Panettone(Italian Holiday Bread)
Panettone is a traditional Italian holiday bread, known for its light, airy texture and rich flavors of dried fruits and almonds. Perfect for festive gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of sweet and nutty tastes, appealing to those who enjoy artisanal baked goods with a touch of celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and let it cool to lukewarm.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and salt.
- Measure the warm water into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the yeast into the warm water and stir.
- Stir in the lukewarm milk and cream mixture.
- Add the beaten eggs and about half of the flour, then beat until smooth.
- Blend in the seedless raisins, mixed candied fruit, roasted almonds, and lemon peel.
- Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure that your milk is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have mixed candied fruit, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. For a nut-free version, simply omit the roasted almonds. Kneading the dough well is crucial for developing gluten, which gives panettone its airy structure.
Serving Suggestions
Panettone is delightful served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or dessert option. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a side of Lo-Cal Italian Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy it alongside Italian Marble Cake for a sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover panettone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven until just heated through, which revives its soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Panettone(Italian Holiday Bread) contains roughly 749 calories, with 10g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1174mg per serving (51% 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 add other ingredients to my panettone?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your panettone by adding chocolate chips, different dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Just be mindful of the total volume of additions to maintain the dough's balance.
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).