Panettone Recipe

Panettone Recipe, the beloved Italian Christmas bread, is a cherished holiday tradition that fills homes with the warm aroma of freshly baked goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or create a heartfelt gift, this homemade Panettone recipe will guide you through the process step by step. With a light and airy texture, a hint of sweetness, and delightful bursts of candied fruit, your homemade Panettone will rival any store-bought version. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a journey to create a delicious Italian classic!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients:

4 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of warm milk
2/3 cup of sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of almond extract
1/2 cup of candied citrus peel
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots

Directions

Here’s how to make your own Panettone Recipe:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 cups of flour. Mix until the dough is smooth and forms a cohesive mixture.
Incorporate the Butter: Gradually add the softened butter and the remaining flour to the dough. Knead the dough until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands.
Add Fruits: Gently fold in the candied citrus peel, raisins, and chopped dried apricots until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for approximately 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise: After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a Panettone mold or a greased and floured pan. Allow it to rise again for about 1 hour.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the Panettone for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and emits a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

How to Prepare

To ensure your Panettone Recipe turns out perfect:

Yeast Activation: Ensure that your yeast is correctly activated; it should be frothy before mixing with the dough.
Kneading: Knead the dough thoroughly, allowing it to become smooth and elastic for the best texture.
Fruit Distribution: Be meticulous in folding the candied citrus peel, raisins, and dried apricots into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.
Baking Precision: Keep a close eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. You want that gorgeous golden crust!

Preparation Time

The preparation time for your homemade Panettone Recipe is approximately 4-5 hours, which includes the time for rising.

Nutrition Facts

For those curious about the nutritional details:

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 6g

Storage Conditions

To keep your Panettone Recipe fresh:

Wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
If you want to keep it even longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Let’s address some common questions:

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you won’t need to activate it in warm milk.

2. What if I don’t have a Panettone mold? No worries! You can use a deep, round cake pan lined with parchment paper as an alternative.

3. Can I customize the fruits and nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite dried fruits and nuts for a personalized touch.

4. Can I make a smaller batch? Yes, you can halve the ingredients to make a smaller Panettone.

5. How do I serve Panettone? Panettone is delightful on its own, but you can also toast slices and spread them with butter or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Panettone, you have a cherished Italian tradition to share with your loved ones during the holiday season. The scent of your homemade Panettone filling your home is sure to become a heartwarming holiday memory. So, embrace the joy of baking, and savor the taste of Italy in every heavenly bite of your Panettone Recipe. Buon Natale, and happy baking!