Italian Pannettone
Italian Pannettone is a rich, fruity sweet bread with raisins, citron, and anise, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk; stir in sugar, salt, and butter.
- Slightly cool the milk mixture.
- Measure warm water into a bowl.
- Dissolve yeast into warm water.
- Stir in the milk mixture into the yeast and water.
- Stir in eggs and 2 cups of flour to make a smooth batter.
- Stir in raisins, citron, pignoli, and anise seed.
- Add more flour to make a stiff dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board.
- Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the milk mixture is lukewarm before adding the yeast. You can substitute pignoli with chopped walnuts or almonds if needed. If you prefer a sweeter Pannettone, consider increasing the sugar by a few tablespoons. Always knead the dough well until it's smooth and elastic; this will ensure a good rise. For flavor variations, try adding orange or lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
Pannettone is delightful served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or dessert option. For a special treat, serve it with a drizzle of cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be enjoyed with fruit preserves for added sweetness, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pannettone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze, where it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pannettone contains roughly 657 calories, with 20g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1638mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pannettone ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This can enhance the flavors and make the process more convenient.
What can I substitute for raisins in this recipe?
If you're looking for alternatives to raisins, consider using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. Both options provide a nice sweetness and texture that complement the other ingredients well. You can also omit the dried fruit entirely for a plain version.
How can I tell when the Pannettone is done baking?
To check if your Pannettone is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it's done. The top should be a golden brown color, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).