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Panettone

A beautifully styled panettone, showcasing its tall, dome-shaped form with a golden-brown crust, speckled with candied oranges, raisins, and almonds. In the foreground, the panettone is freshly sliced, revealing its soft, fluffy interior with vibrant fruit pieces. The middle ground features a rustic wooden table adorned with a few sprigs of evergreen and subtle holiday decorations, suggesting a cozy Christmas atmosphere. In the background, softly blurred fairy lights twinkle, creating a warm, inviting glow. The scene is softly illuminated by natural, warm light, giving a sense of freshness and homemade charm. Capture the angle from slightly above, focusing on the textures of the bread while allowing the festive elements to enhance the holiday spirit.

Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas bread that’s light, fluffy, and beautifully studded with sweet dried fruit and citrus zest. This festive holiday bread is known for its tall, domed shape and soft, airy crumb, making it a centerpiece-worthy bake for Christmas celebrations. Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet wine, homemade panettone fills your kitchen with warm, bakery-style aromas and old-world holiday charm. Perfect for gifting, brunch tables, and cozy winter mornings, this authentic Italian panettone recipe brings timeless Christmas tradition straight to your oven.

Equipment List

Shopping List

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 120 mins
Total Time 3 hrs
Cooking Method:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 12
Estimated Cost: 15
Calories: 240 kcal
Best Season: Winter
Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this sweet, aromatic bread perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients
    Panettone Ingredients
  • 1 cup Raisins (You can also use mixed dried fruits.)
  • 1 cup Candied orange peel (Adds a sweet citrusy flavor.)
  • 1 cup Candied lemon peel (Provides a tangy kick.)
  • 1 cup Warm water (Needed for activating the yeast.)
  • 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast (Essential for leavening the bread.)
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour (Gives structure to the bread.)
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar (Adds sweetness to the dough.)
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter (Brings richness and flavor.)
  • 4 large Eggs (Helps bind the ingredients together.)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the flavors in the bread.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Adds a warm aroma to the bread.)
  • 1 teaspoon Almond extract (Adds a nutty flavor to the bread.)
  • 1 cup Chopped almonds (Provides a crunchy texture.)
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar (For dusting the finished bread.)
Instructions
    Dough Preparation
  1. 1
    Mixing the DoughIn a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Add in flour, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  2. 2
    Incorporating ButterGradually add softened butter to the dough, kneading until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
    3. Fruit and Nut Addition
  3. 3
    Adding Fruits and NutsPunch down the dough and fold in candied fruits, raisins, and almonds. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a panettone mold. Let it rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.
    4. Baking the Panettone
  4. 4
    Prepping for BakingPreheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the top of the panettone with egg wash and make a cross-shaped cut on top.
  5. 5
    Baking ProcessBake the panettone for 45-55 minutes until golden brown. If the top darkens too quickly, cover it with foil. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Note
  • Panettone is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • For a twist, add dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
  • Serve slices of Panettone with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
  • To make a Panettone French toast, use slices of day-old Panettone dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden brown.
  • For a festive touch, sprinkle the top of the Panettone with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Panettone can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Keywords: Panettone, Italian, Christmas, Bread, Citrus, Festive
Read it online: https://bestrecipesblog.com/recipe/panettone/