Brandy and Date Panettone Butter Pudding

Brandy and Date Panettone Butter Pudding is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding. This recipe will yield a sumptuous dessert for four people, combining the rich flavors of panettone, brandy-soaked dates, and a creamy custard. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and create this delectable treat.

Ingredients:

For the Brandy and Date Mixture:

• 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup hot water

For the Pudding:

• 1 small panettone (about 500g), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Brandy Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy

Preparation:

• 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh sieve or sifter
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brandy and Date Mixture:

• In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates with the brandy and hot water. Let them soak and rehydrate for at least 30 minutes. This will infuse the dates with brandy flavor and make them plump and juicy.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the baking dish to prevent sticking.

3. Cube the Panettone:

• Cut the panettone into 1-inch cubes, ensuring that you have enough to fill the baking dish.

4. Make the Custard:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
• Add the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined, and the custard is smooth.

5. Assemble the Pudding:

• Arrange half of the panettone cubes in the prepared baking dish. Drain the brandy-soaked dates, reserving the liquid, and distribute them over the panettone layer.
• Top with the remaining panettone cubes, creating an even layer. Pour the custard mixture over the panettone and press down gently to ensure all the bread soaks up the custard. Allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes to fully absorb the custard.

6. Bake the Pudding:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed, and place it in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the pudding is set, and the top is golden brown. The pudding should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

7. Make the Brandy Sauce:

• While the pudding is baking, prepare the brandy sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
• Add the granulated sugar and brandy to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture forms a smooth sauce. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and keep the sauce warm.

8. Serve:

• Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• Serve the warm Brandy and Date Panettone Butter Pudding in individual portions, drizzling each serving with the warm brandy sauce.

9. Garnish (Optional):

• For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the servings with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of panettone, such as those with chocolate chips or candied fruit, to add unique flavors to your pudding.
• If you’re serving this dessert to guests with dietary restrictions, you can make adjustments by using dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut cream, and a dairy-free butter substitute in the sauce.
• For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the brandy with apple juice or apple cider to soak the dates.
• You can make this pudding in advance and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• You can also add a handful of toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or chopped pecans, to the brandy and date mixture for added texture and flavor.

Brandy and Date Panettone Butter Pudding is a delightful dessert that marries the luscious flavors of panettone, brandy-soaked dates, and a rich custard. This recipe serves four people and is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to treat your taste buds to something extraordinary. The warmth and comfort of this dessert will leave a lasting impression, making it a favorite for any time of the year.