The Classic Panettone is a cornerstone of holiday traditions, a symbol of festive cheer and culinary craftsmanship.
Originating from Milan, Italy, this sweet bread is celebrated for its rich, fluffy texture and its delightful mix of candied fruits and raisins, enveloped in a fragrant dough that has been carefully leavened for hours.
Our handcrafted recipe guides you through the traditional process of creating Panettone from scratch, ensuring a truly authentic experience.
As you break open this towering, dome-shaped masterpiece, you’re greeted with a soft, airy crumb and a sweet, buttery aroma that promises to make any holiday gathering more memorable.
Perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging, this Classic Panettone is a testament to the joy and warmth of the season.
Ingredients
1/2 cup warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
1/2 cup candied orange peel
1/2 cup candied citron
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Note:Â For an optimal rise, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast, remaining sugar, eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and citrus zests. Mix well.
Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, kneading until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Fold in the raisins, candied orange peel, and candied citron until evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough to a greased panettone mold or a deep, round baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Panettone for about 50 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the Panettone cool in the mold before removing it. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
To enhance the flavor, soak the raisins in rum or brandy instead of water.
A proper Panettone mold will give your bread its traditional shape, but a tall, round baking pan can also work.
For a glossy finish, brush the top of the Panettone with an egg wash before baking.
Serve Panettone sliced, accompanied by sweet spreads, mascarpone cheese, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Mise en Place
Ingredients
Utensils
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Large eggs
Egg yolk
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Orange zest
Lemon zest
All-purpose flour
Salt
Raisins
Candied orange peel
Candied citron
Powdered sugar
Small bowl
Large mixing bowl
Panettone mold or deep, round baking pan
Parchment paper
Damp cloth
Oven
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