As the holiday season approaches, the thought of freshly baked Panettone brings back warm memories that are nothing short of enchanting. Picture the inviting scent of sweet dough mingling with the citrus aroma of candied orange peel and hint of vanilla—it’s a sensory experience that instantly transports me to festive gatherings filled with laughter and joy. This delightful Italian bread, often enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of coffee or as a special treat during celebrations, is surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
I first ventured into making Panettone during a particularly chilly December afternoon, seeking a unique alternative to the usual desserts that crowd our holiday tables. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, I discovered the magic of creating something that looks quite impressive yet is incredibly rewarding. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a versatile option for any occasion, capturing the essence of homemade goodness that we often miss in fast food. So let’s get started on making your own cherished memories with this deliciously festive Panettone!
Why is Panettone a holiday favorite?
Deliciously unique, it brings a touch of Italy to your holiday table. Festive flavors from raisins and candied orange peel create a joyful taste experience. Easy to make, this recipe demystifies baking, so you can impress family and friends without stress. Perfect for sharing, each slice evokes memories and warmth. If you’re looking for other delightful holiday treats, be sure to check out my tips for baking homemade gifts!
Panettone Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – this is the foundation of your Panettone, providing structure and texture.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps in browning the crust.
- Instant yeast – helps the dough rise quickly, creating that fluffy texture.
- Salt – enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs – contribute moisture and richness, also aiding in the rise.
- Warm water – activates the yeast for a nice rise and soft texture.
- Unsalted butter – adds a rich flavor and tender crumb to the bread.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet aroma into the dough.
For the Mix-ins
- Raisins – adds chewy sweetness, perfectly complementing the dough.
- Dried cranberries – brings a tart flavor that balances the sweetness in the bread.
- Candied orange peel – contributes vibrant citrus notes that are essential to the Panettone experience.
- Grated lemon zest – adds a hint of brightness, enhancing the festive flavors in this delightful treat.
Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in crafting the perfect Panettone. Embrace this beautiful baking process and let the scents of the holidays fill your home!
How to Make Panettone
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. This will create a solid foundation for your dough, ensuring it rises beautifully.
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Whisk Eggs and Water: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with warm water until well combined. This mixture will introduce moisture, helping the dough to come together.
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Mix Dough: Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a rough dough forms. Make sure it’s combined but don’t overwork it just yet!
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Add Butter and Vanilla: Add in the softened unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky yet manageable.
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Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the raisins, dried cranberries, candied orange peel, and grated lemon zest. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding delightful bursts of flavor.
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Let Dough Rise: Place the dough into a greased panettone mold. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about 2 hours.
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Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the panettone for 45-50 minutes or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Cool Before Serving: Allow the panettone to cool in the mold for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s crucial to let it cool before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a charming, festive presentation!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Panettone ahead of time is a fantastic way to save you precious moments during the busy holiday season! You can mix the dough and let it rise up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, once the dough has been kneaded and ready to rise, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This slower rise adds flavor and complexity to your Panettone. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed to place it in the mold for the final rise. Following these steps ensures your festive creation remains just as delicious and aromatic, making this make-ahead method a true lifesaver for any home cook!
Panettone Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Panettone and make it uniquely yours!
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Fruit Medley: Substitute the raisins and cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a delightful new flavor combination. Each bite will be bursting with sweetness and a hint of tartness that surprises the palate.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch. The texture contrast adds excitement to your Panettone, making it even more enjoyable to share with friends and family.
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Spiced Delight: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a cozy aroma. This subtle twist can evoke the lingering scent of holiday gatherings past, creating a wonderfully nostalgic vibe.
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Chocolate Chunk: For the chocolate lovers, swap out some mix-ins for dark or milk chocolate chunks. The melty chocolate pieces transform each slice into an indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions.
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Citrus Burst: Enhance the flavor by adding extra lemon zest or incorporating some grated lime or grapefruit peel. The bright citrus notes will elevate your Panettone, leaving everyone wanting more.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to account for any additional binding agents if required—though transforming this recipe to fit gluten-free diets can be an adventurous journey!
