Teresa's Recipes
Traditional Italian Panettone
Indulge in the festive spirit with this beautiful and aromatic Panettone, a beloved Italian sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Its airy, fluffy texture is complemented by a delightful medley of dried fruits and crunchy nuts, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings. This rich bread, with its origins in Milan, dates back to the 15th century, and is often gifted or served alongside a warm beverage, creating a heartwarming experience for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, plus extra for dusting All-purpose flour
- for dusting Powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F or 43°C) Warm milk
- 1/2 cup, divided Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup, melted Unsalted butter
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1 cup, mixed Dried fruits (such as raisins, candied orange peel, and dried cherries)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Bread/Dessert
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 52g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 15g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a panettone mold or a greased high-sided cake pan.
- Cover the pan again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the panettone for 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the panettone from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the top of the panettone with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Tips
- For added flavor, try including a splash of rum or orange liqueur in the dough.
- You can substitute the dried fruits based on your preference, using cranberries, figs, or dates.
- To enhance the richness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the dough.