Leftover Panettone and Pandoro? Here’s how to turn them into a fluffy cake.

The holidays are over, the presents have been unwrapped, and most of the leftovers are gone... but there is one thing you’ll find in almost every Italian kitchen: that bag of Panettone or Pandoro, opened days ago and now a bit dry, staring at you from the table. Throw it away? Not a chance. Transform it? Absolutely.

There is a culinary magic that turns leftovers into a breakfast or snack masterpiece: the Panettone (or Pandoro) cake! This isn't just a zero-waste recipe; it’s an explosion of flavors. The candied fruits and raisins of the panettone melt into a creamy batter, or the golden butter of the pandoro becomes the perfect base for a soft, vanilla-scented cake.

How do you make it? We’re here to help!

How to recycle leftover Panettone

Panettone is the ideal candidate for a "pudding" cake or a reimagined version of the English bread pudding. Cut the panettone into cubes. In a bowl, mix 3 eggs, 200ml of milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and—if you want to go overboard—a few chocolate chips. Soak the cubes in the mixture for 10 minutes, then pour everything into a buttered baking dish. Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes.

How to recycle leftover Pandoro

Pandoro is more delicate, almost like a sponge made of butter and sugar. If it has become a little dry, the best solution is to turn it into the base of a creamy cake or use it in layers.

Slice the pandoro horizontally (creating the classic star shapes). You can use it as a base for an alternative cheesecake by pressing it into the bottom of a cake tin, or create a "sweet lasagna." Soak the slices with a mix of milk and coffee (or a splash of orange liqueur), fill with a simple mascarpone or ricotta cream, and layer them up. A dusting of bitter cocoa powder, and your "old" pandoro is transformed into an elegant dessert to serve to friends.

It doesn’t matter if you are in Berlin, Paris, or Madrid: the smell of panettone baking in the oven is the scent of home. Often, those living far from Italy struggle to find the right products, but thanks to Vico Food Box, it’s easy to receive that "comfort" package right at your door, including all the great holiday classics. If you recycle your Pandoro at home, tag us!