| Prep: 3 hrs | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 16g | 8g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 3g | 11g | 0.21g |
About Panettone
Here at Your Gourmet Guru, we invite you to immerse yourself into the fragrant, sweet wonder that is the Italian Panettone. Imagine this: a tall, dome-shaped bread adorned with a lovely golden shell that breaks open to reveal a soft, buttery, and vibrant sweet bread inside. Its inclusion? Irresistibly tangy bits of candied citrus peel and morsels of dried fruits; it’s a bite you wouldn’t want to end. This is Panettone, a holiday table centerpiece as visually stunning as it is delectable.
The Origins and Allure of Panettone
Italy’s answer to the world’s sweet breads, testimonials of Panettone date back to ancient Rome when, to celebrate Saturnalia, noble Romans prepared a leavened dough with honey. But its characteristic cupola shape, its towering height, and the rich combination of its current ingredients make this bread synonymous to Milan’s Christmas and New Year tradition in the 20th century. [source]
Our version of Panettone has a similar allure. It boasts an irresistible aroma of fresh baked bread mingled with sweet undertones of fruit and citrus. Once you slice through its burnished crust, the soft, golden crumb imparts a buttery taste that draws in elements of vanilla, fruit, and zesty citrus peels, all working together to create a symphony of flavors.
Putting Panettone to Fantastic Use
While Panettone bread is rich and satisfying on its own, it also makes a marvelous base for other dishes and dessert creations. For instance, it’s the star ingredient of the hearty Panettone French Toast. The Panettone’s fruity and citrus notes make an incredible pairing with the sweet, custardy nuances of the French toast.
Alternatively, you could employ this decadent bread in a twist on tiramisu. By swapping the usual ladyfingers for slices of Panettone, you give the classic Italian dessert an extra layer of texture and flavor. The dried fruits and candied orange peel within the Panettone complement the creamy mascarpone and coffee elements, making for a Panettone Tiramisu that is both innovative and indulgent.
Whatever path you choose when savoring this bread, rest assured, your taste buds are in for a treat. Whether served sliced at breakfast, used as a luxurious ingredient in your favorite dessert, or savored as is alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine—this Panettone promises a culinary experience to remember.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, raisins, etc.)
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel
- 1 egg white for egg wash
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir all the ingredients together until mixed.
Step Two
Add the 4 large eggs into your mixture one at a time, beating the mixture well after adding each egg. Ensure to incorporate each egg well before adding the next.
Step Three
Add in the 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and continue to stir the mixture until you achieve a consistent texture. The butter must be at room temperature to effectively blend with the other ingredients.
Step Four
Next, add in the two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir this into your mixture until it is thoroughly combined.
Step Five
Next, add in the zest of 1 lemon and zest of 1 orange. Continue to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Six
Add 1/2 cup of your finely chopped dried fruit into the mixture. This can be a combination of cherries, cranberries, raisins, or other dried fruits you prefer. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step Seven
Now add in the 1/2 cup of candied orange peel. Continue to stir the mixture until the orange peel is evenly incorporated.
Step Eight
Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Nine
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for the oven to preheat, brush the top of your panettone dough with an egg white wash. This will ensure that your panettone will have a beautiful, glossy finish once baked.
Step Ten
Bake your panettone in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until the top of the panettone is golden brown and the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow your panettone to cool before serving. Enjoy!
