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Oi, Gente!!

Panettone season is officially upon us, which personally makes ME very excited!

Maybe you already know this, but panettone is one of the main holiday treats and gifts in Brazilian households. This Italian sweet bread is so central to our Christmas celebrations that it's basically required on every holiday table.

Walk into any Brazilian supermarket in December and you'll see walls of them... traditional, chocolate chip, dulce de leche-filled, brigadeiro-stuffed... And they can get so over the top they actually cost an arm and a leg... you know, for a piece of bread 🤷🏽‍♀️

So how did an Italian bread become such a huge part of Brazilian culture?

Brazil has a massive Italian population, and panettone made its way into our holiday traditions decades ago. The sweetness, the festive vibe, the fact that it lasts for weeks, plus those pretty tins and fancy flavors made it the perfect holiday gift. And this time of the year everyone's got at least one (or five) sitting in their pantry.

Here's the thing though: not all panettone is created equal, and not everyone loves actually eating it. Some people find it too dry, too "fruitcake-y." And even if you DO like it, after several slices over the holidays... then what?

Transform it, friends!!

Panettone is way more versatile than most people realize, and when you transform it into something else? That's when it really shines.

Two Ways to Transform Your Panettone

Whether you love it or you're just trying to figure out what to do with it, here are two of my favorite ways to make panettone the star of your brunch or dessert table:

Panettone French Toast These rabanadas de panettone, are crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and a Brazilian holiday favorite. Infused with bright orange zest, they're perfect for holiday brunch or dessert. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a scoop of ice cream for an extra sweet twist. Get the Recipe!

Panettone Bread Pudding Rich, buttery, and ridiculously comforting. This pudim de panettone transforms that spongy brioche-like texture into something creamy and decadent. Perfect for a festive brunch or dessert that screams "holiday" it doubles easily and pairs beautifully with champagne, coffee, or ice cream. Get the Recipe!

So, What Are You Doing With Your Panettone?

I want to know! Hit reply and tell me: do you have panettone sitting on your counter right now? Have you tried turning it into something else? Are you team "love it" or team "transform it"? I love hearing from you!