. This incredibly easy sauce comes together in less than five minutes on the stove and truly elevates the entire dish.

The citrusy notes of fresh orange zest cut through the sweetness of the maple syrup and the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. The butter melts into the warm French toast, infusing every bite with a luxurious, tangy-sweet glaze. If orange isn’t your preference, or if your chosen panettone already has a strong citrus character, you can simply omit the zest for a delicious plain warm maple butter. For an adult-friendly twist, a splash of Grand Marnier can add an extra layer of sophistication and warmth to the syrup.

Tips for a Perfect Holiday Breakfast

Achieving the perfect Baked Panettone French Toast isn’t complicated, but a few simple tips can elevate your holiday breakfast from great to unforgettable. First, don’t rush the soaking process. The overnight refrigeration is key to allowing the panettone to fully absorb the rich custard, resulting in that desirable bread-pudding texture rather than a dry interior. Second, when buttering your baking dish, be generous. This prevents sticking and helps create a lovely golden crust on the bottom. Third, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking and proper puffing.

Consider the freshness and quality of your ingredients. While panettone can be slightly stale (which actually helps with absorption), fresh eggs, good quality milk or half-and-half, pure vanilla extract, and real maple syrup will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. If you’re using panettone with a very prominent citrus flavor, you might want to slightly reduce the orange zest in the maple butter to keep the flavors balanced. And finally, don’t forget the optional sliced almonds – they add a delightful crunch and a beautiful presentation element that is perfect for a special occasion.

For those looking to prepare even further in advance, you can slice the panettone and prepare the custard mixture a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply combine them in the baking dish for the overnight soak on Christmas Eve. This extra bit of prep ensures your Christmas morning remains as peaceful and joyful as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of bread?

While panettone offers a unique richness and texture that is hard to replicate, you could certainly use other rich, sweet breads like brioche or challah. However, the distinct flavor profile and airy crumb of panettone are what truly make this recipe special for the holidays and contribute to its signature light, yet decadent, character.

What if I don’t have whole milk or half-and-half?

Whole milk or half-and-half provides a creamy richness that is ideal for the custard, contributing to the luxurious texture. You can use lighter milk options, but be aware that the French toast might be slightly less decadent. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat canned coconut milk could work, but it will impart a subtle coconut flavor which might complement certain panettone varieties.

Can I prepare the Orange Maple Butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the Orange Maple Butter a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until it’s warm and pourable again. This makes Christmas morning even more streamlined.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Any leftover Baked Panettone French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick bite. For a crispier exterior reminiscent of its fresh-baked state, place slices on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with toppings like fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries are excellent), a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or even a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra indulgence. For mix-ins, you could gently fold in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the custard before pouring it over the panettone for an extra layer of flavor, though panettone itself is already quite flavorful and rich.

A New Tradition for Your Family

This Baked Panettone French Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create new holiday traditions and cherish existing ones. The simple elegance and effortless preparation mean you can truly be present with your loved ones on Christmas morning, savoring the moments without the stress of an elaborate meal. Its warm, comforting flavors, combined with the delightful orange-infused maple butter, will leave a lasting impression, making it a dish your family will look forward to year after year.

Imagine the smiles around the breakfast table, the cozy atmosphere, and the joy of a truly special holiday meal made with love and minimal effort. This recipe embodies the spirit of Christmas: warmth, generosity, and delicious indulgence. Make it your own, adapt it to your family’s tastes, and watch as it becomes a beloved part of your festive celebrations.

As you gather around the table with family and friends this holiday season, we wish you all the peace, love, and joy that this special time of year brings. May your mornings be bright, your bellies full, and your hearts overflowing with happiness.

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