Ah, Panettone! This beautiful, tall sweet bread loaf is a cherished staple of Italian holidays, and I can’t help but get giddy just thinking about it. Originating from Milan, Panettone is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of celebration and family gatherings. The aroma of freshly baked Panettone wafting through the house brings back such fond memories of my childhood, where my family would bake together, filling the kitchen with laughter and warmth. Trust me, there’s something magical about pulling a golden, fluffy loaf out of the oven that you made yourself. This recipe is my go-to because it’s not only delicious but also lets you add your own twist with various dried fruits. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Ingredients List
To make the most delightful Panettone, you’ll want to gather these simple ingredients. Trust me, each one plays a crucial role in creating that fluffy, sweet bread we all love!
- 500g all-purpose flour – this is the backbone of your Panettone, providing that perfect structure.
- 200ml warm water – just the right temperature to activate the yeast and make it bubbly!
- 100g sugar – for sweetness that balances beautifully with the richness of the butter.
- 100g unsalted butter, softened – this adds that luscious, rich flavor that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- 4 large eggs – they bring moisture and help the bread rise to fluffy perfection.
- 10g active dry yeast – this is your magical ingredient for leavening.
- 200g mixed dried fruit – I love the colorful burst of flavors this brings!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – for that lovely aromatic touch.
- 1/2 tsp salt – don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Gather these goodies, and you’re all set to create a stunning Panettone that’ll impress everyone around your holiday table!
How to Prepare Panettone
Making Panettone might seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it’s a delightful journey! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf to share with loved ones in no time.
Activating the Yeast
First things first, let’s wake up that yeast! In a small bowl, combine the warm water and a pinch of sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means it’s ready to work its magic!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until they’re well combined. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the salt and sugar evenly throughout the dough. Let’s make sure every bite is just as delicious!
Kneading the Dough
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the eggs, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back after a gentle poke!
Incorporating Fruit and Vanilla
Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, it’s time to fold in those lovely dried fruits and the vanilla extract. Gently stretch the dough and sprinkle the fruit over the surface, then fold and knead it a few more times until everything is evenly distributed. The aroma will make you swoon!
Rising and Shaping
Now, let’s give our dough some time to rise! Place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size. Once it’s risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then shape it into a ball. Transfer it to a panettone mold, and let it rise again for about 1 hour. This second rise is key for that fluffy texture we all love!
Baking the Panettone
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once your dough has risen beautifully, pop it into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of homemade Panettone, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (one slice), so you can enjoy every bite with a little awareness:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 10g
These values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of the tasty treat you’re about to enjoy!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Panettone? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear, along with my answers to help you navigate your baking adventure.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in my Panettone?
While fresh fruit might be tempting, it can add too much moisture to the dough and disrupt that lovely texture. Stick with dried fruit for the best results—plus, they give that delightful chewiness!
How do I know when my Panettone is fully baked?
The best way to check is with a toothpick! Insert it into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Panettone is ready. The top should also be golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
Can I make Panettone ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. It’s a great way to plan for holiday gatherings!
What’s the best way to store leftover Panettone?
To keep your Panettone fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil!
Is Panettone difficult to make?
Not at all! While it does take some time and patience, the steps are straightforward. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the process and the delicious rewards that come with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Panettone is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s an experience filled with joy and creativity! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Delightful Holiday Dessert: It’s a festive treat that brings everyone together around the table.
- Joy of Baking: There’s something special about kneading dough and watching it rise—it’s pure magic!
- Customizable Flavors: You can mix and match different dried fruits to create your perfect loaf.
- Impressive Presentation: The tall, fluffy shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for celebrations.
- Homemade Love: Sharing a loaf you made yourself is a heartfelt gift for family and friends.
Trust me, once you try making your own Panettone, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Panettone can be a delightful challenge, but I’ve got some pro tips to help you shine in the kitchen! First, always make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast can lead to a flat loaf. When activating the yeast, the water should be warm but not too hot—think baby bottle warm, around 100°F (38°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast!
Don’t rush the rising process; a warm, draft-free spot is ideal for letting your dough double in size. Patience is key here! When kneading, really get in there for about 10 minutes—this develops the gluten for that lovely texture. If you find the dough too sticky, a little extra flour is okay, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a dense bread.
Lastly, keep an eye on your Panettone while it bakes; ovens can vary. Use the toothpick test to check doneness, and trust me, the aroma will guide you too! Follow these tips, and you’ll have an impressive loaf to show off!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Panettone fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay tasty for about a week—if it lasts that long! If you’ve got leftovers and want to save them for later, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply let it thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, and you’ll have that freshly-baked aroma back in your kitchen!
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Panettone: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfect Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 large panettone 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread loaf, often enjoyed during holidays.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 200ml warm water
- 100g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 10g active dry yeast
- 200g mixed dried fruit
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, softened butter, and yeast mixture to the flour.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate dried fruit and vanilla extract into the dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a panettone mold.
- Let it rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Store panettone in an airtight container.
- Can be served with coffee or dessert wine.
- Homemade panettone can last for several days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Panettone, Italian bread, holiday dessert