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Savory Spin: Experiment with savory flavors by including shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, along with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This variation will surprise your taste buds and add a sophisticated touch to your holiday gatherings.
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Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar by half for a less sweet version if you prefer a more balanced flavor. It makes the Panettone versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast or paired with savory cheeses.
Let your culinary imagination run wild and create a festive Panettone that truly represents your personal taste!
How to Store and Freeze Panettone
Room Temperature: Keep your Panettone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to store it longer, wrap the Panettone tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it will last for up to a week.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the Panettone, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. It can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
What to Serve with Panettone?
Elevate your holiday gathering with delightful accompaniments that perfectly enhance the warmth and sweetness of freshly baked Panettone.
- Espresso: The bold, rich flavor of espresso beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the Panettone, creating a perfect morning pairing.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a luscious texture that complements the delicate crumb of the bread.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries cuts through the sweetness, adding a vibrant, refreshing touch alongside each slice.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For a decadent treat, spread some chocolate hazelnut goodness on Panettone for a heavenly dessert experience.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, with notes of cinnamon and ginger, brings cozy flavors that play beautifully with the Panettone’s fruity mix-ins.
- Mulled Wine: This spiced, aromatic beverage pairs cozily with the festive flavors of Panettone, offering a complete holiday experience in every sip.
- Gelato: Creamy vanilla or citrus gelato brings an indulgent chill to balance out the warm, fluffy bread while complementing its fruity notes.
- Homemade Eggnog: The rich, spiced flavors of eggnog serve as a festive accompaniment to enhance the treat’s buttery richness.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of soft cheeses like brie and tangy blue cheese create intriguing contrasts that elevate the festive experience when enjoyed with Panettone.
- Chocolate Coffee Stout: This unique pairing presents a sumptuous combination of rich chocolate and coffee notes that beautifully harmonizes with the flavors of Panettone.
Helpful Tricks for Panettone
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother dough and help it rise more effectively.
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Proper Rising: Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot for rising. If it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise well, leading to a dense texture.
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Knead Well: Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This activates the gluten, giving your Panettone the perfect fluffy structure.
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Don’t Rush Baking: Bake until golden brown; checking with a toothpick ensures it’s cooked through. If it browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the mix-ins based on your taste—don’t be afraid to experiment! Just keep the recipe’s basic proportions for a delightful Panettone.
Panettone Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Panettone?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture. Look for granulated sugar that is free of clumps and instant yeast that is fresh, without any dark spots or an expired date on the package. Ensure your eggs are room temperature to help with the rise, and when it comes to your dried fruits, choose plump raisins and cranberries that are free from added sugars for a more authentic taste.
How should I store leftover Panettone?
To keep your Panettone at its best, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If longer storage is necessary, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week without drying out.
Can I freeze Panettone? How do I do it?
Certainly! To freeze your Panettone, start by slicing it into individual pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place the wrapped slices into a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to preserve freshness. Your Panettone can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if my Panettone didn’t rise properly?
Very! If your Panettone didn’t rise, it’s possible your yeast was expired or not activated properly. Always ensure your water is warm, but not hot, as temperatures above 120°F can kill the yeast. If you find yourself in this situation, you can knead in a bit more flour and let it rise a bit longer in a warm, draft-free place. Next time, make sure your dough is placed in a cozy spot to rise—perhaps near a warm oven!
Is Panettone safe for pets?
While Panettone is a delightful treat for humans, it’s best to keep it away from pets. The sugar and dried fruits may lead to digestive issues in dogs and cats. Always remember to secure your baked goodies in a spot where your furry friends can’t get to them.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This Panettone recipe contains common allergens like gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). If you’re preparing this treat for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free butter substitutes to make a safe, delicious version. Always check labels and ingredients carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
Delicious Panettone Recipe to Elevate Your Holiday Baking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with warm water until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a rough dough forms.
- Add in the softened unsalted butter and vanilla extract, knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Fold in the raisins, dried cranberries, candied orange peel, and grated lemon zest.
- Place the dough into a greased panettone mold, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the panettone for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the panettone to cool in the mold for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.