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Classic Italian Panettone

Classic Italian Panettone: A Festive Twist on Tradition

Classic Italian Panettone offers a delightful blend of flavors with candied citrus and a soft, airy texture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
First Rise 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Warm Milk Activates yeast; can use dairy-free milk.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Yeast Can substitute instant yeast.
  • 7 tablespoons Sugar Mild flavor when reduced to 6 tablespoons.
  • 1/2 cup Butter (Room Temperature) Vegan butter works as substitute.
  • 3 large Large Eggs (Beaten) Use 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg for vegan version.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can swap for almond extract.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Lemon Zest Fresh or dried lemon peel can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Orange Zest Freshly grated offers the best flavor.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider using bread flour for chewier texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Add-ins
  • 1 cup Raisins Can use dried cranberries or sultanas.
  • 1 teaspoon Rum Extract Can skip or substitute with extra vanilla extract.
  • 1 cup Candied Lemon and Orange Peel Essential for classic flavor.
For the Topping
  • 1 each Egg White (For Topping) Omit for lower-calorie version.
  • 1 cup Icing Sugar (For Dusting) Adjust amount to suit preference.

Equipment

  • Panettone pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • plastic wrap
  • Oven
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dough: Grease a Panettone pan. Combine warm milk with dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Cream Mixture: Beat together butter, remaining sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually incorporate the lemon and orange zests, then add beaten eggs.
  3. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Mix flour and salt in another bowl. Pour frothy yeast and butter-egg mixtures into a well in the flour, folding until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Kneading: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with small amounts of flour if too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Incorporate Fruits: Heat raisins in a small pan with rum extract. Once cooled, knead them into the risen dough and shape into a ball.
  7. Second Rise: Place the dough in the Panettone pan, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until it rises to the brim.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Let the Panettone cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar once cooled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize your Panettone with different dried fruits or even chocolate chips. Pair with Italian Cream Soda or enjoy it with coffee for breakfast.

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