Italian Pannettone is an iconic Italian Christmas bread that has become a festive favorite worldwide. Known for its tall, domed shape and light, fluffy texture, panettone is a sweet, yeasted bread filled with candied fruits, raisins, and sometimes nuts. Originating from Milan, Italy, this holiday treat is enjoyed during Christmas and New Year celebrations, and its delicious, aromatic flavor has made it a beloved tradition in Italian households and beyond.
What makes Italian Pannettone so special is its delicate, airy texture, which comes from a slow fermentation process. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the dried fruits. The dough is typically allowed to rise for hours or even days, which helps develop its lightness and fluffiness. Once baked, the bread has a soft, almost cake-like crumb, dotted with the tangy sweetness of candied citrus peel and raisins.
Panettone is typically enjoyed sliced and served as a dessert or breakfast during the holiday season. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of sweet wine. The cake’s texture makes it perfect for toasting, too – a quick warm-up in the oven gives it a crispy exterior while maintaining its soft interior, making it a delicious addition to any festive spread.
In Italy, panettone is often presented in beautifully wrapped packaging, making it a popular gift during the holidays. Some variations of panettone are filled with chocolate, cream, or even liqueurs like rum, adding a modern twist to the classic recipe.
Making panettone at home is a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail. However, the results are well worth the effort, as the final product is a festive treat that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, gifting it to loved ones, or savoring a slice on your own, Italian panettone is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with a taste of Italy.
Ingredients
- 500 grams all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 100 grams caster sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast 7 grams or 1 sachet
- 150 ml milk warm
- 4 eggs large, room temperature
- 100 grams unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 grams mixed dried fruit
- 50 grams candied citrus peel
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then add the softened butter and continue kneading until smooth and elastic.
- Mix in the dried fruits and candied peel until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a panettone mold or deep round cake tin.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a ball. Place it in the prepared mold.
- Let it rise again, covered, for about 30 minutes or until the dough reaches the top of the mold.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
