Christmas Panettone Bread with Candied Fruits

Introduction

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread that has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations around the world. Its tall, domed shape, airy texture, and rich flavor make it both visually stunning and delicious. The dough is soft, slightly sweet, and studded with candied fruits, raisins, and sometimes nuts, creating a festive burst of flavor in every bite.

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Aromatic and Festive: From the moment you start baking, your kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scents of butter, orange zest, and sweet yeast dough. It instantly brings a sense of holiday magic and nostalgia.

Light and Fluffy Texture: Unlike heavy sweet breads, this Panettone has an airy, soft crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite feels delicate yet satisfying, making it easy to enjoy even a second slice.

Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The gentle sweetness of the dough combined with the natural tang of candied fruits and raisins creates a harmonious flavor. It’s indulgent without being overpowering.

Beautiful and Festive Appearance: The tall, dome-shaped bread with colorful candied fruits makes this recipe visually stunning—a true centerpiece for any holiday table. It’s almost too beautiful to slice, yet irresistible once you do.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Festive and Iconic: Panettone is a hallmark of Christmas celebrations, and its tall, domed shape and colorful candied fruits instantly evoke the holiday spirit. Serving it on your table adds elegance and tradition, making your holiday gathering feel extra special.

Unique Texture and Flavor: Unlike ordinary sweet breads, Panettone has a light, airy, and fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth. The combination of buttery richness, subtle sweetness, and bursts of candied fruits and raisins creates a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting.

Homemade Freshness: Store-bought Panettone often lacks the freshness and tenderness of a homemade version. Baking it yourself ensures that every slice is soft, flavorful, and fragrant, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Christmas.

Versatility: It can be enjoyed in multiple ways—plain, toasted with butter, paired with mascarpone, used in bread puddings, or even as a festive French toast. This versatility makes it not only a dessert but a treat that can be incorporated throughout your holiday meals.

Tradition Meets Creativity: Making Panettone at home allows you to honor a traditional Italian holiday recipe while also customizing it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or even chocolate. It’s a recipe that blends heritage and personal creativity.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Rising Time: 2–3 hours (includes two proofs)
• Baking Time: 40–50 minutes
• Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~320 kcal per slice
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dessert / Holiday Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (150g) mixed candied fruits and raisins

For Brushing / Glaze:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix and knead dough with eggs, butter, milk, sugar, and flour until smooth.
2. Incorporate candied fruits and raisins into dough.
3. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
4. Shape into a dome and place in a panettone mold.
5. Proof again until slightly above the mold.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes.
7. Cool completely upside-down to retain shape.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and vanilla.
3. Add eggs, softened butter, and yeast mixture. Mix into a sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

1. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.

Step 3: Fold in Candied Fruits

1. Gently knead in candied fruits and raisins.
2. Shape dough into a ball and place in a Panettone paper mold.

Step 4: Second Proofing

1. Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes until slightly above the mold edge.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the dough with beaten egg and milk.
3. Bake 40–50 minutes, covering with foil if browning too fast.
4. Check doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Upside-Down

1. Invert Panettone on a cooling rack or hang with skewers to maintain dome shape.
2. Cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Slice vertically to display the airy, fruit-filled interior.
• Serve slightly warm with butter, mascarpone, or powdered sugar.
• Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even rising.
• Fold candied fruits gently to avoid deflating the dough.
• Soak dried fruits in warm water or liquor for extra moisture.
• Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Variations

1. Chocolate Panettone: Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
2. Nutty Panettone: Fold in ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts.
3. Citrus Zest: Add extra orange and lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
4. Mini Panettone: Bake in small muffin molds for individual servings.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 7 days in sealed bag/container.
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic + foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Panettone paper mold or tall baking mold
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Stand or hand mixer (optional)
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

The Christmas Panettone Bread with Candied Fruits is a festive masterpiece that combines flavor, texture, and holiday charm. Its tender, airy crumb studded with sweet fruits makes it a centerpiece for Christmas celebrations. Baking it at home brings warmth, aroma, and joy, turning every slice into a special holiday treat that family and friends will cherish.