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Pandoro (Golden Italian Holiday Cake-Bread)

A beautifully styled pandoro, an Italian holiday cake-bread, prominently displayed in the foreground. The pandoro is dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, showcasing its star-shaped design and golden-brown, flaky texture. Surrounding it, festive decorations like sprigs of pine and small ornaments create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In the middle ground, a rustic wooden table adds depth, with a soft focus to highlight the pandoro. In the background, a softly lit kitchen with twinkling Christmas lights enhances the cozy holiday mood. The lighting is warm and inviting, reminiscent of candlelight, captured from a slightly elevated angle, emphasizing the pandoro’s height and grandeur, creating a mouthwatering and festive scene.

Pandoro is a classic Italian holiday cake-bread celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and beautifully soft, golden crumb. Originating in Verona, this elegant Christmas favorite is baked in a distinctive star-shaped mold and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snowy Alpine peaks. Light yet indulgent, pandoro is traditionally enjoyed plain, letting its delicate vanilla and citrus notes shine. Perfect for Christmas morning, festive brunches, or holiday dessert tables, this authentic pandoro recipe brings a touch of Italian elegance and old-world charm straight to your home kitchen.

Equipment List

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer with dough hook
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Pandoro mold (star-shaped)
  • Pastry brush
  • Plastic wrap
  • Kitchen towel
  • Cooling rack
  • Fine mesh sieve

Shopping List

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Active dry yeast
  • Whole milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Eggs
  • Egg yolks
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 10
Estimated Cost: 15
Calories: 240 kcal
Best Season: Winter
Description

Indulge in this buttery, soft, and golden treat that melts in your mouth, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday table.

Ingredients
    Pandoro Ingredients
  • 1 cup Warm Whole Milk (Make sure it's not too hot or cold to activate the yeast.)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (For leavening the dough.)
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the cake-bread.)
  • 4 large Eggs (Brings richness and structure.)
  • 5 cups All-Purpose Flour (For the base of the dough.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the flavors.)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened (Adds richness and moisture.)
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting the finished cake-bread.)
Instructions
    Preparing the Dough
  1. 1
    Mixing the DoughIn a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Knead the mixture until smooth and elastic.
    The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Add a little more flour if too wet, or a splash of milk if too dry.
  2. 2
    First RiseCover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
    A warm, draft-free spot will help the dough rise perfectly.
  3. 3
    Shaping the PandoroPunch down the dough and shape it into a star-shaped pan, layering it to create the classic Pandoro shape.
    Make sure to butter the pan generously to prevent sticking.
  4. 4
    Second RiseCover the pan with a towel and let the Pandoro rise for another 2 hours until it reaches the top of the pan.
    This rise will give the Pandoro its fluffy texture.
    5. Baking and Finishing
  5. 5
    Baking the PandoroPreheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the Pandoro for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
    Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent overbaking.
  6. 6
    Cooling and DustingLet the Pandoro cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
    The powdered sugar adds a festive touch and balances the sweetness.
Note
  • Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, this might take several hours.
  • Be patient and gentle when folding the dough to maintain its airy texture.
  • Dust the Pandoro with powdered sugar generously before serving for a beautiful presentation.
  • Serve with a side of whipped cream, berries, or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a decadent touch.
  • To store, wrap the Pandoro tightly in plastic wrap or airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
  • For a twist, add a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor profile.
Keywords: Italian, holiday, cake-bread, festive, celebration
Read it online: https://bestrecipesblog.com/recipe/pandoro/